Apple Unveils iOS 26 with Liquid Glass Design and Streamlined User Experience at WWDC 2025

WWDC 2025: 10 Exciting iOS 26 Features Just Announced by Apple It’s that time of year again: iPhone users and even curious Android enthusiasts are gathered around their screens to watch Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). While the exact announcements were always unpredictable, the keynote has now revealed the full scope of what iOS 26 will offer upon its official release at the end of the year. The theme this year is practicality, with AI taking a more subtle role. Here’s a breakdown of the new features, whether you’re planning to jump into the developer beta of iOS 26 or are eagerly awaiting the final version. One of the most notable changes in iOS 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new appearance inspired by the physicality of VisionOS. App icons, settings, and user interface elements now have a translucent, glass-like design that enhances the visual experience. As Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, explained, "Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most." The Liquid Glass design is not just about aesthetics; it’s functional as well. The glass-like elements react dynamically to your interactions—tapping, swiping, and even holding your phone. For example, some interfaces expand or contract based on your touch, and the colors of the Liquid Glass elements adjust to the background and content on your screen. Popular apps like Messages, Phone, and Camera have been visually updated to fit this new theme, and toolbars and tabs have been transformed into rounded menus, reducing intrusiveness and enhancing usability. Building on the foundations set by iOS 18's icon themes, Liquid Glass introduces a transparent icon finish. This not only aligns with the new design aesthetic but also provides a more consistent look across the user interface. Another significant feature in iOS 26 is an enhanced Messages app. Group chats now include advanced tools for managing conversations, such as the ability to set priorities for specific threads, mute notifications for less important discussions, and easily create new groups. The app also introduces smart suggestions for replies and media sharing, making it quicker and more intuitive to communicate with friends and family. Apple Pay continues to evolve with new payment methods and improved security features. In addition to existing options, iOS 26 introduces Apple Pay Later, a service allowing users to split payments over time without interest. This feature is designed to make large purchases more manageable and accessible. Enhanced biometric security measures, including facial recognition for higher-value transactions, ensure that every dollar spent is secure. The Health app has received a major update, introducing a suite of new tools to help users better manage their wellness. The app now includes deeper integration with wearable devices, such as the Apple Watch, to provide real-time health data tracking. New features like mental health assessments, sleep analysis, and customizable health goals aim to make the app a comprehensive wellness companion. Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has been refined to be more contextually aware. Instead of just providing basic responses, Siri now anticipates your needs based on your recent activities and interactions. For instance, it can suggest actions like ordering food or booking a ride when it detects you’re running late. These improvements make Siri a more proactive and helpful assistant without overwhelming you with unnecessary information. Apple Maps has gotten a facelift with more detailed and realistic 3D models of cities and landmarks. The app now provides richer indoor navigation, making it easier to find your way around complex locations like airports and shopping malls. Real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions ensure smoother travel experiences. Privacy enhancements are a key focus in iOS 26. The operating system now offers more granular control over app permissions, allowing users to decide which apps can access their location, contacts, and photos with greater precision. New privacy reports give a detailed overview of which apps are using your data and how frequently, helping users stay informed and in control. The Notes app has been revamped with collaborative editing features. Users can now invite others to contribute to notes in real-time, similar to Google Docs. This makes it ideal for group projects and collaborative tasks. Additionally, the app introduces smarter search capabilities, allowing you to find specific notes more quickly and efficiently. Apple Music has gained several new features, including spatial audio enhancements that provide a more immersive listening experience. The app now supports lossless audio, ensuring high-fidelity sound quality, and introduces an AI-powered DJ mode that creates personalized playlists based on your mood and preferences. Photos has been updated to include a more intuitive way to organize and share images. The app now suggests groups of photos based on events or people, making it easier to curate and share your favorite moments. New editing tools, like enhanced face recognition and object removal, allow for more sophisticated photo manipulation. Finally, productivity is a major theme in iOS 26, with several additions aimed at making work and life more efficient. The Files app has been overhauled to include better cloud integration and improved organization features, such as tags and folders. Focus modes have been expanded, allowing you to set custom profiles for different times of the day or activities, reducing distractions and helping you stay on task. These updates in iOS 26 demonstrate Apple's commitment to refining user experiences and making its ecosystem more practical and engaging. Whether you're an avid developer testing the new features early or a regular user looking forward to the official release, iOS 26 has something to offer everyone.