The pros and cons of updating your iPhone with iOS 26
The new iOS 26 will be available in developer beta this month, and showcases a new 'liquid glass' look for the operating system.
The update is known as iOS 26 thanks to next year being 2026, and Apple will also rebrand Mac OS and WatchOS in the same way.
Apple's Tim Cook described it as, "Expressive. Delightful. But still instantly familiar."
Expressive. Delightful. But still instantly familiar.Introducing our new software design with Liquid Glass. pic.twitter.com/8hA0q2aCTf
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 9, 2025
Users on social media were quick to criticise the new look, which Apple described in a release as being "crafted with liquid glass — a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, bringing greater focus to content, and delivering a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more.
'The new design extends to the home screen and lock screen, making them more personal and expressive than ever.
Alan Dye, Apple's vice president of Human Interface Design, has described the update as 'the broadest software design update ever' from the company, saying: 'It combines the optical qualities of glass with a fluidity only Apple can achieve, as it transforms depending on your content or context.'
The new liquid glass interface streamlines and simplifies apps like safari, camera and photos, helping users to focus.
It adds transparent overlays and animation effects, including transparent app icons.
Apple Intelligence is also more tightly integrated into the OS with functions like live translation built into apps.
The new look is inspired by the visionOS software inside Apple's expensive vision pro headset.
The look is translucent, with the option for translucent icons and windows that Apple says, 'behave like glass in the real world.'
But despite the flashy new look, Apple claims it will not impact battery life.
Apple has significantly revamped the phone experience, with call screening, showing users details of the caller on screen, and the option to screen messages in messages.
A new layout in the phone app gathers favourites, recents and voicemails into one screen.
A new hold assist alerts on-hold users when a live agent is available.
The look represents a radical departure for the OS, and many users are not happy about it.
One user complained on X that the new liquid glass "looks abysmal and is a perfect example of focusing on form/prettiness/design over of functionality/readability/practicality".
Another wrote: "Steve Jobs would never have approved of this. Liquid glass seemed cool when I first saw it, but in reality it's just annoying to my eyes in most cases."
the new liquid glass looks abysmal and is a perfect example of focusing on form/prettiness/design over of functionality/readability/practicality like, what are we doing here pic.twitter.com/4UH2ZmQzGG
— puddi (@puddi) June 9, 2025
Steve Jobs would of never approved this.Liquid glass seemed cool when I first saw it, but in reality it's just annoying to my eyes in most cases. pic.twitter.com/u8ksIPwJnm
— Joey 👟 (@SolanaJoeyy) June 10, 2025
It remains possible that Apple will tone down the liquid glass effects before the software leaves beta testing, but as it stands it looks like an extremely radical reinvention.
Users have already expressed fears that the software may not run well on older devices, or devices with weak batteries.
My 85% battery health iPhone 13 trying to run Liquid Glass on iOS 26 pic.twitter.com/zbupWb1X17
— GSX (@GigaSyntax) June 9, 2025
Other users have voiced concerns over the widespread use of AI in the device.
Apple AI was widely criticised at launch, and will now be integrated into almost every part of the operating system, with users able to search and take action using AI inside any app.
AI is now baked into many functions of the operating system, with users able to ask ChatGPT questions about what they are looking at on screen.
Live translation will be built into messages, facetime and phone, and is able to translate in real-time between different languages.
Visual intelligence also recognises when users are looking at events, and offers a suggestion to instantly add it to the calendar.
Users can now also send Apple cash within chats.
Apple Intelligence is now baked into maps, so that, for instance, the app can warn of delays on a user's usual route home.
There are also updates to child accounts, making it easier for parents to limit screen time and block sensitive content.
The new software will be available to developers this month, and a public beta test will be available in July.
Different beta releases will continue on both developer and public beta tests through summer.
Apple usually releases new versions of iOS to the public in September, alongside the new crop of iPhones.
