As previously rumored, Apple confirmed that it will adjust the version number of its operating systems to "26", which corresponds to the upcoming year 2026. It also confirmed that the overall interface will be replaced with a new "Liquid Glass" design language.
Apple has unified the naming of operating system versions by year, with the idea of simplifying version identification so that users can more easily determine whether the operating system version is new or old.
At the same time, this design language is another large-scale update by Apple since the iOS 2013, which was launched in 7 and presented in a fully flat form. The "Liquid Glass" design language mainly refers to the visual effect presented when glass is covered, so that the operation interface presents a transparent and glossy texture like transparent glass, and even allows users to adjust the operation interface to a fully transparent texture.
This design language is naturally inspired by the visionOS interface, and it presents a consistent operating experience on iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS. It can also automatically adjust the brightness, transparency and layering according to the operating system background theme color. At the same time, during the interactive operation, you can also see subtle light and shadow refraction effects similar to the edge of glass, and the main operating interface will also have a visual design of transparent glass layers.
In addition to being applied to all Apple operating system interfaces, the "Liquid Glass" design language will also be used in many application services such as cameras, photos, Safari, FaceTime, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Podcasts, and other projects. Apple will also open relevant design tools to allow developers to use this design language to readjust their app icons, interfaces, etc.
As for the iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26 announced this time, the test versions will be provided to developers first from now on, and the public test versions are expected to be provided to the general public in July. As for the official versions, they will be officially released this fall, and will also enter the market together with new iPhones and other products.
