Apple aims for “more personal and expressive” iOS 26 with new Liquid Glass design

Summary

At WWDC today, Apple unveiled iOS 26, its next iPhone operating system (OS), which is centered on Apple's new Liquid Glass design for its software platform. Available across Apple's other operating systems, like macOS, Liquid Glass aims to make the software look and operate as if it has glass edges. You can see this approach throughout iOS 26 in things like the app icons' appearance, which includes softer edges and the option to be translucent. "An updated set of APIs provides developers with access to Liquid Glass materials and components so they can make their apps appear just as dynamic and delightful," Apple's press release said. iOS 26 also includes new wallpaper customization options that leverage the Liquid Glass feel. This includes the ability for the clock to auto-adjust length and width based on the image used for the wallpaper. Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering, demoed how quickly and fluidly this change is supposed to look when you toggle wallpapers. Additionally, the clock shown on the wallpaper in iOS 26 will change size based on incoming notifications in order to keep in place what the software determines is the best part of the image.