Apple releases public preview of iOS 26, its biggest iPhone software redesign since 2013

Apple has officially launched the public beta version of its upcoming iPhone operating system, iOS 26. Released on Thursday, this innovative software allows users with compatible iPhones to experience a significant redesign of the device's interface ahead of its official rollout in the fall. To access the iOS 26 beta, users in the U.S. and various other countries must sign up on Apple's website. After enrollment, they can easily navigate to the settings menu, select General, and then proceed to Software Updates followed by Beta Updates. This update represents one of the most extensive transformations in the iPhone's user interface since the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013, known for its flat design. Dubbed "Liquid Glass," the new interface replaces many traditional buttons and menus with translucent versions that incorporate animations as users navigate their applications. The design aims to create an illusion of glass that flows like liquid, enhancing the overall user experience. Apple is keen to refine its beta versions based on public feedback, adjusting some of the more radical interface changes based on user input. Additionally, the updates extend beyond iPhones, with similar interface upgrades applied to iPads, Mac computers, and the Apple Watch. In addition to the revamped look, the Phone app has been enhanced to merge recent calls and voicemails into a single screen. Apple has also included advanced filtering tools within the iPhone's software to better manage spam calls and messages. However, notable upgrades to Siri, the artificial intelligence voice assistant, which Apple had anticipated for 2024, are absent from this release and are now not expected until 2026. Despite this, several new AI-driven features have been added, such as real-time translations in iMessage and FaceTime and a visual search capability using screenshots. For instance, users can highlight an object in a screenshot, like a lamp, to find purchasing options online. Apple typically rolls out one major software update annually for its devices, which are announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Following the summer beta phase, the new software is officially launched alongside new hardware in the fall, with most devices updating automatically to the latest iOS version.