Apple has finally unveiled the new version of its mobile operating system during the WWDC25, the annual developer conference where the foundations for next season's software are traditionally laid. The announcement thus marks the official arrival of iOS 26, along with significant changes to the company's core systems and a visual refresh that affects the entire product ecosystem.
The update is presented as one of the biggest leaps in redesign and functionality of the iPhone for over a decade. In addition to the inclusion of advanced artificial intelligence tools, Apple is betting on a new aesthetic language based on Liquid Glass, inspired by visionOS and unified across platforms like macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, completely updating the user experience. We'll give you the details.
Liquid Glass: a new and immersive interface
The main protagonist of this edition has been (and will undoubtedly be) the proposal baptized as Liquid glass. This change introduces transparencies, moving sparkles and visual effects Similar to liquid crystal, they are present in menus, backgrounds, buttons, and notifications. The system now reacts to on-screen content and device movement, enhancing the sense of depth and adding dynamism to every interaction with the phone.
El control center has been completely redesigned, with floating shortcuts and improved customization options. Icons, backgrounds and widgets They adopt a more modern look, which unifies the environment of devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac, transferring the aesthetics of visionOS to the entire Apple ecosystem.
More artificial intelligence and new tools
The evolution of Apple Intelligence is another of iOS 26's strong points. Siri advances in contextual understanding, offering automatic notification summaries, smart replies in apps, and better integration with user routines. Real-time translation can now be enjoyed in both calls and messages, with instant subtitles and the generation of Genmoji, personalized emojis using AI.
AI also powers the app Photos, with automatic reminder features and editing suggestions. The browser safari reinforces private browsing, while the app Messages also receives Live Translation. Apple Maps suggests smart routes and personalizes transportation recommendations based on the user's habits and location (for example, when navigating through an airport). In this sense, the new boarding passes in Cartera (Wallets) They'll let you watch and share live activities to get real-time flight information.
Improvements to native apps and the arrival of CarPlay Ultra
El photographic section has been updated in Photos, where there are now separate tabs for the Library and Collections views. In Apple Music Or in Podcasts, it's now possible to have a tab bar that floats above the user's content and dynamically collapses as they navigate the interface.
The system C aligns with the new design Liquid glass and adds customizable interface modes, widgets, and contextual information for a more intuitive and safer in-car experience.
As an exclusive novelty, CarPlay Ultra redesigns the driving position in high-end vehicles, incorporating advanced controls and adaptive widgets that optimize interaction without having to manipulate the phone.
Launch of the video game platform
Also noteworthy is the appearance of a video game central appApple Games, which acts as a hub for titles, achievements, and user profiles, in line with the trend toward turning the iPhone into a fully-fledged portable console. The app makes it easy to access new games, manage your library, and interact with others, although some features may be limited by region.
Updates to the rest of the Apple ecosystem
The new iPadOS 26 It adopts the transparency and animations of Liquid Glass and features an improved multitasking system with resizable windows and greater flexibility for professional users, as well as key improvements in file management and document editing, where Apple Intelligence is not lacking, of course.
En Watch 26, the interface becomes clearer and more fluid, allowing third party widgets, intelligent training suggestions, and contextual awareness. Siri also lets you perform basic tasks offline, and accessibility is enhanced with subtitles and live listening.
The update macOS Tahoe 26 also integrates the Liquid Glass style and reinforces productivity with the smartest Spotlight yet and AI-assisted focus modes. For TvOS 26, the home screen is redesigned and personalized family profiles are added, among other improvements. visionOS 26 expands its mixed reality capabilities with 3D widget integration, improved controller support, and new collaborative tools leveraging spatial capabilities.
The arrival of iOS 26 and the redesign with Liquid Glass They represent a significant shift in the direction of the operating system and the visual identity of the entire Apple ecosystem, driving improvements in artificial intelligence, customization, and options in key apps. There's no doubt this is one of the biggest boosts the ecosystem as a whole has received in a while, although, as always, there are opinions for all tastes.
And you, what did you think of the news?