iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 introduce a broad range of new features, design changes, and enhancements focused on system-wide aesthetics, Apple Intelligence, communication, productivity, and overall user experience.
iOS 26 New Features
Design and Interface:
- A new system-wide Liquid Glass design reflects light and refracts what is underneath, with dynamic tab bars and toolbars that morph to provide more tools or show more screen content.
- Animations have been added system-wide when accessing Control Center, Lock Screen, and various UI controls like buttons, sliders, and switches, all adopting a reflective Liquid Glass look.
- App icons now feature a layered glass appearance with options to have clear glass-like icons.
- The Lock Screen time display adapts dynamically to wallpaper and notification layout, and the font size of the time can be adjusted with a new layering effect that brings subject depth to photos.
- UI elements such as buttons, keyboard, menus, and navigation bars feature a more rounded appearance.
Apple Intelligence Enhancements:
- Live Translation is now available for calls, texts in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, providing live translated captions and spoken translations. It also supports in-person communication translation with AirPods Pro models.
- Users can create custom Genmoji by mixing two or more emoji or through descriptive text, with options to change expressions and designs.
- New Visual Intelligence capabilities allow learning more about what is viewed on the iPhone screen through enhanced recognition features.
- Image Playground enables creation and editing of original backgrounds and images.
Communication Improvements:
- Messages include features to customize conversation backgrounds and use new emoji combinations.
- The Phone app sees an overhaul with a unified view combining favorites, recents, and voicemails. Users can pin favorite contacts to the top and the tab bar features a floating Liquid Glass design.
- Face ID failure animations have been improved to respond faster with smooth transitions.
- Call Screening in the Phone app has been enhanced, improving the owner's control over incoming calls.
Additional Functionalities:
- The keyboard and markup tools receive refreshed animations and new interactive effects.
- Notifications and pop-ups adopt a Liquid Glass aesthetic, maintaining wallpaper visibility beneath.
- Control Center enjoys refined animations and an improved layout to better optimize usage.
- Apple Playback introduces an Auto Mix feature, and improvements have been made to AirPods such as pausing playback when the user falls asleep.
- Apps like Apple Podcasts have received updates improving user experience.
macOS Tahoe 26 New Features
Design and Visuals:
- macOS Tahoe introduces Liquid Glass design elements â a transparent menu bar, sidebars, and toolbars that reflect and refract content, creating a fresher yet familiar visual experience.
- System UI elements, including windows, app icons, toggles, sliders, and settings, are more rounded and adopt a muted, frosty Liquid Glass aesthetic.
- Desktop widgets are now available and can be placed freely on the desktop outside of the Notification Center, supporting both native and third-party apps with Liquid Glass styling.
- Folder customization allows users to customize folder appearance with unique colors, emoji, or symbols for easier identification.
Control Center and Personalization:
- Control Center is introduced on macOS with broad customization options for control items, layouts, spacing, and the ability to pin specific controls directly to the menu bar.
- Controls from Mac, iPhone, and third-party apps can be added, arranged, and grouped in pages.
Spotlight Enhancements:
- Spotlight has been significantly upgraded to include multiple tabs such as clipboard history, applications, files, and customizable actions accessible through keyboard shortcuts.
- Quick Keys allow for shortcut snippets for common tasks like composing messages, running shortcuts, or interacting with third-party apps directly from Spotlight, streamlining workflows for all levels of users.
Automation:
- Automation is integrated more deeply via Shortcuts and Spotlight with the ability to set automatic triggers based on time, file saving, Do Not Disturb status, and accessory connection.
- This facilitates streamlined workflows with automatic shortcut execution, enhancing productivity.
Continuity Features:
- Live Activities from iPhone can now be viewed directly on the macOS menu bar.
- Clicking on a Live Activity opens iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to control their iPhone without physical interaction.
Communication and Translation:
- Live Translation is available across macOS including text messages, FaceTime live captions, and spoken phone call translation.
- These translation features work entirely on-device, preserving privacy.
Additional Functionalities:
- Widgets and the Control Center come with new Liquid Glass styling and animations.
- Systemwide UI updates include smoother animations and refined elements, improving overall user interaction.