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iOS 26: Liquid Glass Is Here and Your iPhone Will Never Be the Same

 By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025

Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, marking a significant evolution in the iPhone experience. The standout feature? A bold new design language dubbed Liquid Glass, which introduces a translucent, fluid aesthetic across the system. This update, available for iPhone 11 and newer models, brings over 70 new features, including enhanced intelligence, revamped apps, and a host of customization options.

What Is Liquid Glass?

Liquid Glass is Apple's most ambitious visual overhaul in years. Inspired by the design of visionOS, it replaces the flat, minimalist interface with rounded, semi-transparent elements that mimic the optical qualities of glass, such as refraction and depth. This design is evident in various system components, including:


Home Screen: App icons now feature layered, glass-like visuals.

  • Control Center: Buttons and sliders have a translucent, floating appearance.

  • Safari: The address bar is now a floating, semi-transparent element.

  • Camera App: UI elements are hidden until needed, providing a cleaner interface.

While many users appreciate the fresh look, some have reported that the transparency can make text harder to read, especially on certain backgrounds. 

 Key Features of iOS 26

1. Enhanced Intelligence

  • Real-Time Translation: Live translation is now available in FaceTime and Messages, supporting multiple languages and powered by Apple Intelligence. 

  • Visual Intelligence: Tap and hold on images to search, ask questions, or take action directly from your screen. 

2. Revamped Communication Tools

  • Hold Assist: This feature manages your place in call queues, notifying you when it's your turn. 

  • Spam Filtering: Calls and messages from unknown numbers are now screened, with the caller's name and reason displayed when possible.

  • Group Messaging Enhancements: Polls and real-time typing indicators are now available in group chats.

3. Camera and Photos Overhaul

  • Streamlined Camera UI: The Camera app now hides less frequently used controls, providing a cleaner interface. 

  • Spatial Scenes: Photos can now be viewed in 3D, changing perspective as you tilt your device. 

4. Safari and Web Experience

  • Floating Address Bar: The address bar in Safari is now semi-transparent and floats over the content. 

  • Web Apps: Websites added to the Home Screen now open as full-screen web apps by default. 

5. Lock Screen Customization

  • Tall Clock: The clock on the Lock Screen can now be resized to a taller format.

  • Widget Placement: Widgets can now be moved to the bottom of the screen for better organization.

 User Feedback and Considerations

While iOS 26 introduces many exciting features, user feedback has been mixed:

Battery Life: Some users have reported significant battery drain after updating. Apple attributes this to background tasks completing after the update. 

  • Readability Issues: The translucent elements of the Liquid Glass design can make text harder to read on certain backgrounds.

  • Optical Illusions: Some users have reported that the new design creates optical illusions, making app icons appear slightly misaligned. 

 How to Disable Liquid Glass

If you prefer the previous design, you can reduce transparency:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to Accessibility.

  3. Tap Display & Text Size.

  4. Toggle on Reduce Transparency.

This will revert many UI elements to a more solid appearance.

 How to Update to iOS 26

To install iOS 26:

  1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.

  2. Ensure your device has sufficient battery or is plugged in.

  3. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  4. Tap Download and Install.

The update is available for iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer). 


iOS 26 represents a bold step forward for Apple's mobile operating system. The Liquid Glass design introduces a fresh, modern aesthetic, while the new features enhance functionality and user experience. However, as with any major update, it's important to consider user feedback and potential issues before upgrading. If you value a sleek, modern interface and the latest features, iOS 26 is worth exploring. For those who prefer the previous design, the option to reduce transparency provides a suitable alternative.

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