Exciting Upgrades Are Coming to Your Devices This Fall, Featuring the Stunning Liquid Glass Design
By Alex Chen, Tech Editor
Updated
10 min read
The wait for iOS 26 is nearly over, with its full release slated for this fall—about a month away. However, you can dive into the future of iPhone and iPad now by downloading the public beta, which Apple has made available through its Beta Software Program. According to recent statements from Apple’s leadership, this beta rollout is seeing unprecedented interest, outpacing previous developer betas, as noted by tech insiders. At GetTechBite, we’ve explored the iOS 26 public beta and are excited to share a sneak peek, highlighting the refreshed home and lock screen with the innovative Liquid Glass aesthetic. This translucent overhaul, unveiled at WWDC on June 9, will unify the look across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and more, promising a cohesive Apple ecosystem.
After last year’s ambitious AI promises fell short, Apple has shifted focus to practical enhancements for 2025. Expect meaningful updates to the Phone and Messages apps, including smarter spam filtering and a new Hold Assist feature to save your place on long customer service calls. A beloved Photos app feature is also making a comeback. Meanwhile, Siri’s major AI upgrade—teased for 2024—remains on hold until next year, with rumors suggesting Apple might integrate advanced models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or a custom “lite” chatbot to compete in the AI space.
With each new beta release, like the recent developer beta 5, fresh features are emerging—think bouncy animations on the passcode screen and Control Center, as reported by tech analysts. These tweaks are likely to roll into the public beta soon. Most recent iPhone and iPad models can handle the iOS 26 update. Curious about the full lineup of upgrades? Keep reading, and check out our exclusive Deals section for the latest offers on compatible devices!
What is iOS 26?
Currently, iOS 18 powers your iPhone, with Apple still rolling out updates like the recent 18.6 version. But don’t look for iOS 19—Apple is jumping to iOS 26 this fall. Adopting a year-based naming convention (similar to car models), all 2025 operating system releases will carry the “26” label, reflecting the year ahead, even as iOS 18 continues to evolve this summer.
Welcome to the era of iOS 26.
What is the Liquid Glass Design?
The star of WWDC 2025 was undoubtedly the Liquid Glass design, a bold departure from the stagnant iPhone interface. For years, the home and lock screens have relied on minor tweaks—custom widgets were the last big thrill. Liquid Glass changes that with a translucent, adaptive material that shifts between dark and light modes based on your environment. Apps and buttons now float with a subtle, less intrusive look, enhancing usability in apps like Phone and Maps.
The design has sparked debate since its debut, with some likening it to Microsoft’s Windows Vista Aero from two decades ago. Yet, feedback has shaped its evolution—beta 2 already tones down transparency in key areas. This cohesive aesthetic will span all Apple OSes, and here’s a glimpse of how it might look with macOS Tahoe 26 on your Mac.
What Are the Key Features of iOS 26?
iOS 26 brings a host of exciting additions. Here are the highlights:
- Phone App Overhaul: Scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemails in one seamless view. Hold Assist alerts you when an agent picks up, letting you multitask while on hold—perfect for those endless support queues.
- Live Translation: Chat with someone in another language via Phone, FaceTime, or Messages with real-time translation, though it may feel a bit choppy based on Apple’s demos.
- Polls in Group Chats: Simplify group decisions—like picking a dinner spot—with easy-to-create polls in Messages.
- Unknown Sender Filter: Say goodbye to spam texts about fake tolls; they’ll now land in a separate folder.
- Visual Intelligence: Snap a screenshot of that stylish gadget in an Instagram post, and this feature will help you find it online—ideal for deal hunters!
- Photos Tabs Return: Rejoice! Library and Collections get their own tabs again, ending the endless scroll.
- FaceTime Safety Feature: A new “Communication Safety” tool pauses video if nudity is detected, using on-device processing for privacy.
- Lock Screen Enhancements: Enjoy a sharper clock, 3D wallpapers, more widgets, and improved focus modes.
- Hold Assist makes waiting on hold a breeze.
What’s New in iPadOS 26?
iPad users aren’t left out—here’s what’s coming this fall:
- Multitasking with Real Windowing: Run multiple apps side by side, resizing and moving them as needed. This optional feature can be disabled if it’s not your style.
- Visual Update: The Liquid Glass design refreshes the lock and home screens, plus drop-down menus.
- New Menu Bar: Swipe down to access a streamlined bar with File, Edit, and Search options.
Check our first impressions of iPadOS 26 for more details!
AirPods Updates with iOS 26
AirPods are getting a boost too:
- Enhanced Audio Recording: Enjoy “studio-quality” clarity, even in noisy settings.
- Camera Remote Control: Snap photos or start videos with a single AirPods press, complete with a three-second countdown.
Which Devices Support iOS 26?
Some older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won’t make the cut, but any iPhone from 2019 onward is eligible. Here’s the list:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
The upcoming iPhone 17 series, likely unveiled in September, will also ship with iOS 26.
How to Install the iOS 26 Beta
The iOS 26 public beta is ready for download via the Apple Beta Software Program. Not a member yet? Sign up for free at beta.apple.com using your phone number or email.
- Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Select the iOS 26 public beta option.
- Download and install.
Caution: Avoid using your primary device unless you’re comfortable with potential bugs, as this is pre-release software.
When Will iOS 26 Launch Officially?
Expect iOS 26 to drop this fall, typically in September, a week after the iPhone event. Last year, iOS 18 launched on September 16, following the iPhone 16 announcement. Stay tuned for Apple Intelligence details from WWDC, and explore how iOS 26 screenshots hint at Siri’s future.
Update, August 8: Added iPadOS 26 and AirPods updates.
Update, August 6: Included beta 5’s bouncy animations.
Update, August 4: Noted potential ChatGPT rival.
Update, August 1: Added Apple exec comments.
Update, July 31: Mentioned iOS 18.6 release.
Update, July 24: Confirmed public beta availability.
Update, July 3: Added FaceTime safety feature.
Update, June 30: Updated Siri delay and LLM rumors.
Update, June 25: Noted beta 2 transparency tweaks.
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