A Major Visual Overhaul Begins – Research Snipers

Apple started the public beta of iOS 26. With the “Liquid Glass” design, the new iPhone operating system brings the largest optical revision in years and an enormous number of revised apps. Users can test the update from now on.

Liquid Glass: iOS 26 revolutionizes iPhone design

After various beta-releases, Apple has now released the first public beta version of iOS 26 for all interested iPhone users. The update marks the most comprehensive revision of the operating system since the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013. In addition to several new functions, the focus is on the new “Liquid Glass” design, which provides all aspects of the user interface with a fresh, transparent look. From the app icons to menus to animations – the entire user experience has been fundamentally revised. Liquid Glass: Apple presents the new design for iOS, MacOS and Co.

The new animations that react more fluently to touch are particularly striking. According to experience from the developer betas, elements seem to be “bubbling” on the surface when typing and scrolling, which ensures increased dynamics. The changeover to version number 26 is also worth mentioning. Apple unites the version numbers of its operating systems and is based on calendar year 2026, in which iOS 26 will mainly be used.

Intelligent innovations for everyday apps

In addition to the new design, several apps receive fresh functions. In iOS 26, the telephone app receives a complete redesign with an unified layout that summarizes favorites, call list and voice messages in a single surface. Two new functions stand out: “Call screening” filters unknown callers by automatically asking for name and calling, while “Hold Assist” recognizes when a person picks up the call again at the other end of the line. The news app was also significantly upgraded.

Users can now define individual backgrounds for conversations, either from a standard collection or from their own photo library. With the new survey function, group decisions such as the selection of a restaurant are easier to coordinate. The integration of Apple Intelligence can even automatically recognize when a survey would make sense and propose corresponding options.

Photography enthusiasts can also look forward to a fundamentally revised camera app. The new design simplifies access to the most important functions such as taking photos or videos without avoiding extended functions. From now on, these can be reached by wiping gestures in different directions. The photo app was also adapted and now has a two-tab design that divides the “library” and “collections” into separate areas.

Apple Intelligence: CI functions in focus

Apple Intelligence, which was introduced last year, receives numerous extensions with iOS 26. The new “Live Translation” function in particular stands out, which translates conversations in different languages in real time. This function is integrated into messages, on the phone and in Facetime and runs completely locally on the device, so that conversations remain private. Visual Intelligence has also been improved and can now provide information on content on the iPhone screen by creating a screenshot. Users can send the recordings to the AI to add events to the calendar, search the Internet and apps or send them to Chatgpt.

More highlights and availability

CarPlay also receives the Liquid Glass design and now supports widgets and live activities. The new Apple Games app is now also used as a central point of contact for all app store games. Apple Maps can also recognize preferred routes in the future and offers an overview of regular trips.

iOS 26 is compatible with all iPhone models from the iPhone 11. The iPhone SE is supported from the second generation. However, the exact functions that are available on the various iPhones differ depending on the model. The very latest AI features can only be used on the latest generations of Apple’s smartphone.

Interested users can get on Apple’s beta software website, register and install the public beta using the settings app. However, it is advisable not to use the main device on which important data may be stored and which is used for everyday life. The installation on a second device is safer. Before installation, it also recommends creating a complete backup.