iOS 26: Apple is set to reveal iOS 26, its next-generation iPhone operating system, during the WWDC 2025 keynote tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
The standout feature of this update is a major visual overhaul centered around new “Liquid Glass” UI elements — a sleek, translucent glass-like design that promises to bring a fresh and modern aesthetic to Apple devices across the board.
What Is the ‘Liquid Glass’ Redesign?
According to industry expert Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, iOS 26 will introduce reflective and glossy materials resembling liquid glass throughout the user interface.
This means that familiar UI elements like buttons, toolbars, and tab bars will feature subtle specular highlights and translucent textures, giving the operating system a more vibrant and dynamic look.
The home screen app icons are also expected to be refreshed with a rounder shape and shiny reflective borders, adding a new layer of polish to the iPhone experience. This design language is intended to provide a sense of depth and elegance, making interactions more visually engaging.
Cross-Platform Consistency
Apple plans to roll out this “Liquid Glass” design across its entire software lineup, including macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. While the overall UI layouts and navigation will remain optimized for each device’s unique form factor, the new design will unify the look and feel of Apple’s ecosystem, offering users a seamless and cohesive experience across all their devices.
Future-Ready Design Syncs with Hardware
This glass-inspired redesign also complements rumored future iPhone hardware upgrades, such as the anticipated 2027 iPhone featuring an all-screen design with curved edges and minimal bezels. The new UI elements are expected to enhance the visual harmony between software and hardware, emphasizing Apple’s commitment to sleek, innovative design.
What to Expect Next
Apple’s WWDC keynote will provide the full details on iOS 26 and the “Liquid Glass” design, along with insights into other software updates across its platforms. The event will be live-streamed globally, allowing Apple fans and developers throughout the USA and worldwide to watch the announcements in real-time.