Apple has taken an important step with the presentation of iOS 26, The new version of the iPhone operating system arrives with the biggest redesign in a decade and a decisive commitment to the device's built-in artificial intelligence. This announcement, made during WWDC 2025, focuses on both the iPhone's aesthetics and functions, encompassing everything from the everyday interface to the apps most used by millions of people.
The arrival of iOS 26 means not only a new numbering (jumping directly from iOS 18), but also the beginning of a stage where all Apple systems share the same number, associated with the year in which they will see their greatest deployment. The result is a more uniform and recognizable experience. between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other products from the brand, making it easy to identify the latest version.
A revolutionary design: Liquid Glass and total customization
One of the The most striking changes in iOS 26 are the adoption of the Liquid Glass design language., inspired by visionOS and characterized by transparencies, reflections and dynamism throughout the interface. Icons and widgets now have a translucent finish that reacts to the environment and light, and the animations have been refined to achieve a much smoother and more modern visual experience.
Almost all system applications have been adapted to this new style, from Camera or Photos (which now features tabbed browsing) to Safari, whose address bar is smaller and more transparent to prioritize content. Apps like Apple Music, Maps, and CarPlay also have a consistent look. with the rest of the system and new light and dark modes.
Apple Intelligence: Artificial intelligence that improves the experience
Another of the great protagonists is Apple Intelligence, which is deeply integrated into iOS 26 and enables everything from real-time translation to new filtering and automation systems. It also includes the ability to translate conversations instantly in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, facilitating communication between people of different languages without leaving the app.
Genmoji and Image Playground open the door to creativityUsers can mix emoji or generate custom images simply by combining descriptions or using AI models. And with improved Shortcuts, it's now much easier to create complex automations without technical knowledge, leveraging the system's own smart suggestions.
Privacy remains a fundamental pillar. Many of these capabilities run on the device itself, without sending data to the cloud, so User conversations and actions remain secure and private.
Updated apps: Phone, Messages, Camera, Music, and more
iOS 26 also brings significant improvements to key iPhone apps.The Phone app has added an advanced system to filter unknown calls—although the smarter anti-spam filter will only be available in the US for now—and a feature that automatically notifies you when a call placed on hold becomes available again. All this with a cleaner and more accessible interface.
Apple Music gains two star features: real-time translation of song lyrics (great for learning or enjoying songs in other languages) and the AutoMix feature, which creates smooth DJ-style transitions between songs, all powered by AI.
