A Fresh Leash on iOS: Apple's Liquid Glass Update and Beyond
Revolutionary Design Transforms iPhone in Over Ten Years
Remember when your iPhone sported a sleek new look in 2013? That was the last time Apple brought major changes to the table, back when Facebook still ruled the social network kingdom, and a Brit hadn't triumphed at Wimbledon in 77 years. Fast forward to 2025, and Jony Ive has swapped Apple for OpenAI, your mum is still stuck on Facebook, and Andy Murray has bid adieu after as many hip surgeries as Wimbledon victories. With iOS overdue for a face-lift, Apple's given it one, along with some exciting new additions that we can't wait to get our hands on.
Unveiled during Apple's annual WWDC 2025 conference in sunny Cupertino, California, iOS 26 is bringing a breath of fresh air with its Liquid Glass update. This aesthetic refresh borrows a few tricks from Apple's trendy Vision Pro headset launched the previous year, but there's plenty more to look forward to beyond the iPhone's facelift. Get ready for a much-improved Phone app, new live translation skills, and even an update on Apple Intelligence.
The Game Changer Apple Almost Missed: Apple Intelligence
2024's big iPhone update was set to mark the launch of Apple Intelligence, Apple's answer to the rise of AI assistants like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. With a leveled-up Siri and ambitious plans for cross-app functionality (swiftly sharing flight arrival times from Mail to Messages, for example), it promised a lot. However, it's fair to say that Genmoji and some ChatGPT integration are the only notable results so far. So, Apple took a step back during WWDC 25, deciding to call a mulligan on Apple Intelligence. The game-changing stuff is still in the works, but it's on hold for a little while longer. In the meantime, there's a whole lot more to discuss with iOS 26 and its Liquid Glass overhaul.
Say Hello to the Sleek New Look: Liquid Glass
In recent times, the iPhone's design philosophy can best be described as bright, flat, and generous on rounded corners. Liquid Glass adds a layer of complexity and depth to this aesthetic with more transparency and visually dynamic elements. These new design elements melt around both your apps and Home Screen, resulting in an undeniably sophisticated approach to iOS. When it's rolled out across Apple's first-party apps and devices, you'll see Liquid Glass everywhere, making an appearance on other devices like the Watch, Mac, and iPad.
Simplified Naming: Year-based Operating Systems
Guess what? You didn't miss eight iPhone operating system updates before iOS 26. That's because all of Apple's operating systems—from iPadOS to watchOS—are set to benefit from Liquid Glass. They're also adopting the same year-based naming system to simplify things. This means no more consulting with the tech-savvy friend in your life to decipher the difference between watchOS 11 and visionOS 2.
Streamlined Phone Calls: Your Favorite Contacts at Your Fingertips
In keeping with the spirit of doing the basics better, iOS 26 promises a more user-friendly Phone app. Soon, opening the app will greet you with favored contacts, so no more tiresome scrolling through endless contact lists to find the person you're looking for. Sometimes, it's the small things that make a big difference.
Visual Intelligence Powers Smart Image Search
While the bulk of AI-related features have been put on hold, iOS 26 still boasts a truly impressive AI-powered function that deserves attention. Visual Intelligence will allow you to find and buy the exact jacket Carmy wears in The Bear season four or respond to trending topics on your feed. To do this, simply take a screenshot of what you want to search for and dive right into this new functionality. It's smart, it's simple, and it's everything we've come to expect from Apple's best work.
Live Translation and Polls in Messages
In addition to its new look, iOS 26 is all about enhancing the user experience. Case in point: live translation abilities across phone calls, FaceTime, and Messages. Enjoy an engaging conversation with friends and acquaintances from around the globe, no matter what language they speak. Moreover, there are some thoughtful tweaks to group texting, allowing you to poll your buddies on your next hangout spot as well as split the bill via Apple Cash. Plus, you'll see typing indicators in real-time as everyone reacts to Carlos Alcaraz's latest Rolex Daytona flaunt. Good luck with the turquoise model though—it's apparently on a waiting list!
GQ recommends checking out the stylish new look of iOS 26, which incorporates a Liquid Glass update that adds depth and transparency to the iPhone's design. Moreover, with the introduction of Visual Intelligence, users can now search for items in images, making it easier to find the latest fashion trends or the jacket worn by a character in a TV show.
