iOS 26: New Design, AI Features & CarPlay Ultra

Apple’s June 9, 2025 announcement introduced iOS 26, a major upgrade promising a more beautiful, intelligent, and connected mobile experience. This version unveils the Liquid Glass design, brings system-wide Apple Intelligence, and refines core apps like Phone, Messages, Music, Maps, Wallet, CarPlay, and introduces a brand-new Games hub. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s new—and why it matters.

1. Liquid Glass – A Visual Renaissance

For the first time since iOS 7, Apple delivers a comprehensive interface redesign with Liquid Glass—a translucent, dynamic, and immersive aesthetic:

• Glass-inspired translucency: UI elements reflect, refract, and subtly respond to background colors and motion

• Lock & Home screen enhancements:

  • Adaptive time placement to avoid obstructing wallpaper content

  • Spatial 3D movement effects based on device tilt

• Refreshed UI across apps: Camera, Safari, Photos, Music, and more now have clear icon variants, streamlined controls, and floating bars that emphasize content

• Developer tools: SwiftUI API enables third-party apps to adopt Liquid Glass effects natively

Despite glowing praise, some users report legibility issues in bright light or low-contrast environments.

2. Apple Intelligence – Privacy-centric On‑Device AI

iOS 26 embeds powerful AI features system-wide—on-device and privacy-first:

• Live Translation for voice and text during Phone, FaceTime, and Messages

• Visual Intelligence: Tap, circle, or highlight elements on the screen—search, identify, summarize, or shop right on-device

• Genmoji & Image Playground: AI-generated emojis and background visuals for chats and personalization

• Smart Shortcuts: AI-enabled shortcuts that summarize text, create images, and build reminders—usable directly via Shortcuts app

• Order Tracking: Automatically surfaces shipment updates from any inbox, not just Apple Pay receipts

• Foundation Models: Developers can access Apple’s on-device AI models, capable even offline and in multiple languages

⚠️ Note: Only supported on high-end devices—iPhone 15 Pro, 16 series, and Apple Silicon iPads/Macs. Older devices won’t have full functionality

3. Phone & Messages – Smarter, Cleaner Communications

Apple revamps communication apps to reduce clutter while empowering expression:

Phone updates:

• A single-view interface for Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail

• Call Screening: Transcribes unknown callers live for decision-making

• Hold Assist: Notifies you when a support agent finally picks up

Messages enhancements:

• Unknown Sender Folder: Automatically diverts potential spam

• Group Typing Indicators: See who’s typing in group chats

• Custom Backgrounds & Polls: Use Image Playground to beautify chats and add polling features

• Apple Cash Integration: Send money within conversations easily

4. CarPlay & CarPlay Ultra – Dashboard Revolution

CarPlay receives thoughtful innovations with greater integration and safety:

• Compact UI for calls and notifications; no longer blocks navigation or media

• Messaging with Tapbacks, pinned chats, widgets, and Live Activities

• Smart Display Zoom adjusts UI to different screen shapes automatically

• CarPlay Ultra: New class of CarPlay available in Aston Martin, with climate, audio, and more controls embedded in the car’s dashboard—set to expand by fall 2025

• Parked-mode video streaming (via AirPlay) optionally enabled by car manufacturers, launching Sept 2025

5. App Upgrades – Music, Maps, Wallet & Games

Apple Music:

• AutoMix: Blend songs like a DJ with AI-driven transitions

• Lyrics Translation & Pronunciation: Learn foreign lyrics and sing correctly

Maps:

• Visited Places: Encrypted, private history of locations you’ve been

• Routine Intelligence: Proactively suggests routes and alerts for delays

Wallet:

• Live Activity Boarding Passes: Real-time flight updates, terminal maps, luggage links

• Digital ID (U.S.) & Installment Insights: Adds driver’s license and shows payment plan details

Games App:

• A unified hub showcasing mobile and Arcade games, events, social features, and trends

Additional refinements:

• Photos app now separates Library and Collections; spatial photo effects added

• Notes: Call transcription and Markdown export support

• Accessibility includes system-wide narration, braille support, Live Listen, background sounds, Personal Voice updates

Pros & Cons of iOS 26

Pros:

• Striking new look with Liquid Glass design

• AI-powered features across key communication and productivity apps

• Stronger spam protection and communication tools

• Smarter CarPlay interfaces and full-vehicle integration

• Enhanced music, navigation, wallet, and gaming experiences

Cons:

• Exclusive AI benefits only for newer hardware

• Liquid Glass transparency may reduce readability in bright light

• Steeper learning curve for CarPlay Ultra and new UI norms

• On‑device AI can increase GPU load and battery use

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will iOS 26 be released?
Developer beta is live since June 9, 2025. Public beta expected in July, and official release planned for fall 2025 .

2. Which devices are compatible?
All iPhone 11 and newer can update to iOS 26. To access Apple Intelligence features you must have an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 16 series, or an Apple Silicon iPad/Mac.

3. Can I disable Liquid Glass?
Not yet—but developers are providing themes and accessibility options. Apple may add clarity settings before public release.

4. Is my data secure with Apple Intelligence?
Yes—AI processing is on-device. Any cloud interaction is anonymous and optional .

5. Do I need a new car to enjoy CarPlay Ultra?
Yes—CarPlay Ultra requires 2025+ vehicles built with compatible infotainment systems. Standard CarPlay’s enhancements remain available in older models.

Final Take

iOS 26 is a significant leap forward—melding striking design, privacy-first AI, and practical upgrades across everyday apps. For those with newer iPhones, it opens up next‑generation translation, smart automation, and visual intelligence. Even on older phones, the Liquid Glass aesthetic and phone/message improvements breathe new life into the interface.

While early adopters highlight some readability concerns and AI exclusions for older hardware, iOS 26 sets a bold standard for what mobile OS design and intelligence can achieve. Whether you’re a fan of sleek visuals or productivity-focused AI, this update offers something meaningful.