iOS 26: A New Era of Design and Versioning

Apple announced iOS 26 on June 9, 2025,as its fifth way of mobile operating system. Apple’s new year-based versioning system: This release is the first to use the new Apple 1-year-equivalent naming model, and aligns iOS development with typical calendrical annual periods.

Liquid Glass: iOS 26 introduces the first notably visual change to iOS since the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013 Liquid Glass, inspired by the aesthetic and performance of glass; one which offers a more dynamic and fluid immersive visual experience. This would often include translucent layers, depth effects or smoother animations that create a fluid transition between screen elements.

It is the design language of our modern age — a unified visual identity across all Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS). For the first time in Apple’s history, all of its operating systems now have a unified, more consistent design language and it represents just how well-integrated and harmonious the Apple ecosystem is becoming.

Meanwhile, Apple also took the strategic decision to discontinue compatibility with older hardware in iOS 26 by dropping support for the iPhone XS models and iPhone XR. With this move, it totally leaves all devices concerning A12 Bionic so that in the days coming ahead future updates can avail from the full power of the facilities and features of new hardware.

iOS 26 is an aggressive leap into Apple’s idea of a harmonious, future-proof virtual experience on all its devices everywhere.