Apple has unveiled its new Liquid Glass design language, inspired by the VisionOS on the Vision Pro headset, which will bring shine and translucency to its devices. The new design is currently available in the developer beta for iPhone users, with the public beta expected to release soon.
Initially, Liquid Glass feels dramatic but is actually more subtle than it appears. It’s a “touch-up” rather than reconstructive surgery compared to iOS 19. The home screen change is minimal, with the background of the dock and search option being more transparent and having a sheen on the edges in iOS 26.
Other noticeable changes include larger icons in iOS 26 and some app icons influenced by the redesign, such as Settings, Camera, and Mail. To really showcase Liquid Glass, users can opt for the “All Clear” mode, which will create dramatic changes to icons and widgets. However, this mode may introduce viewability issues, which can be remedied with the “reduce transparency” setting.
The control center remains largely unchanged, but the lock screen features a dynamic digital clock that resizes depending on the wallpaper and notifications. The background of notifications is clearly different between iOS 18 and iOS 26, with iOS 26 providing a near-transparent background on white text.
A new feature in iOS 26 is the introduction of dynamic tab bars in apps, which change depending on whether you’re scrolling or performing a specific action. This will create a more intuitive experience while freeing up space for content. Additionally, buttons and menus will adapt to light and dark backgrounds, making them easier to view.
These initial findings showcase Apple’s latest design language, but there are more features to be uncovered in the coming weeks.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-18-vs-ios-26-heres-how-liquid-glass-reworks-your-iphone-ui