iOS 26: Liquid Glass, Call Screening, and More – What's New?

Apple's iOS 26: A Sneak Peek at the Latest Features CUPERTINO, CA – Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) unveiled a host of new features for iOS 26, and CNET's Patrick Holland has given us a handy summary. The most striking visual change is the introduction of the 'Liquid Glass' design, which gives the interface a more transparent and reflective look. Beyond aesthetics, iOS 26 boasts significant improvements to the Messages app. These include the addition of background images for chats, group chat polls, and a new spam detection feature. Holland notes, "You get background images for chats, you get group chat polls, which is also very exciting." Live translation is another noteworthy addition, seamlessly integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls. The phone app itself has received a contemporary overhaul, and new tools such as call screening, which allows users to screen calls from unknown numbers, and a hold feature that automatically connects the call when a human answers, add to the overall user experience. Finally, the camera app has been simplified, allowing for quick switching between photo and video modes with easy access to more specific features via a swipe up. The iOS 26 developer beta is available now, with a public beta expected in July. Holland concludes, "And I look forward to testing it more."