iOS 26 Public Beta Comes with Liquid Glass UI and AI Tools
Apple has officially released the first public beta of iOS 26, giving iPhone users early access to its major software update. The new version brings a fresh interface, powered by the Liquid Glass design, along with AI-powered features that aim to make everyday tasks faster and more intuitive.
A Major Design Overhaul with Liquid Glass
The most visible change in iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass UI. It gives apps and screens a more transparent, glass-like appearance. From the Home Screen to Safari, Phone, Camera, and Music apps, the new design style is present throughout the system.
Apple has also redesigned the Lock Screen, now offering a 3D photo effect, a dynamic clock, and the ability to make app icons appear clear. The same design update extends to iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26.
AI Tools Take Center Stage
With iOS 26, Apple is deepening its focus on artificial intelligence. A real-time translation feature now works in Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps. AI-powered shortcuts, poll suggestions in Messages, and Visual Intelligence for smarter image searches are now built-in.
Users can also create personalized Genmoji with Image Playground updates and enjoy smarter system-level suggestions.
New Tools in iPhone Apps
The Phone app now includes Call Screening, which prompts unknown callers to announce themselves. Hold Assist alerts users when someone joins the call after hold music ends.
A new gaming app has also been added, bringing together games and recommendations in one place.
In Messages, users can create AI-generated polls, making group chats more interactive. The update also includes smaller improvements like custom alarm snooze settings.
iPadOS 26 Brings Mac-Like Features
iPad users get the Preview app, letting them annotate PDFs easily. A new windowing system allows resizing of apps and better multitasking. This brings iPadOS closer to the Mac experience while still being optimized for touch.
macOS 26 Gets Smarter with AI
The macOS 26 (Tahoe) update improves Spotlight, using AI to predict searches and suggest actions. Live Activities from iPhones now sync with macOS, enabling access to recent calls, contacts, and more.
watchOS 26 Adds a Workout Buddy
Apple Watch users will see Workout Buddy, a new AI-powered assistant that offers spoken encouragement. The Workout app now features Autoplay Media, starting playlists or audiobooks as workouts begin.
Apple Music remembers your workout habits and suggests playlists accordingly. A new flick gesture helps users dismiss alerts and return to the watch face one-handed.
tvOS 26 Boosts Shared Experiences
The new tvOS version enables seamless profile switching when Apple TV wakes. Apple Music introduces karaoke-style sing-alongs using iPhones as microphones, perfect for group fun.
Live Captions now support multiple languages like French, German, and Spanish, making content more accessible. FaceTime Contact Posters allow for photo-based caller customization.
iOS 26 is Here — Ready to Explore
This public beta opens the door for users to try Apple’s next-gen UI and AI tools before the full rollout. iOS 26, and its companion updates across devices, mark one of Apple’s most comprehensive software overhauls in years.
