Apple is introducing its new Liquid Glass design language, inspired by the VisionOS on the Vision Pro headset, to its iPhones and other devices this fall. The update brings a more transparent look to the user interface, but changes are still being made until the final release.
The first developer beta 3 has been released, showing a more opaque background throughout the UI. Comparing it to iOS 18, the primary difference is that the dock’s background and search option on the home screen are more transparent in iOS 26. Icons on iOS 26 appear slightly larger, but some app icons seem less influenced by the redesign than others.
The “All Clear” mode creates a dramatic change to icons and widgets, but can introduce viewability issues. The control center remains largely unchanged, except for new glassy controls. The lock screen features dynamic resizing of the digital clock and a clearer background on notifications.
A new feature in iOS 26 is dynamic tab bars that adapt depending on whether you’re scrolling or trying to perform an action. Buttons and menus will also adjust according to the background color, making them easier to view.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-18-vs-ios-26-just-how-much-will-liquid-glass-change-your-iphone