Apple has once again set the tech world abuzz with the unveiling of iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. The latest beta release marks a significant leap forward for the iPhone, delivering a fresh design, cutting-edge AI features, and a host of smart improvements across the board. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s trending in the iOS 26 beta and why it’s generating so much excitement.
Major Design Overhaul: Liquid Glass
Apple is introducing a dramatic new design language called “Liquid Glass,” which is inspired by the visionOS interface used on the Apple Vision Pro headset. This design is characterized by dynamic translucency, 3D motion wallpapers, and frosted widgets that make the interface feel alive and immersive. Every element, from buttons and sliders to the Control Center and Home Screen, has been reimagined to offer a more expressive and delightful user experience while maintaining the familiar feel of iOS.
iOS 26 – Powerful Apple Intelligence
iOS 26 is packed with AI-driven features under the banner of Apple Intelligence. These include:
- Real-time translation: Translate text and speech on the fly, including during phone calls and in Messages, all while keeping your data private on your device.
- Visual Intelligence: Search and take action based on what you see on your screen.
- Genmoji: Create custom emojis by merging two existing ones or generating new ones from text prompts.
- Smart calendar suggestions: Automatically create calendar events from photos and other context.
- AI health coach: Get personalized health advice based on your activity data from Apple Watch and the Health app.
Enhanced Communication and Productivity
The Phone and Messages apps have received major upgrades:
- Phone app revamp: Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail are now unified in a single view. New tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist help manage calls more efficiently.
- Messaging upgrades: Customize chat backgrounds, create polls in group chats, and filter unknown senders. AI can even suggest poll questions, making group decisions easier.
New Apps and Features
Apple Games: A new app that centralizes all your games and Apple Arcade content, making it easier to discover and manage your gaming library.
CarPlay and Maps: Apple Maps now securely stores your visited places, and CarPlay features a compact interface for incoming calls.
AirPods: Use your AirPods to snap photos and enjoy clearer audio. New parental controls help monitor kids’ interactions.
Performance and Stability
Apple is focusing on stability and smoother beta releases, ensuring that iOS 26 runs reliably across devices. The new OS also introduces smarter battery management, leveraging AI to optimize power usage based on your habits—though some advanced features may require newer hardware.
Release Timeline and Availability
- Developer Beta: Available now for registered developers (iPhone 11 and later).
- Public Beta: Expected in July 2025, allowing more users to test new features before the official release.
- Stable Release: Scheduled for fall 2025, likely alongside the launch of the iPhone 17 series.
Supported Devices
iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and newer models. However, some advanced Apple Intelligence features will be limited to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.
What’s Trending?
The iOS 26 beta is generating buzz for its bold new design, deep AI integration, and practical improvements to everyday apps. Early adopters are especially excited about features like real-time translation, AI health coaching, and the unified Phone app. The public beta, coming in July, will give more users a chance to experience these innovations firsthand.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most significant updates in years. With its Liquid Glass design, powerful Apple Intelligence, and a host of smart features, it promises to make the iPhone experience more personal, efficient, and enjoyable than ever before. Stay tuned for the public beta next month and get ready to fall in love with your iPhone all over again.
Also read: Nintendo Switch 2: Launch, Features, and What Gamers Need to Know in 2025
