Apple Unveils iOS 26: AI Features & ‘Liquid Glass’ Design

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, Apple unveiled iOS 26, featuring a range of artificial intelligence updates and a refreshed visual interface. The centerpiece of the announcement was “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of tools aimed at enhancing everyday user experiences.

Key features include real-time translation during phone calls, FaceTime, and Messages, enabling cross-language communication natively within Apple’s ecosystem.

The update also brings image generation to the Image Playground app, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Apple confirmed that no user data will be shared with OpenAI without explicit permission.

Visually, iOS 26 introduces a new design language called “liquid glass,” which features translucent menus and icon layers, made possible by Apple’s newer, more powerful chips.

Other enhancements include AI-assisted tools like visual product recognition and context-aware assistance across apps. While the update focuses on utility over spectacle, it signals Apple’s strategic move to embed AI deeply into its operating systems.

Following the announcement, Apple shares dipped slightly by 1.2%, but the company emphasized that these are foundational changes for future innovations.