Apple announces iOS 26 with Liquid Glass interface: List of iPhones supported, availability and other things to know

Apple today introduced iOS 26 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), showcasing a major software update packed with a vibrant new design, smarter features powered by Apple Intelligence, and important upgrades to popular apps. The new interface, crafted with a dynamic “Liquid Glass” effect, gives iOS a fresh and expressive look without losing the familiar feel. iOS 26 also improves communication with redesigned Phone and Messages apps, brings more personalization to the Lock Screen and Home Screen, and makes CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet more powerful. With Apple Intelligence at its core, iOS 26 introduces new capabilities like live translation, visual intelligence, smarter Siri shortcuts, and more ways to express yourself using Genmoji and AI-generated images. Apple also launched a new Apple Games app and added handy features for AirPods. iOS 26 will be available this fall with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 updates.

iOS 16 compatible iPhones

Here’s the full list of iPhones that will support iOS 26:

Readers must note that Apple Intelligence features detailed require supported devices, which include all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iOS 26 availability

All new features of iOS 26 are available for testing starting today by developers through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com. A public beta version will be available for everyone next month at beta.apple.com.

iOS 26 all features

As mentioned above, iOS 26 introduces a refreshed interface built with Liquid Glass, a new translucent material that adds depth and vitality across the system, including redesigned app icons, widgets, navigation elements, and controls. The Lock Screen now features a dynamic time display that adjusts fluidly to background images, while spatial wallpapers react with subtle 3D movement as users tilt their devices. The Home Screen also becomes more expressive, with new options for customizing app icons and widgets, including a clear look that adapts to the environment. Key apps like Camera, Photos, Safari, and Apple Music have been visually refined to highlight content and simplify navigation, offering a more immersive experience.With Apple Intelligence integrated throughout iOS 26, users can now take advantage of Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, allowing real-time translation of audio and text conversations directly on-device. Visual intelligence expands this capability by enabling users to search and interact with content they’re viewing on screen, such as asking contextual questions or identifying and saving event details. Genmoji and Image Playground introduce new forms of self-expression, allowing users to create entirely new emoji and visuals by combining text and imagery. Apple Intelligence also powers intelligent suggestions across apps, from shortcuts and writing tools to automatic order tracking, and is now accessible to developers through a new Foundation Models framework.Communication gets a major boost with the Phone app featuring a new unified layout that combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails in one streamlined view. Call Screening uses real-time voice input to provide users with context before deciding whether to answer a call, while Hold Assist waits on behalf of the user and notifies them when a live agent returns. In Messages, users can now screen messages from unknown senders, placing them in a separate folder for review. Conversations can be customized with personalized backgrounds, and users can create and share polls, with intelligent suggestions from Apple Intelligence for when a poll might be helpful. Apple Cash integration is improved, and typing indicators are now available in group chats.CarPlay also sees updates in iOS 26, with a refined call interface that shows incoming callers without interrupting navigation. Messages in CarPlay now support Tapbacks and pinned conversations, while new widgets and Live Activities allow users to stay informed without distraction. CarPlay Ultra brings deeper integration between iPhone and the vehicle, unifying controls and displays across all screens for a consistent, immersive driving experience.Apple Music gets smarter and more inclusive with Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation, helping users better understand and sing along to songs in different languages. AutoMix adds seamless DJ-style transitions between tracks, using AI to match beats and stretch timing. In Apple Maps, users can now access Visited Places, a secure and private log of locations they’ve been to, along with smarter route suggestions based on daily routines and real-time traffic updates. Apple Wallet adds new capabilities, including support for installment payments and rewards in Apple Pay purchases, while boarding passes now display Live Activities and integrate directly with Maps and Find My for enhanced travel support.The all-new Apple Games app offers a unified destination for discovering, playing, and tracking games across iPhone. It surfaces ongoing events and updates for users’ favorite titles and integrates seamlessly with Apple Arcade, creating a more cohesive and social gaming experience. AirPods become even more versatile, with support for studio-quality audio recording and camera remote control via stem gestures. Voice Isolation further enhances call clarity, especially in noisy environments.Family features are enhanced with simpler child account setup and broader parental controls, including communication approvals, blurred sensitive content in FaceTime and shared photos, and flexible age-based app permissions. Safari introduces advanced fingerprinting protection for even more secure browsing by default. Accessibility is significantly expanded with new tools like Accessibility Reader for customized reading experiences and Braille Access for seamless braille display integration. Additional updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, and Personal Voice continue to ensure Apple devices are inclusive for all users.