Just as expected for a WWDC keynote, the 2025 edition has seen the launch of a new version of iOS. However, unlike the previous versions, Apple has gone for a big name change, by going for iOS 26 instead of iOS 19.
It was reasoned in rumor reports that it is a way to bring all of its operating systems to the same version number, to avoid confusion. It is also one that is year-based since it will only be officially released in 2025 for a few months and it will be 2026 for most of its existence.
Big design changes
The new name is accompanied by a new look, as Apple attempts to bring a more unified appearance to its ecosystem.
Taking design cues from visionOS, Apple has brought a more glass-like appearance to the iPhone, referred to as “Liquid Glass. There are more glossy and edge-lit textures in view, as well as a more bubble-like appearance to everything.
The Lock Screen gains animated Apple Music artwork – Image Credit: Apple
This all starts with the lock screen with a new dynamically adjusting glass-like font for wallpapers. Those wallpapers can also be converted into a Spatial Photo, while the wallpaper can also be switched for animated album art from currently-playing Apple Music tracks.
App adjustments
The changes aren’t limited to the Home Screen and general interface, as some apps will get a bunch of changes too.
The Camera app is getting a UI refresh to simplify controls. Previous iterations of the app have been loaded up with more controls, making it harder to navigate over time.
Camera app – Image Credit: Apple
Simplifying the interface should help more people take photographs or record videos on their mobile devices. You literally get two options now: Photo or Video.
The camera controls are still there but with lots of them hidden in a top bar, such as to quickly switch between formats for an image.
Another big app to get changes is Safari, which benefits from the same glass-like appearance as the rest of iOS. Functionally, it will be similar to the previous version, but the glass-like UI will be a major alteration to the core app.
You’re now getting full-screen webpages, with a floating tab and address bar above the content.
This full-screen experience is extended to FaceTime, which also makes the controls disappear during a call. You also get new contact posters on the FaceTime homepage.
The Phone app hasn’t had that many changes in its lifetime, but it will in iOS 26. The app gains a new unified layout to combine contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a single window, making it faster for users to call a contact.
