Comparison between iOS 18 and iOS 26: Impact of Liquid Glass on Your iPhone's Appearance
Tomorrow, Apple is set to announce the latest iteration of its mobile operating system, iOS 26. This update promises a noticeable change in the user interface, with the new design language, Liquid Glass, taking centre stage.
Liquid Glass doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does subtly enhance the user experience. The digital clock, for instance, dynamically resizes depending on the wallpaper and the number of notifications. The icons on the home screen look slightly larger, and the controls at the bottom appear more like physical buttons with depth and a see-through background. The home screen also boasts a more transparent and sheened dock background and search option.
One of the most noticeable changes is the new unlock effect, which simulates lifting a sheet of glass with a shiny edge. The background on notifications is near-transparent and uses white text, making them easier to read.
But there's more to iOS 26 than just a new design. The dynamic tab bars change depending on scrolling or specific actions, aiming to create a more intuitive experience. Buttons and menus will adapt depending on the content’s background colour, and in some apps, they resemble Google's dynamic tab bars in Android 16.
The photos app will feature a more extensive background color adaptation for buttons and menus compared to iOS 18. This adaptation was first seen in a less dramatic version in iOS 18, but in iOS 26, it's set to be a standout feature.
Three major new features in iOS 26 are attracting more attention than the Liquid Glass design. These include call filtering for unknown numbers with waiting queue assistance, enhanced messaging capabilities including polls and background customization, and Apple Music now offering song lyrics translation. Additionally, there are new features like Visited Places in Apple Maps, package tracking in Wallet, advanced AirPods integration for remote camera control and high-quality audio recording, and the introduction of the Apple Games App for personalized gaming experiences.
For those who did not install the iOS 26 beta, the changes compared to iOS 18 are eagerly anticipated. With its sleeker design and a host of new features, iOS 26 promises to be an exciting update for Apple users. Stay tuned for more details as we get them tomorrow.
