Apple Rolls Out iOS 26 with Liquid Glass Redesign Worldwide

Today, Monday, September 15, 2025, Apple released iOS 26-a major software update introducing a translucent “Liquid Glass” design, expanded Apple Intelligence features and enhanced privacy protections to eligible iPhones around the globe.

The update marks Apple’s most significant OS overhaul in years, delivering visual refinements, on-device AI and new communication tools that follow the recent iPhone 17 launch.

Global Rollout Timing

iOS 26 became available as an over-the-air download for compatible devices beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with staggered release windows set to align with local time zones worldwide.

Compatibility

The update supports all iPhone 11 series and newer models, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE and later; devices such as the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max remain on iOS 18 as their final upgrade.

Design Overhaul: Liquid Glass

  • Translucent UI elements Menus, buttons and icons adopt a glass-like appearance that dynamically reflects and refracts background content-Apple’s biggest visual redesign since iOS 7.
  • Adaptive Lock Screen The clock and notifications now shift fluidly to complement wallpapers and full-screen album art.

Smart and Secure: Apple Intelligence & Privacy

  • On-device AI Expanded Apple Intelligence powers live translation in Messages, FaceTime captions and text suggestions in Reminders and Mail.
  • Call and Message Filtering Unknown senders and callers are routed to separate folders for review, reducing spam interruptions and improving user control.

Core App Improvements

  • Messages Add conversation backgrounds, create group chat polls and filter unknown senders into a dedicated folder.
  • Phone Call Screening Assistant prompts unidentified callers to state their name and purpose, with Hold Assist notifying users when a live agent joins.
  • Maps Define preferred routes, receive proactive traffic-delay alerts and view a new places library of visited locations.
  • Apple Games A centralized hub for browsing, launching and tracking progress across iPhone games.
  • CarPlay Enhanced Live Activities support, messages Tapbacks and richer glanceable information while driving.

With its bold design and suite of new features, iOS 26 offers iPhone users a more expressive interface, smarter on-device intelligence and tighter privacy controls in a single global release.