iOS 26 Preview — Liquid Glass, Live Translation, Hold Assist & More

Apple’s iOS 26 public beta is available now. The update brings a major visual refresh called “Liquid Glass,” new communication tools, improvements across Phone, Messages, FaceTime, AirPods support, and a range of quality-of-life features. The iPhone 17 event is scheduled for September 9.

Top highlights

• Liquid Glass UI: A translucent, adaptive design that updates home/lock screens, widgets, and system surfaces.
• Live Translation: Real-time translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages for cross-language conversations.
• Hold Assist: Notifies you when an agent answers so you can leave a queue without losing your place.
• Visual Intelligence: Search anything shown on your screen (like fashion items) using screenshots or images.
• Photos tabs return: Library and Collections are separate again to make browsing easier.
• FaceTime Communication Safety: On-device detection that can pause communication if nudity is detected (child-safety focused).
• New lock-screen options: Updated clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and Focus refinements.
• AirPods improvements: Enhanced audio recording, camera remote control, possible live-translation gestures and rumored heart-rate tracking for next-gen AirPods.

iPadOS 26 & macOS

iPadOS 26 adds real windowing/multitasking, a new menu bar, and adopts the Liquid Glass visuals; macOS also follows the new translucent design for more cohesion across Apple platforms.

Compatibility

Most iPhones from 2019 and later support iOS 26 (iPhone XR/XS/XS Max are not supported). Check Settings > General > Software Update after joining Apple Beta Software Program to install.

Install the beta (warning)

To try the public beta, enroll at the Apple Beta Software Program, then go to Settings > General > Software Update. Don’t install on your main device unless you’re comfortable with beta risks.

Official info & related links

• Apple: iOS overview
• Apple Newsroom: iOS 26 announcement
• AirPods on Amazon: Search AirPods Pro (affiliate)

Looking ahead

Apple has prioritized quality-of-life features this year rather than bold AI promises; Siri’s major overhaul is expected later. iOS 26’s final release is expected this fall, typically within a week after Apple’s September event.

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