Product Update - iOS 26 beta 3 dials back Liquid Glass feature [1] Industry News - TechCrunch reports on iOS 26 beta 3 update [1]

Core Viewpoint - Apple has introduced a new generation of operating systems at WWDC 25, focusing on a unified naming convention and the largest interface redesign in history, featuring the new "Liquid Glass" design language [1][5][27]. Group 1: Unified Naming Convention - All six operating systems have been renamed to version "26": iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS 26, visionOS 26, and iPadOS 26, indicating that this version will be used until 2026 [2][3]. Group 2: Liquid Glass Design Language - The "Liquid Glass" design language introduces optical properties similar to glass, allowing for a semi-transparent effect that adapts to the environment's light conditions [5][29]. - The design blurs the lines between hardware and software, setting a new aesthetic standard for future products and user interactions [5]. Group 3: Interface Changes in iOS 26 - The main interface features a layered glass effect for app icons, creating a sense of depth and transparency [7][9]. - The Dock and search buttons have a transparent design, integrating seamlessly with the background, while app folders use a frosted glass effect that changes color based on the wallpaper [9][10]. - Users can edit wallpapers directly from the home screen, allowing for customization of colors and effects [18]. Group 4: Additional Features - The Control Center has been redesigned with a depth effect and light variations, enhancing the visual experience compared to iOS 18 [20]. - Web applications can now be added to the home screen and will open as dedicated web apps, improving accessibility [24]. - Two unannounced features are expected to be released later this year: real-time translation via AirPods and cross-device Wi-Fi credential synchronization [31][32].

Product Design - Introduces Liquid Glass, a new design combining glass optics with fluidity [1] - Features a new design, further details available via provided YouTube link [1] Event Information - Announcement made at WWDC25 [1]

Core Points - The announcement of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025 represents the most significant update since iOS 7, introducing a new cross-system UI design language called "Liquid Glass" that simulates a realistic glass texture on screens [1][5][16] - The "Liquid" aspect of the design emphasizes rich animations and dynamic effects, marking a departure from the flat design style that has been in place since iOS 7 [3][5] - iOS 26 features a new transparent icon style and variable fonts for the lock screen, enhancing the visual depth and interactivity of the interface [7][9] - The camera app has undergone a significant UI change, moving away from the flat design to a more nostalgic single-lens style, which may reflect a shift in design philosophy [11][13] - iPadOS 26 introduces a desktop-like multi-window functionality and improved file management, enhancing productivity and efficiency for users [16][18][20] - The update also includes a preview feature for documents, allowing users to view files directly in the file manager without needing to open them in compatible apps [20] - Despite the promising features, the developer beta version has been noted for having a high number of bugs, affecting user experience [22][23] Summary by Sections iOS 26 Features - The new "Liquid Glass" design language offers a realistic glass-like appearance, contrasting with the previous flat design [1][5] - Enhanced animations and effects are a key focus, providing a more dynamic user experience [3][5] - The introduction of a transparent icon style and variable fonts for the lock screen adds depth to the interface [7][9] Camera and Photo Management - The camera app's icon has reverted to a single-lens design, indicating a potential shift back to more tactile, nostalgic aesthetics [11][13] - The photo album has been simplified for easier navigation, and a new AI-driven "Spatial Scene" feature enhances photo depth perception [15] iPadOS 26 Enhancements - iPadOS 26 introduces a comprehensive multi-window feature, closely resembling desktop operating systems, improving multitasking capabilities [16][18] - File management has been upgraded with functionalities borrowed from macOS, including customizable folder icons [18][20] - The addition of a preview feature allows for quick document viewing directly within the file manager [20] Overall Assessment - The updates signify a major shift in both design and functionality for Apple's software platforms, aiming to enhance user experience and productivity [22][23]

New iOS Features - Apple announces iOS 26, a major redesign with a sleek, glass-like interface across lock screen, home screen, and redesigned apps like Camera and Safari, aiming for a bigger screen feel [1][2][3] - The new OS includes call screening for unknown numbers, hold assist, and live translation, features already present in Google and Samsung devices [5][6] - Messages are enhanced with typing indicators for group chats, polls, and customizable backgrounds [6] - Apple integrates AI, including visual intelligence for screenshots with search and ChatGPT integration, and opens on-device large language models to developers [7] - iOS 26 includes smaller updates like customizable alarm snooze times, camera lens cleaning alerts, and a redesigned CarPlay with widgets [8] User Experience and Design - The "liquid glass" design aims for a translucent, real-world glass-like feel, customizing app icons and redesigning popular apps [2] - Web pages in Safari will flow edge-to-edge, dynamically shrinking the tab bar to maximize content visibility [3] - Camera app receives a more intuitive design, simplifying photo and video capture modes [3] - The new design language will extend to macOS, iPadOS, CarPlay, and more [3] - Redesigns can initially face user resistance, as seen with iOS 7, but users typically adapt over time [4] Availability - iOS 26 will be available to the public this fall, with a public beta in July, supporting iPhones as far back as the iPhone 11 [9]

User Interface Design & Functionality - Liquid glass material adapts intelligently between light and dark environments, enhancing user experience [1] - Alerts appear from the point of user tap, streamlining interactions [2] - Context menus expand into easily scannable lists for improved navigation [2] - Tap bars shrink when scrolling to elevate content, instantly reappearing when scrolling up, creating a more intuitive experience [3] Visual Aesthetics & Customization - App icons are crafted with multiple layers of liquid glass, offering diverse visual options [3] - Icons come to life in light mode, dark mode, colorful new tints, or a clear look, providing customization [3]