Apple’s iOS 26 with the new Liquid Glass design is now available to everyone

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26, now accessible for all users of iPhone 11, iPhone SE 2, and newer models. This update introduces the striking Liquid Glass design, featuring an interface that mimics a glossy appearance. Among the many enhancements are a call screening assistant, an innovative gaming and preview application, in-app translation capabilities, and updates to the Genmoji and Image Playground applications. A noteworthy shift in version numbering has occurred, with Apple leaping from iOS 18 to iOS 26. This change serves two purposes: to synchronize all operating systems—iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS—and to reflect the year in which the majority of users will engage with this update. The Liquid Glass design marks a significant aesthetic evolution for iOS, drawing inspiration from the Vision Pro interface and applying it across all Apple platforms. This visual transformation does come with challenges, particularly concerning readability and background visibility. Apple has made several adjustments to the 'glassy' interface since June through beta versions, and while the stable version is now available, users can anticipate further refinements in the coming months. Adjusting to this visual shift may take time, and some users might have mixed feelings about certain design elements. The Phone app has received a cohesive redesign, showcasing favorites at the top in a card layout, while recent calls and voicemails are conveniently displayed on the same screen. Users have the option to filter these sections individually. For those who prefer the traditional look, Apple offers a classic view option. One of the standout features in iOS 26 is the call screening functionality, which prompts unknown callers to share their name and the purpose of their call. This system not only reduces unwanted interruptions but also allows users to engage with the conversation at any moment. Additionally, the update includes a holding assist feature for situations where users are placed on hold, notifying them when an agent is available. The Messages app has also seen significant improvements, aligning itself with popular chat applications like WhatsApp and Telegram. Users can now enjoy customizable backgrounds, enhanced conversation flows, polls, and typing indicators in group chats. Apple has also upgraded its spam filtering to better manage messages from unknown senders, placing them into a designated folder. A comprehensive revamp of the Games app allows users to track their gameplay, arcade titles, challenges, and achievements in one central location, alongside suggestions for new games based on friends’ activities. The addition of the Mac's Preview app to iOS 26 simplifies PDF editing and signing, while Apple Music introduces automixing for seamless song transitions, along with features for lyric translation and playlist pinning. With the updated Maps app, users can now set preferred routes for their commutes, receiving notifications if there are traffic delays or incidents, along with alternative route suggestions. The Camera app embraces the Liquid Glass design, featuring only Video and Photo modes by default, with additional options easily accessible through intuitive gestures. In this version, visual intelligence has also been enhanced, allowing users to interact with content on their screens more effectively. Users can now employ features like live translation on AirPods, including the latest models. Notably, iOS 26 updates Genmoji to enable users to create new emojis by merging two existing ones with text prompts. For those looking to update, simply navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to download the latest version and explore all the new features that iOS 26 has to offer.