Highlights

• iOS 26 will reportedly introduce a sleek Liquid Glass design with translucent textures, shiny highlights, and a more polished interface.
• Apple plans to unify its design across devices by bringing the “Liquid Glass” look to macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
• The new design aligns with future hardware updates including a rumoured 2027 iPhone featuring an all-screen.

Caption – iOS 26 is expected to be unveiled at the WWDC25 event scheduled for June 9. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple is getting ready to reveal its next big software update for the iPhone. This was expected to be called iOS 19 according to the number sequence but Apple is now likely to launch it as iOS 26. One of the biggest changes, however, is a brand-new look built around what Apple is calling “Liquid Glass” UI elements.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, Apple will showcase this sleek new design at WWDC on June 9. The update will give the iPhone interface a more polished and modern appearance with translucent, glass-like textures and shiny highlights throughout the system.

Gurman also posted on X (formerly Twitter) the Bloomberg report link with caption “Power On: Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26 sets the stage for the 20th anniversary glass-focused iPhone overhaul.”

Power On: Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26 sets the stage for the 20th anniversary glass-focused iPhone overhaul.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) June 8, 2025

Expect to see this new visual style across everyday UI elements such as buttons, toolbars and tab bars, all adopting a reflective, glossy look. The home screen is also getting a refresh with app icons likely to have a rounder shape and shiny borders.

But this isn’t just about the iPhone. Apple plans to roll out this design language across macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS, creating a more unified look across all Apple devices. While the overall layout and navigation will still be tailored to each device, the shared design elements will make the entire ecosystem feel more cohesive.

The “Liquid Glass” visuals are also said to align with future hardware updates like the rumoured 2027 iPhone with an all-screen, curved-edge design and minimal bezels.

More details will be officially shared during Apple’s WWDC keynote on June 9.

FAQs

Q1. What is the biggest visual change in iOS 26?

Answer. Apple is introducing a “Liquid Glass” UI, which features translucent, glass-like textures and shiny highlights throughout the system for a more polished and modern appearance.

Q2. Will the iOS 26 redesign be exclusive to iPhones?

Answer. No, Apple plans to roll out the “Liquid Glass” design across macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS, creating a more unified look across all Apple devices.

Q3. How does this redesign relate to future hardware updates?

Answer. The “Liquid Glass” visuals align with Apple’s rumored 2027 iPhone, which may feature an all-screen, curved-edge design with minimal bezels.