Apple has just come out with the public beta of iOS 26, and yes, it’s already making waves. A new bold “Liquid Glass” interface that is even smarter than real-time AI features. This move feels like Apple is into something big with its most visually daring and functionally ambitious iOS refresh in years. It might just redefine the iPhone experience for those who want their devices to feel futuristic, as it’s sleek and experimental.
What’s the most-heard-about update? Liquid Glass. Apple is fully embracing the new design language inspired by its visionOS as it showcases the deep transparency effects, fluid animations, and UI layers that actually reflect what’s down. This is a significant visual transformation, which is giving the entire operating system a glassy, multi-dimensional vibe. The early developer betas received some feedback regarding readability. The public version seems to be more polished, toned down the extremes, while still able to deliver that wow factor. There are always some glitches with every UI redesign, as seen in these common iOS update problems; some users have already started to report.
But iOS 26 isn’t just about looks. Apple Intelligence (yes, that’s what they call it) is making a big leap ahead. You will be getting real-time translations for your calls and messages. It also gives you Call Screening that helps you to identify the unknown callers before the phone even starts to ring. It also offers you Hold Assist, which will literally notify you when someone finally picks up on the other side. It’s the magic we’ve been waiting for, and now it’s a native part of iOS.
Messages are also improved as they give polls, emoji reactions, improved filtering, and even personalized chat backgrounds. By just saying hello to Genmoji, you could get your own AI-generated emojis that reveal themselves with your typed prompt. It’s actually Apple taking on the ChatGPT era, but wearing a Cupertino polish on. It’s similar to how other tech giants are embedding AI into their browsers and OS-level tools.
It also offers new apps and upgrades, in which the all-new Games app gathers your Game Center stats and Apple Arcade activity in one place. Other updates in Safari, Photos, and Maps give you a smarter search and sleeker UI elements. Even the AirPods got a new feature; they can now act as a microphone while recording a video. That’s a low-key win-win situation for mobile content creators.
But still, it’s a beta, so glitches, battery drains, or app crashes might show up. Apple suggests you install it on a secondary device, but if you’re too curious and all backed up, it’s now available through Apple’s public beta program. The compatible devices include iPhone XS and later; however, performance shines brightest on iPhone 14 and later.
With iOS 26, Apple isn’t just fixing around the edges, but it’s reimaging their phones for users. Whether you’re here for the aesthetics, the AI, or just want to screen your spam calls like a boss, this beta is a bold peek into Apple’s next chapter.
