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• 25 major updates were announced at WWDC 2025, including the universal Liquid Glass design and AI-powered tools.
• Support for iOS 26 drops older models—only iPhone 11 / SE (2nd gen) and newer receive the update.

When Tim Cook, Craig Federighi, and other execs took the stage at WWDC 2025, they introduced something more significant than new features. They revealed a unified vision: Liquid Glass. This new design language spans iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and visionOS—representing Apple’s broadest UI transformation since iOS 7.

It will reach millions of users globally this autumn, bringing a fresh feel to daily phone interactions.

Liquid Glass: A Visual Update With Purpose

• Translucent menus and icon effects evoke glass-like reflections.
• The entire interface appears more dynamic and layered, generating a sense of depth.

This improvement goes beyond aesthetics. Apple has revamped its major apps—Phone, Messages, Safari, and Camera—to enable this layered UI. Controls float, toolbars adapt, and menus appear glassy and touch-responsive.

Apple Intelligence: On-Device AI That Listens and Learns

Apple Intelligence introduces several practical tools:

• Live translation in Phone, Messages, and FaceTime—powered by on-device models across supported languages.
• Visual intelligence that lets users ask questions or find products by tapping on what they see.
• A more powerful Siri means faster answers, fewer misinterpretations, and a broader ability for deeper integration with shortcuts and apps.

These changes were aimed at assisting users, making them usable and accessible, all the while keeping user privacy in mind through on-device data processing.

Call Controls and Messaging: Smarter, Safer Interactions

• iOS 26 enhances communication with features such as Call Screening, which identifies unknown callers and provides a brief explanation of their call.
• Hold Assist waits on hold for you and notifies you when someone is ready to speak.
• Group chat updates, including polls, custom backgrounds, and easier money transfers with Apple Cash.

These changes aim to make communication more efficient, private, and personalised.

New Everyday Tools

Other improvements coming in iOS 26 include:

• Safari and Camera were redesigned with a cleaner UI, letting content take centre stage.
• CarPlay Ultra adds widgets, quick replies, and easier media controls while driving. 
• tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 adopt the same visual consistency, with spatial widgets and enhanced controller support.
• watchOS 26 will be introducing a more complex gesture, such as Wrist Flick, in addition to more intelligent health and workout features.

The whole purpose of these updates is to streamline your multitasking ability and enhance your experience across all Apple devices.

Compatible Devices

To install iOS 26, you’ll need:

• iPhone 11, SE (2nd gen), or newer.
• Devices like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are no longer supported.

Some features—especially those related to Apple Intelligence—will only be available on the latest models. Apple has not yet released a full compatibility chart for AI features.

What You Can Try Today

If you’re planning to upgrade:

• Use Apple’s accessibility settings to customise how animations and visuals behave.
• Enable Call Screening and Hold Assist to enhance how you manage calls.
• Explore Messages for new interactive tools like polls, transfers, and themes.
• Check on the developer or public beta for iOS 26 if you want early access.

These features are meant to save time and make life a little smoother.

What to Expect Next

WWDC 2025 marked a shift in how Apple wants people to experience technology—more visual, more intelligent, and more helpful.

iOS 26 is less about adding isolated features and more about how those features work together. From the way your phone looks to how it reacts to your needs, this update is about personalisation at scale.

Whether you’re upgrading for the cleaner look, smarter calls, or seamless translations, iOS 26 offers changes that you’ll feel right away.