“Liquid Glass” is Apple’s new interface design language for its latest operating systems, visually resembling liquid glass. This material makes interface elements more transparent and dynamic. Edges allow the background content to partially show through and react to both light and motion. As a result, control elements such as buttons and sliders appear more vivid and seamlessly adapt to the content in use. Application icons, notification windows, and other system components now feature a more modern and refined look. The “Liquid Glass” design also transitions smoothly between light and dark modes, with interface elements automatically adjusting their tone to the surrounding environment.
Apple’s new operating systems also introduce a number of important functional innovations. Among these are Apple Intelligence & Visual Intelligence technologies, which enhance the device’s ability to “understand” on-screen content and images. For instance, they can automatically translate text within images, recognize objects, and provide useful suggestions to the user. Updates have also been made to notifications, messaging, and phone features, including automatic translation in Messages, new options for group chats, and call screening capabilities. Safari, Photos, and the Camera app have all received upgrades as well: Safari features a refreshed design, Photos has been reorganized, and users can now convert 2D images into “3D Spatial Scenes.” For Mac users, productivity improvements include Spotlight, Shortcuts, and Live Activities to streamline workflows. In health and fitness, watchOS now offers features like Workout Buddy, a Sleep Score, and notifications for high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compatibility: Which devices are supported?
Apple’s new operating systems—iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26—are supported on a range of devices. Some of the advanced features, especially Apple Intelligence, require devices with more powerful processors.
- iOS 26 supports all iPhone 11 models and later, including the iPhone SE (2022). Mini models such as the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini are also supported.
- iPadOS 26 is compatible with iPad Pro models from 2018 onward, iPad Air models from 2019 onward, the standard iPad from 2020 onward, and iPad mini models from 2019 onward.
- watchOS 26 requires at least an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26, and is supported on Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, including SE 2, SE 3, and the Ultra series.
- macOS 26 (Tahoe) supports all Apple Silicon Macs, as well as certain older Intel models, such as the 2019 Mac Pro and some 2019–2020 MacBook Pro models.
Your provided information closely matches the official announcements. The only slight variation is with iPad support: in official lists, a few older yet still capable iPad models are included. However, the core principle remains unchanged—older, less powerful devices will not receive these updates.
