Apple Unveils Its Next Generation of Software

The first big change is with all of the software naming. Instead of iOS 19, Apple has moved to a year naming system. So it’s iOS 26. That applies to all of the other software versions.

Along with a new name is a significant updated design. Apple is calling it Liquid Glass. The translucent material reflects and refracts surroundings to bring content into better focus. It’s a significant change, but something that Apple seems to have well thought out as it extends to all of the new software.

As you probably expected, Apple has made some big upgrades to Apple Intelligence. Live Translation is built into FaceTime and Messages to help communicate across languages. Visual Intelligence has now been extended to the entire iPhone screen.

Shortcuts have also been powered up with Apple Intelligence. It will also ID and summarize order tracking details sent from merchants. Developers can use a new Foundation Models framework to use Apple Intelligence privately and offline. 

The phone part of the iPhone know shows a unified layout with Favorites, Recent, and Voice Mail. Call Screening will ask users questions to see if they want to pick up or ignore the call. 

Another popular part of the iPhone, Messages, is also sporting new features. You can screen messages from unknown senders. They will appear in a dedicated folder and remained silenced until accepted. 

On the iPad, expect much more of a Mac-like interface. A new window system allows you to resize apps and place them exactly where you want. A menu bar allows you to find a specific feature or tip along with accessing commands. 

Apple Watch is becoming an better Workout Buddy. Using Apple Intelligence, the new feature uses your workout data and fitness history to generate personalized insights during a sessions.

The Workout app features a new layout and navigation. New buttons in the corners make it easier to access features like Custom Workout and more. You can also start a specific podcast and music when starting a workout. Apple Music can also select the best playlists for a workout based on workout type and personal taste. 

The Smart Stack is getting even smarter as it provides more contextual data, sensor data, and more. 

tvOS 26 is a big showcase for Liquid Glass on the big screen. The video will remain front and center when accessing Control Center. 

The Apple TV app is sporting a new design with poster art powered with Liquid Glass as well. 

As a nice plus, you can select to automatically display profiles when it wakes to better customize the experience. 

In Sing with Apple Music, you can use your iPhone into a handheld microphone to amplify your voice during a song. 

Other additions include new Aerial screen savers and the ability to select any AirPlay-enabled speaker as a permanent speaker for an Apple TV.