Apple released the public beta of its next-generation iPhone operating system on Thursday, named iOS 26. This update brings the most revolutionary user interface redesign since the release of iOS 7 in 2013.
The public beta allows users with recent iPhone models to experience new features and visual styles that will officially launch in the fall of this year. The all-new iOS 26 system not only adopts a naming convention synchronized with the year but also introduces a significant visual design overhaul.
iOS 26 introduces a brand-new design language called “Liquid Glass,” replacing traditional buttons and menus on the iPhone with semi-transparent, dynamically flowing interface elements. These new buttons feature a translucent glass texture, combined with light reflection and refraction elements to provide users with an aesthetically pleasing visual experience while navigating through apps. Apple states that this design aims to enhance user intuitiveness and inject modern aesthetics into the iPhone.
Apple relies on user feedback from the public beta to fine-tune this brand-new interface, ensuring the best user experience before its official release. At the same time, Apple will also apply the “Liquid Glass” design to the latest operating systems for iPad, Mac computers, and Apple Watch, achieving a unified visual style across devices.
In addition to significant visual changes, iOS 26 also brings multiple practical feature upgrades, such as managing unknown calls, filtering unknown numbers, waiting for call connection, and other new functions. It also provides AI-driven smart features, including real-time translation for iMessage and FaceTime, as well as visual intelligent search capabilities.
However, the major upgrade promised by Apple for the Siri voice assistant in 2024 is not included in iOS 26, and related features are expected to be delayed until 2026. Starting now, iPhone users in the United States and other regions can register to participate in the public beta of iOS 26 through the official Apple website.
After registering, users simply need to go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” > “Beta Software Update” to download and install the iOS 26 beta version. Apple reminds users that the public beta may contain bugs, unexpected issues, or instability, so it is recommended to back up before updating and experience it on a non-primary device.