International, Sketsa.id – Apple has once again set the tech world abuzz with the launch of its latest operating system, iOS 26, announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, held on June 9, 2025, at Apple Park, Cupertino, USA.
This new system introduces transformative changes, from a futuristic interface design to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) integration through Apple Intelligence, promising a more personalized, intelligent, and seamless user experience.
Stunning New “Liquid Glass” Design
A standout feature of iOS 26 is its Liquid Glass interface, characterized by dynamic transparency and light refraction effects. App icons, widgets, and navigation elements now boast a sleek, modern aesthetic. Users can extensively customize their Home Screen and Lock Screen, offering a deeply personalized experience.
This overhaul, the most significant since iOS 7, incorporates visual elements from visionOS, ensuring a cohesive experience across Apple’s ecosystem.Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, stated, “iOS 26 shines with a captivating new design and meaningful enhancements to the features users rely on daily, making the iPhone even more indispensable.”
Apple Intelligence: Smarter, Privacy-Focused AI
iOS 26 introduces Apple Intelligence, an AI system that processes data on-device to prioritize user privacy. Key features include:
- Live Translate: Real-time translation for phone and video calls, facilitating seamless cross-language communication.
- Genmoji: A tool for creating custom emojis based on user descriptions, adding a playful touch to messaging.
- Call Screening & Hold Assist: AI-driven call filtering and automated hold management until a human is available.
Siri also receives a major upgrade, with enhanced personalization, improved hands-free functionality, and smarter on-screen context awareness, making it a more intuitive virtual assistant.
New Apps and Enhanced Features
iOS 26 introduces Apple Games, a dedicated app optimized for modern gaming experiences. Built-in apps like Camera have been refined, with the search bar relocated to the bottom for easier access on larger iPhones. Additionally, iOS 26 offers smoother navigation with fluid app transitions and improved responsiveness.AI-powered battery management is another highlight, learning user habits to optimize background activity and extend battery life.
Release Schedule and Supported Devices
Apple announced that iOS 26 will be available as a Developer Beta starting June 10, 2025, followed by a Public Beta in July 2025. The stable version is slated for release in September 2025, coinciding with the iPhone 17 series launch.
Not all iPhones will support iOS 26. Older models, including the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max (released in 2018), will not receive this update. The following devices are compatible:
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations)
Users with older devices may need to consider upgrading to experience iOS 26.
New Naming Convention: Why iOS 26?
In a surprising move, Apple skipped iOS 19 and adopted iOS 26, aligning the naming with the year 2026, when the system is expected to see widespread use. This approach extends to iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, streamlining versioning across Apple’s platforms and reducing confusion for users and developers.According to Bloomberg, this unified naming strategy aims to harmonize Apple’s ecosystem, moving away from inconsistent versioning like watchOS 11 and visionOS 2.
The iOS 26 announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm on social media, with users on platforms like X praising the Liquid Glass design and innovative AI features. One X post read, “iOS 26 First look 👀 Thoughts on the new Glass Design UI?” reflecting excitement for the new interface. However, some users expressed disappointment, particularly those with older devices like the iPhone XR, as seen in posts like, “Bye ios 19?! Bye iphone Xr?!”
With iOS 26, Apple delivers not only a visually stunning update but also a robust ecosystem bolstered by advanced AI and seamless user experiences. This release reaffirms Apple’s commitment to innovation and its leadership in the tech industry. For users with compatible iPhones, iOS 26 promises to be one of the most exciting updates in iPhone history. (*)
