Apple unveiled iOS 26, a significant software update that marks the most significant overhaul in mobile AI to date since iOS 7, during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Featuring transparent icons and fluid interface elements, the new visual framework is known as “Liquid Glass”. The most significant aspect is Apple’s integration of its new on-device AI engine, Apple Intelligence, into core apps like Phone and Messages. Apple’s ecosystem is being impacted by this update, which is crucial for both iPhone users, developers and businesses.
A Visual Revolution in Interface Design
The Liquid Glass theme for iOS adds real-time reflections and dynamic backgrounds, adding layers of sophistication to the design. Apple’s senior VP of Human Interface Design, Alan Dye, stated that the translucent material changes subtly to suit surrounding colors and light conditions, striving for uniformity across devices while being visually distinguishable.
This design rollout spans iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. It signifies Apple’s shift to a unified interface identity built for the year 2026 and beyond.
Users have expressed their approval of Liquid Glass, but with some caution as it may affect the readability of texts. Apple is moving towards more immersive and engaging user experiences after years of flat design iterations.
AI-Powered Communication and Privacy
The update includes Apple Intelligence, which provides advanced call screening, live translation, and summarization features that are automatically processed on the device for enhanced privacy. A new layer in the Phone app automatically engages unknown callers by capturing their intent before forwarding the message. With the help of context-aware AI, messages now have the ability to be viewed as a group chat polls, display backgrounds with intelligent design, typing indicators, and live translation.
These improvements are Apple’s way of integrating AI into everyday use-cases and eliminating the need for cloud processing. It leads to a more refined, safer messaging system and heightened user satisfaction. Apple stock fell by roughly 1.5% during the keynote, and investors were somewhat skeptical about the speed of Apple’s AI expansion. Experts believe that Apple’s cautious rollout is evidence of ongoing concerns over how to balance innovation with privacy concerns and on-device performance limitations.
Battery Intelligence and Power Management
IOS 26 boasts a new intelligent power management system called Adaptive Power Mode, which dynamically adjusts based on user behavior. The update offers more detailed app-level analytics and real-time predictions on charging time versus usage, as well as improved battery insights.
The improvements point to Apple’s commitment to implementing AI-driven device management to improve communication, enhance hardware performance and lifespan.
Developer Opportunities and Challenges
With the redesign of Liquid Glass, and advances in artificial intelligence (AI), developers now face an entirely different era of design considerations and actual interaction models. At WWDC25, Apple unveiled its Foundation Models Framework to enable app creators to integrate Apple Intelligence into custom apps natively.
While this opens up the possibility for new prompts, in-app assistance, and context-aware services, it also raises questions about UX consistency across the platform.
UI guidelines for Liquid Glass will require developers to revisit them, as they adjust to its transparency and dynamic layering and animation expectations, just as with iOS 7’s debut 12 years ago.
User Experience vs. AI Transition
An Apple executive referred to the Liquid Glass update as “the most comprehensive software design upgrade ever”, hoping it will bring pleasure without alienating users who crave familiarity.
Despite the absence of advanced on-device AI, some investors have decided to dampen expectations due to the lack of Siri’s complete overhaul.
The 2025 update of Apple involves a compromise between revolutionary and evolutionary changes, such as enhanced visual detail and AI, while also taking into account privacy and device limitations.
The Road Ahead
A public beta is expected in July, and a full consumer version of the iPhone 17 is anticipated to be launched in September.
To succeed, Apple must ensure seamless integration, robust performance on various devices (including iPhone 11 and later), and user adoption of the AI tools accessible to developers.
In the coming months, the iOS 26 features will be scrutinized for their real-world value. Does Liquid Glass enhance or hinder daily use? If Apple proves successful, it could redefine iPhone experience across communications, design, and battery life for the next decade.