This new iOS is a radical reinvention, so there is a possibility of delay, but the third week of September seems the likeliest time for launch.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple's next AI move could change everything for Siri
Apple's next AI move could change everything for Siri originally appeared on TheStreet. Siri, we need to talk! Apple's () once-glorified assistant has fallen way behind flashier AI like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. 💵💰💰💵 These days, it seems it's stuck in 2015, while other AI models rewrite the game. Apple's assistant continues tinkering with features but rarely delivers the lightning-quick, context-aware replies we're seeing on ChatGPT-powered platforms. However, after years of stunted updates and stiff competition from Google, OpenAI, and Amazon, Siri is potentially on the brink of a reinvention, redefining Apple Intelligence in the process. So here we are: Siri, would you reinvent yourself with an AI ringer behind the curtain? Whispers suggest this gamble could pay off and finally turn Apple stock's fortunes around. Siri was arguably Apple's secret sauce. It felt ahead of its time, a futuristic sidekick that wowed users back in 2011. Talking to your phone at the time felt like something straight out of a sci-fi flick. It made stuff like reminders, texts, and smart home tricks hands-free long before anyone else really nailed it. Fast forward to now, and Siri's crown has slipped. At the same time, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok have all evolved into sharp, context-savvy bots. Apple tried to turn things around with its massive 'Apple Intelligence' rebrand in mid-2024, backed by savvy on-device models and proactive by Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference 2025, Siri was basically missing in action, with Apple hyping new real-time translation and visual lookup. Even Marketing SVP Greg Joswiak admitted Siri flopped quality checks this cycle, a major letdown for Apple users and stockholders alike. Meanwhile, rivals like Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT have surged ahead in generative smarts. However, it looks like Apple's finally ready to flip the script. Recent reports suggest that Siri's brain power could potentially be outsourced, marking a major U-turn for a company that has looked to build everything in-house. Also, the shake-up follows big leadership moves, too. More Tech Stock News: Veteran Tesla analyst makes boldest robotaxi call yet Tesla robotaxi launch hits major speed bump Amazon aims to crush Elon Musk's Robotaxi AI boss John Giannandrea's out; Mike Rockwell is now steering 'Apple Intelligence.' Wall Street's into it, with Apple stock in the green. Nevertheless, balancing this pivot with privacy promises could make or break Apple's AI comeback. Apple is exploring a major Siri upgrade, but it might not come from Apple's own AI lab. According to fresh reports, the Cupertino giant is looking to ink deals to power Siri's next chapter with OpenAI or Anthropic. That's a seismic shift for a business that prides itself on developing everything in-house. Apple shares popped 2% on the news, signaling Wall Street likes the idea of Siri finally getting smarter. The company has reportedly asked both OpenAI and Anthropic to train AI models that can run on Apple's cloud servers. That essentially means a much faster rollout and fewer AI also hints that Apple's own generative AI tech might not be up to snuff. Still, these are early days. Apple's already shelling out billions to run its own models in the cloud starting next year. Hence, the backup plan might just be insurance. It's important to note that this isn't the first time Big Tech has borrowed AI brains. Samsung used Google's Gemini for its smartphones, and Amazon's Alexa tapped Anthropic's Claude. If Apple follows suit, OpenAI or Anthropic could lock in another blue-chip customer, pushing both further ahead in the AI arms race. More importantly, Siri's long-awaited glow-up might actually deliver this time. In addition, Apple stock hasn't had the best of years on the stock market. It's down more than 17% year to date, and close to 18% in the past six months next AI move could change everything for Siri first appeared on TheStreet on Jul 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple glasses just tipped for 2027 launch — here's everything we know
