Discover the process of installing the latest iOS version, iOS 26, onto your iPhone. A comparison between this and the older iOS 18 is provided.
Apple has recently released iOS 26, the latest update for its operating system, bringing with it a notable change in user interface design: Liquid Glass. This new design was showcased by Apple’s internal development team of over 1000 developers at WWDC 2025 in Cupertino.
Notifications and Home Screen Changes
One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 26 is the design update for notifications. The background is now near-transparent with white text, a departure from the more opaque black text found in iOS 18. The home screen also undergoes changes, with a more transparent and sheened dock background and search option compared to its counterpart in iOS 18.
Dynamic Tab Bars and Control Center
Dynamic tab bars in iOS 26 resemble Google’s approach in Android 16 in some apps. These bars change based on scrolling or specific actions, creating a more intuitive experience. The Control Center in iOS 26 retains its functionality but features a glassy look and more rounded 1x2 and 2x1 controls, with controls at the bottom appearing more like physical buttons with depth and a see-through background.
Icons and Other Changes
Some app icons, such as Settings, Camera, and Mail, have been more influenced by the redesign in iOS 26. Icons on the home screen appear slightly larger, and buttons and menus will adapt depending on the content’s background color for easier viewing.
Liquid Glass: A More Fluid User Experience
Liquid Glass offers a more fluid user experience with shiny edges, translucent layers, and redesigned interface elements. In "All Clear" mode for Liquid Glass on the home screen, icons and widgets may undergo the most dramatic change, but viewability issues can arise. The digital clock in iOS 26 dynamically resizes depending on the wallpaper and the number of notifications.
Comparisons to iOS 18
Comparing iOS 26 to iOS 18, Liquid Glass has small tweaks that are worth getting excited about. However, it's important to note that despite the design update, iOS 26's functionality remains similar to iOS 18. The Lock screen in iOS 26 remains largely unchanged from iOS 18.
Upcoming Features in iOS 26
This article mentions three upcoming features in iOS 26 that are considered a bigger deal than Liquid Glass. Despite these exciting features, Liquid Glass offers a refreshing change in user interface design that is sure to be appreciated by Apple users.
In conclusion, iOS 26 introduces a user interface design update called Liquid Glass, offering a more fluid and visually appealing experience for Apple users. While the functionality remains similar to iOS 18, the design changes are worth noting and are a step forward in Apple's continuous efforts to improve user experience.
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