Apple has released its latest iOS 26 public beta, and it brings some of the most significant changes to the iPhone in a long time. The update focuses on personalization and polish, with a new interface design called Liquid Glass that transforms the way your iPhone looks and feels.
Liquid Glass makes everything transparent and layered, creating a fresh appearance. Icons shift in depth as you tilt your screen, and background content causes interface elements to glow or blur. This aesthetic shift is a major improvement from recent iOS versions and is a welcome addition.
In Messages, Apple has made it more customizable than ever before. You can change the background of chats using dynamic preset options or photos from your library. The app also allows you to rearrange menu bar items by dragging and dropping them into order.
The Camera app has been streamlined for one-handed use, with key controls moved closer to your thumb. This makes it easy to switch between photo and video modes with a single swipe. The Photos app has also been redesigned with a more user-friendly layout that focuses on two main tabs: your full photo library and albums.
One of the standout features is Dynamic Lock Screen, which allows for more personalization and new widget functionality. With Photo Shuffle, the Lock Screen cycles through images with adaptive number styles, making it feel more alive than ever.
Overall, iOS 26 feels like a bigger update than the typical annual refresh. The combination of design changes, customization options, and usability improvements makes it an exciting time for iPhone users. As always, some features may receive tweaks before the final release, but the public beta offers a clear look at where Apple’s heading next.
Source: https://uk.pcmag.com/ios/159410/i-tried-the-ios-26-beta-these-5-features-make-my-iphone-feel-like-new-again