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. We've heard a bunch of rumors about Apple's plans for smart glasses, and other wearable head gear, but those plans may be grander than we initially thought. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has at least 7 different head-bound devices in development right now. According to the analyst's report, "Apple views head-mounted devices as the next major trend in consumer electronics." Which may explain why it's putting so much work into developing different options. Apparently this includes three Vision series products and four different kinds of smart glasses. None of these are expected to arrive in 2026, and the first releases are planned to arrive from 2027. Kuo claims that 5 of these products have "confirmed development timelines," while the final 2 are still TBD. The first new product set to arrive is apparently the Ray-Ban-like smart glasses, with projected shipments of 3-5 million units in 2027. However, he believes an M5-powered Vision Pro, which is otherwise unchanged from the current model, is set to go into mass production in Q3 of this year. Kuo claims that these glasses will have no display functionality — instead relying on audio playback, cameras, video recording and an AI that can analyze the world around you. There will also apparently be voice and gesture controls to go along with it. Kuo's report predicts that a lightweight "Vision Air" will enter mass production in Q3 2027, with a 40% reduction in weight, lower price tag and "Apple's latest flagship iPhone processor." Meanwhile, the 2nd generation Vision Pro is expected to arrive in late 2028, with a new lighter design, a lower price and a "Mac-grade processor." In terms of glasses, late 2028 is also when Kuo predicts a set of XR glasses will arrive, complete with a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) color display — plus voice and gesture controls. AI support is said to be critical to its success. Some kind of tethered display accessory is also said to have been in development, but has been paused since last year. Apparently, this was delayed because it doesn't have what Apple needs to better compete with rival products. It's unclear what the final seventh device actually is, and Kuo doesn't go into details about what might be involved. Between Meta's Project Orion AR glasses and current Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, Google's Android XR glasses, Samsung's Project Moohan and upstarts like Xreal, Apple really has its work cut our for it. The competition is heating up, and right now 2027 seems like a very long way away. Samsung just tipped to show off Project Moohan headset during Galaxy Unpacked in July Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is real — and after months of cloud gaming, I'd choose it over an actual Xbox Samsung's tri-fold Galaxy G Fold could appear at Unpacked — what we know
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple Music to Open 15,000-Square-Foot Studio in L.A.
Apple announced a new Los Angeles studio for its Apple Music division, touting it as the company's 'most ambitious creative project to date.' The Apple Music L.A. studio space, a three-story facility spanning more than 15,000 square feet, is slated to open later this summer — coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of Apple Music's June 2015 debut. It's located in Culver City in the Hayden Tract neighborhood. Nearby, the tech giant is building a 550,000-square-foot building complex on the border of Culver City and the City of Los Angeles, which will serve as its headquarters for the region and Apple TV+. More from Variety Apple's Latest iPad Air Model Is on Sale for Its Lowest Price Ever Beats Discounts Latest Headphones by Nearly Half Off for Limited Time The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds Are Marked Down, Ahead of Father's Day: Here's Where to Buy a Pair Online A central feature of the Apple Music L.A. studio is a 4,000-square-foot soundstage for live performances, multicam shoots, fan events and screenings. The facility has 'two advanced radio studios' with immersive Spatial Audio playback and adaptable setups for 'live interviews, casual chats, or impromptu performances.' There's a dedicated Spatial Audio mixing room outfitted with a 9.2.4 PMC speaker system as well as a photo and social media lab, edit room and green room. In addition, the L.A. studio has 'private isolation booths' for songwriting, podcasting, and one-on-one interviews. The building also has 'The A-List Corridor' and 'Archive Corridor,' showcasing images and artwork of 'unforgettable moments from Apple Music's past and present.' According to the company, the new L.A. studio will 'anchor' a global network of Apple Music's creative hubs already active in locations including New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris and Nashville, with additional studios 'coming soon.' 'Apple Music Radio has always been a home for storytelling and artistry, serving as a space for bold conversations and surprising moments,' Rachel Newman, who was recently appointed Apple Music's co-head, said in a statement. 'With this new studio, we are furthering our commitment to creating a space for artists to create, connect, and share their vision.' To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Apple Music Radio is featuring week of specials and live programming. That includes the unveiling of the service's top 500 most-streamed songs over the last 10 years in a special countdown beginning on Tuesday, July 1; 100 songs will be announced per day, culminating with Apple Music's top 100 most-streamed songs to date on July 5. Apple Music is also launching Replay All Time, a special version of the annual Replay experience that allows listeners to see and stream the songs they've played the most since joining Apple Music. Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
