When will iOS 26 launch?

iOS 26 will be released to the public on Monday, September 15, 2025.

What is Liquid Glass design?

Liquid Glass is Apple’s new visual theme for iOS 26: translucent, flowing UI elements with refraction and fluid animations.

Which devices won’t support iOS 26?

iPhones with A12 Bionic chips—XS, XS Max, and XR—will not receive iOS 26.

What are the top Apple Intelligence features?

Live Translation in calls and FaceTime, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, image playground, and AI-enhanced summaries across Messages, Notes, Photos, and more.

iOS 26 – Liquid Glass, Apple Intelligence & Full Feature Breakdown (2025)

iOS 26 – Liquid Glass, Apple Intelligence & All New Features (2025)

Release & Overview

iOS 26, the next major iPhone update, launches on September 15, 2025, following its Release Candidate rollout to developers.

Liquid Glass Design

Apple introduces Liquid Glass—a dynamic, translucent UI that refracts content, blends light, and enhances visual depth. This design overhaul spans system interface, app icons, lock screens, and animations.

Apple Intelligence

**Live Translation**: Real-time multilingual support in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages.
**Genmoji & Image Playground**: AI-powered emoji mixing and image creativity tools.
**On-Device Models via Foundation Models Framework**: Developers can leverage AI features (like summarization and image processing) with just a few lines of code.
**Smart Reminders & Summaries**: Intelligent suggestions in Reminders, quick call/message summaries, and Visual Intelligence in Photos and Notes.

App Redesign & New Additions

Several core apps see updates to improve usability and functionality. iOS 26 includes:

Revamped Phone and Messages apps with call screening, chat polls, and customizable backgrounds.
New Games app curated for discovering, engaging, and managing games.
Updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, Spotlight, and more.

Maps & Navigation Enhancements

Apple Maps adopts Liquid Glass aesthetics and AI-powered personalization—tracking favorite routes, offering delays and alternative paths, and using a secure “Been Places” travel log.

AirPods Upgrades

**Camera Remote Control**: Use AirPods touch controls to snap photos or start/stop videos.
Improved call quality, voice isolation, smart sleep detection, and CarPlay BLE stay-connected audio.

Accessibility, System & Software Features

Customizable Lock Screen with adaptive time and Spatial Photos effect (3D movement).
Home Screen icons now support tinted and clear styles, matching Liquid Glass.
**Adaptive Power Mode** and Daily Battery insights in Settings for smarter energy use.
**Always-On Display** enhancements with wallpaper blur options.
Improved screenshot interface with full-screen preview and HDR capture support.([turn0search27])
Support for Wi-Fi Aware and automatic captive portal login across devices.
Sleek Dictation with spelling assistance and emoji descriptors.
eSIM transfer directly from Android.

Compatibility

iOS 26 supports iPhone 14 and newer, including iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone 16 series. However, 2018-era A12 Bionic models (iPhone XS, XS Max, XR) are excluded.

FAQ

When will iOS 26 be available?

Public release is September 15, 2025.

What makes Liquid Glass unique?

It’s a fluid, glassy interface layer across UI elements with translucency and optical depth.

Which old devices lose support?

iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (A12 Bionic) will not update to iOS 26.

Can developers integrate AI features?

Yes—via the Foundation Models Framework, any app can use on-device AI like text/image summarization with minimal code.

Tags: iOS 26, Liquid Glass, Apple Intelligence, Live Translation, iOS update 2025, iPhone compatibility