Apple has released its first public beta version of iOS 26, the new mobile operating system. It features a “Liquid Glass” user interface and improved AI features. This release will allow early adopters to get the latest Apple software before wider public availability later this fall.
This update represents the most notable visual transformation since iOS 7. It features a “liquid glass” design that provides a more transparent, glassy feel to user interface elements, such as buttons, screens, in-app navigation and controls. Liquid Glass is integrated throughout iOS 26, including key apps such as phones, cameras, safaris, music, notifications, lock screens, control centers, home screens, and more.
The software update also includes a redesigned lock screen for iPhone and iPad with 3D photo effects and dynamic clocks and updated app icons. Users can now clear it.
Regarding AI capabilities, the new software offers live translation capabilities that translate conversations in real time, AI-powered shortcuts, suggest voting in messages, and visual intelligence updates to do image searches when viewing.
Other software versions, including the iPados 26, Macos 26, TVOS 26, and Watchos 26, also employ liquid glass designs.
Here’s a quick overview of all the new features introduced:
iOS 26
In addition to the glass aesthetic, iPhone users have several updates to excite some updates, including a dedicated gaming app that serves as a new destination for playing and discovering the game in one place.
TechCrunch Events
San Francisco
|
October 27th-29th, 2025
The phone app introduces a new call screening feature that encourages unknown callers to state the reason for the call and call before the recipient responds. Additionally, the Hold Assist feature notifies users when Hold Music is finished and indicates that you can talk to live agents. The app also supports live real-time translation, along with messaging and FaceTime. On the other hand, the messaging app allows users to expect features with AI-generated suggestions for polls.
Additionally, iOS 26 brings a variety of other additional additional improvements, including updates to Genmoji and Image Playground, as well as the ability to customize cameras, photos, maps, and alarm snooze times.
iPados 26
A big win for iPad users is to experience a more Mac-like tablet. For example, the iPados 16 brings preview apps from MACOS, so you can annotate them in PDF. Additionally, a new window system allows users to adjust the size of their web pages and apps and manage multiple windows and tabs at once.
Macos Tahoe 26
One notable update for MacOS 26 includes Spotlight. It uses AI to predict user searches and proposes actions based on frequently performed tasks or ongoing projects. Additionally, MacOS has acquired live activity, allowing users to sync activities directly with their iPhone, allowing them to access recent calls and contacts.
Watchos 26
One more important feature that comes into the new WatchOS is the Workout Buddy, a fitness assistant powered by Apple Intelligence, which uses generated AI voices to provide motivation during training.
Apple has also revamped its workout app and introduced a useful new option called Autoplay Media. This feature automatically starts playing music, podcasts and audiobooks. Additionally, Apple Music intelligently recommends the most suitable playlists for your workout, recalling the listening habits of each type of exercise.
Another update is the automatic volume adjustment feature. This adjusts the volume of calls, timers, alarms and Siri to suit your ambient sound levels, perfect for quiet places like libraries.
Apple also introduced a new one-handed flick gesture designed to reject notifications, reject incoming calls silence and return to Watch Face.
TVOS 26
Perhaps the most useful new feature that comes up in Apple’s TV operating system is the ability to seamlessly switch profiles. Users can easily select their profile as soon as Apple TV wakes up from sleep, allowing users to quickly resume their viewing experience.
Apple Music introduced a fun feature that allows users to use their iPhone as a microphone for Thing Along, as the lyrics on the screen are displayed on the TV. Multiple iPhones can be connected at once, allowing friends and family to join, queue songs, and send emoji responses.
Plus, FaceTime’s new contact poster allows users to showcase their customized photos and names and personalize their experience. Another notable update includes an extension of live captions to support translations in languages such as French, German, and Spanish.
Source link
