Apple’s iOS 26 Introduces Liquid Glass: A Major Visual Overhaul

Apple's latest iOS 26 update, now available for download, introduces a striking new design language called Liquid Glass. The update replaces flat interfaces with transparent, glass-like surfaces, marking one of the most significant visual changes in years. Menus shimmer with a translucent effect, while app icons adopt frosted tile designs—even third-party apps have been reshaped to fit the aesthetic.

Beyond aesthetics, iOS 26 adds practical features like live translation, enhanced Messages effects, and a hold-saving queue feature. Apple Intelligence gains new capabilities, though the anticipated smarter Siri remains absent. The Liquid Glass interface reacts dynamically to touch, with effects like droplet animations in Apple Music and warped background refraction during scrolling.

Beta testers since June noted Liquid Glass as the most visible transformation. Apple refined every element over months, positioning this as a milestone update. Users can opt for fully transparent icons via a "Clear" setting, allowing wallpapers to take center stage.