iOS 26: Revolutionary Liquid Glass Design Coming to iPhones This September

Apple’s Most Significant iOS Update in a Decade

iOS 26, the nineteenth and next major release of Apple’s iOS operating system for iPhone, was announced on June 9, 2025, at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and is set to release on September 15, 2025.

While some might be surprised to see Apple jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26, the new number reflects the 2025-2026 release season and aligns with Apple’s new unified numbering system across all its operating systems.

Revolutionary Design Changes

iOS 26 introduces the biggest design change since iOS 7 in 2013, featuring the new Liquid Glass design language. The update also brings significant improvements to core phone functionality, including spam-filtering features, Call Screening, Voice Mail summaries, Hold Assist, and Live Translation.

The new Liquid Glass design reflects and refracts its surroundings, with many interface elements being almost entirely translucent. This design philosophy extends across controls, navigation, app icons, menus, buttons, and widgets.

Device Compatibility and Availability

iOS 26 will be compatible with all iPhones released since 2019, including iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later. However, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will not be supported by iOS 26, despite being able to run iOS 18.

Apple will hold its hardware event, dubbed “Awe Dropping,” on September 9, 2025. Developers and public beta testers will receive the final beta builds at that time, with the public release following about a week later, around September 15 or 16, 2025.

Future Implications

Apple has stated that the new “Liquid Glass” look will form the basis of iOS design for the next decade. Looking ahead, the company is already working on iOS 27, which will prioritize features and software tailored for the foldable iPhone expected to launch in 2026.