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Apple Introduces ‘Liquid Glass’ Design and AI Tools in Year-Based OS Refresh

Developer betas of iOS26 plus its sister platforms are in testers’ hands as Apple prepares for a unified fall release.

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Overview

  • Apple unveiled Liquid Glass, a translucent design language inspired by visionOS that brings consistent glass-like UI elements to iOS26, iPadOS26, macOS26, watchOS26, tvOS26 and visionOS26.
  • All of Apple’s operating systems switch to year-based names—iOS26 through visionOS26—for the first time, replacing traditional version numbers to simplify identification.
  • iOS26 debuts AI-powered live translation in Messages, FaceTime and Phone, while watchOS26 adds an Apple Intelligence-driven Workout Buddy to deliver personalized fitness coaching.
  • A new Games app will centralize gaming across Apple devices, combining users’ libraries, Apple Arcade titles and social challenges in one hub.
  • The OS updates are available now as developer betas—including iOS26 compatibility with iPhone 11 and later—and will roll out to the public this fall.