Apple launched the primary public beta of its new cell working system, iOS 26, that includes its “Liquid Glass” consumer interface and improved AI options. The discharge permits early adopters to get their palms on Apple’s newest software program earlier than its wider public availability later this fall.
The replace represents probably the most notable visible transformation since iOS 7, that includes a “Liquid Glass” design that gives a extra clear, glass-like really feel to consumer interface components, like buttons, screens, and in-app navigation and controls, amongst different issues. Liquid Glass is built-in all through iOS 26, together with in key apps like Telephone, Digicam, Safari, Music, and others, in addition to in notifications, the Lock Display screen, Management Heart, and the Residence Display screen.
The software program replace additionally consists of an up to date Lock Display screen for iPhone and iPad with a 3D photograph impact and dynamic clock and up to date app icons, which customers can now set to clear, too.
When it comes to AI options, the brand new software program brings a reside translation characteristic that interprets conversations in real-time, AI-powered shortcuts, ballot solutions in Messages, and an replace to Visible Intelligence for conducting picture searches as you browse.
Different software program variations, together with iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26, have additionally adopted the Liquid Glass design.
Here’s a temporary overview of all the brand new options being launched.
iOS 26
Along with the glass aesthetic, iPhone customers have a number of updates to be enthusiastic about, together with a devoted gaming app that serves as a brand new vacation spot for taking part in and discovering video games in a single place.
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The Telephone app is introducing a brand new Name Screening characteristic that prompts unknown callers to state their identify and purpose for calling earlier than the recipient solutions. Moreover, a Maintain Help characteristic will notify customers when maintain music ends, signaling that they will communicate to a reside agent. The app, together with Messages and FaceTime, may even assist real-time reside translations. Within the Messages app, in the meantime, customers can anticipate a characteristic that has AI-generated solutions for polls.
iOS 26 may even carry updates to Genmoji and Picture Playground, in addition to enhancements to Digicam, Photographs, Maps, and a spread of different minor additions, together with the power to customise alarm snooze instances.
iPadOS 26
A giant win for iPad customers is that they’ll expertise a extra Mac-like pill. For instance, iPadOS 16 is bringing the Preview app from macOS, which permits annotation on PDFs. Plus, a brand new windowing system that lets customers alter the scale of net pages and apps, in addition to handle a number of home windows and tabs directly.
MacOS Tahoe 26
One notable replace for macOS 26 entails Highlight, which can make use of AI to anticipate consumer searches and recommend actions based mostly on continuously carried out duties or ongoing initiatives. Moreover, macOS is gaining Reside Actions, permitting customers to sync actions straight with their iPhones and entry latest calls and contacts.
watchOS 26
One of many extra vital options coming to the brand new watchOS is Exercise Buddy, a health assistant powered by Apple Intelligence that gives motivation utilizing a generative voice throughout exercises, mentioning key moments like closing the Train ring for the day.
Apple has additionally revamped the Exercise app, introducing a useful new choice referred to as Autoplay Media. This characteristic mechanically begins taking part in music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Moreover, Apple Music can intelligently suggest probably the most appropriate playlists on your exercises and can recall listening habits for every kind of train.
One other replace is the automated quantity adjustment functionality, which adjusts the amount of calls, timers, alarms, and Siri to match the encompassing sound ranges, very best for quiet locations like libraries.
Apple additionally launched a brand new one-handed flick gesture that’s designed to dismiss notifications, silence incoming calls, and return to the watch face, amongst different actions.
tvOS 26
Arguably, probably the most helpful new characteristic coming to Apple’s TV working system is the power to modify profiles seamlessly. Customers can simply choose their profile as quickly because the Apple TV wakes from sleep, permitting them to shortly resume their viewing expertise.
Apple Music launched a enjoyable characteristic that permits customers to make use of their iPhones as microphones for sing-alongs, full with on-screen lyrics displayed on the TV. A number of iPhones can join directly, making it attainable for family and friends to affix in, queue songs, and even ship emoji reactions.
Moreover, new Contact Posters for FaceTime enable customers to showcase custom-made pictures and names, personalizing the expertise. One other notable replace consists of the enlargement of Reside Captions to assist translations in languages akin to French, German, and Spanish.
