Apple is preparing to unveil one of the most significant visual transformations in iOS history at today's WWDC 2025 keynote. The upcoming iOS 26, marking a shift from traditional numbering to year-based naming conventions, will introduce the Liquid Glass design language—internally codenamed Solarium—representing the most comprehensive UI overhaul since iOS 7's flat design revolution in 2013.
Revolutionary Liquid Glass Design Language
The centerpiece of iOS 26 lies in its translucent, glass-like visual elements that will fundamentally reshape how users interact with their devices. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Liquid Glass UI will feature see-through materials with specular highlights and reflective surfaces across all standard iPhone controls. Buttons, toolbars, and in-app interfaces will adopt this shimmering aesthetic, creating a more premium and cohesive visual experience. The home screen will also receive significant attention, with app icons becoming more rounded and featuring reflective border highlights that catch light dynamically.
iOS 26 Key Features Overview
| Feature Category | Specific Updates |
|---|---|
| Design Language | Liquid Glass UI with translucent elements and specular highlights |
| Messages | AI-powered real-time translation, Interactive polls with Apple Intelligence suggestions |
| Apple Music | Animated album artwork on Lock Screen |
| Notes | Markdown export functionality |
| CarPlay | Solarium design language integration |
| Home Screen | Rounded app icons with reflective border highlights |
Cross-Platform Design Unification
Apple's ambition extends far beyond iOS, as the Liquid Glass design language will roll out across the entire ecosystem. macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and CarPlay will all receive the visual overhaul, though each platform will maintain device-appropriate layouts and navigation patterns. This unified approach represents Apple's commitment to creating a seamless experience across all touchpoints, ensuring users feel at home whether they're using an iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch.
Cross-Platform Rollout
The Liquid Glass/Solarium design will be implemented across:
- iOS 26 (primary platform)
- macOS (desktop adaptation)
- watchOS (wearable optimization)
- iPadOS (tablet interface)
- tvOS (television interface)
- CarPlay (automotive integration)
Each platform maintains device-appropriate layouts while sharing core visual elements.
Enhanced Messaging and Communication Features
iOS 26 will introduce AI-powered real-time translation directly within Messages, automatically detecting incoming text languages and translating both received messages and user replies. This feature eliminates language barriers in conversations, making international communication effortless. Additionally, Apple is adding interactive polls to Messages, complete with Apple Intelligence suggestions that can recommend poll options based on conversation context—perfect for group decisions about dinner plans or weekend activities.
Refined User Experience Improvements
The update brings several quality-of-life enhancements that demonstrate Apple's attention to detail. Apple Music will display animated album artwork on the Lock Screen, bringing visual dynamism to the music listening experience. Notes users will finally gain the ability to export documents in Markdown format, eliminating the need for third-party applications. CarPlay will also receive the Solarium treatment, with updated menus, buttons, and widgets that align with the broader design philosophy.
Hardware Integration
20th Anniversary iPhone "Glasswing":
- All-screen design with curved edges
- Under-display front camera technology
- No cutout sections (eliminates notch/Dynamic Island)
- Designed to complement Liquid Glass UI aesthetic
Strategic Timing with Hardware Innovation
The timing of iOS 26's release appears strategically aligned with Apple's upcoming 20th anniversary iPhone, internally known as Glasswing. This flagship device will reportedly feature an all-screen design with curved edges and an under-display front camera, eliminating the traditional notch or Dynamic Island. The Liquid Glass UI seems perfectly suited to complement this hardware innovation, creating a cohesive product experience that emphasizes transparency and premium materials.
The comprehensive nature of these changes suggests Apple is positioning iOS 26 as a foundational update that will influence the company's design direction for years to come. As WWDC 2025 unfolds today, the tech community eagerly awaits official confirmation of these rumored features and their potential impact on the broader mobile industry.