iOS 26: new design, smart AI and opportunities for your app

Apple has officially announced iOS 26. The update introduces Liquid Glass: a new visual layer, and Apple Intelligence, which includes a range of AI features running locally. Additionally, core apps such as Phone, Safari and Messages have been given functional updates. iOS 26 is now available for app developers and will be released to all users this autumn. What does this mean for your existing app, or if you're considering having an iOS app developed?

The new design: Liquid Glass

The most striking change is the design. Liquid Glass replaces static visual elements with a translucent, reflective layer that moves dynamically with the content. Think buttons, widgets and tab bars that shift and illuminate based on context, motion and lighting. The style is immediately visible on the lock screen, in Safari, Photos, Camera and Apple Music.

Apple provides new APIs for developers to apply these UI components. For users, the design brings clarity and calm, placing more emphasis on content. When you like to have an app created for iOS 26 by DTT, we design from day one with Liquid Glass as the foundation. This is crucial to your app’s success.

Apple Intelligence: on-device AI

Apple Intelligence introduces AI features that run directly on the device. In the Messages app, incoming messages can be screened and translated automatically. Visual AI recognises content on screen and converts it into actions – such as creating a calendar event or initiating a search. There's also an Image Playground, enabling users to generate visual content within conversations.

The strength lies in privacy: all processing is done on the device itself. For apps with dynamic interaction, this offers new opportunities. We advise clients on integrating these features – for example, in chat functions, notifications or contextual assistance. This ensures a native app is not only visually impressive but also smarter in operation.

Impact on existing apps: why testing is essential

The transition to iOS 26 brings not only new possibilities but also challenges. Due to the interface changes, existing apps may contain elements that no longer align well. For example, fixed tab bars that conflict with the new floating navigation, or overlays that don’t account for 3D backgrounds. Visual AI might respond unpredictably to outdated components.

At DTT, we test existing apps early for compatibility. That includes both functional testing under iOS 26 and visual checks for compliance with design conventions. Where necessary, we advise on redesigns, redevelopment or leveraging new APIs. This ensures existing apps continue to perform within the evolving user experience.

We also proactively support clients who have previously developed an app with us. We identify potential risks, suggest improvements and offer strategic input for future development. New clients looking to have an iOS app developed can benefit straight away from our up-to-date approach tailored to iOS 26.

Functional updates: CarPlay, Wallet and more

In addition to design and AI, there are updates to core apps. CarPlay now shows calls in a compact format and supports widgets and live activities. In Apple Wallet, boarding passes now include real-time flight updates, with direct links to walking routes and lost luggage tools. Apple Music introduces AutoMix – an AI feature that seamlessly blends tracks, including beatmatching.

There's also a new Games app that aggregates content from all your games. For apps in the entertainment or mobility sectors, this adds a new layer of engagement and interaction aligned with Apple’s system logic.

DTT is ready for iOS 26

As a digital agency, we follow Apple’s developments closely. With early access to beta versions and extensive experience handling past system transitions, we ensure our apps are future-proof – including under iOS 26.

We are already working with the developer version of iOS 26 and have tested our own apps for stability and design compliance. New features such as Live Translation, Visual AI and Liquid Glass can be implemented immediately in new projects. Thanks to our expertise with iOS updates, we make sure that apps developed today will meet tomorrow’s standards as well.

Want to future-proof your app or considering developing a new solution? At DTT, we think ahead – both technically and strategically – to deliver results aligned with the possibilities of iOS 26.

Have questions about your app on iOS 26 or curious how your app could look with Liquid Glass? Feel free to get in contact – we’d be happy to discuss your ideas.