The iPhone is getting a makeover: Tech giant Apple released the public beta version of its new operating system for iPhones, iOS 26, considered the most significant visual upgrade since the flat design of iOS 7, which was introduced over a decade ago.
Anyone with a compatible iPhone model can download the demo version through the Settings menu, after a short registration on Apple’s website, and explore the new interface that will be officially released to all users this coming fall.
One of the major announcements at Apple’s annual developers’ conference, WWDC, held in June, was the new design of the operating system, called Liquid Glass.
The name accurately describes the experience the interface aims to create: Transparent, almost liquid-like buttons and menus that respond with smooth animations to user movements. It marks a significant change in the way people use the iPhone—offering a futuristic and clean look, yet still maintaining Apple’s classic design identity.
This new design is not limited to iPhones: Apple has integrated the same interface into the operating systems of iPads, Mac computers, and Apple Watches, creating a seamless and unified experience across all Apple devices.
In addition to the design overhaul, iOS 26 includes several practical upgrades. Apple has merged the call history and voicemail screens into one convenient interface that centralizes all voice communication in one place. Improved spam filters for calls and text messages have also been added, aimed at combating the surge of scams and spam calls that affect many users.
One of the surprises in the new version is the addition of artificial intelligence features, even though the grand promises for an upgraded Siri voice assistant have yet to materialize and are unlikely to arrive before 2026. Still, Apple introduced some smart AI-based tools: Real-time translation within iMessage and FaceTime, and visual search within screenshots. For example, a user who takes a screenshot of an article with a photo of a table can highlight the table and receive links to purchase a similar one online.
For curious and experienced users willing to deal with potential bugs, the beta version offers an early opportunity to try out the new features and provide feedback to Apple. For most of us, it’s best to wait for the official release, when the final and complete version of the new interface and updates will arrive—with a few design upgrades, but for now, still without any major breakthroughs in the AI arena.