A new iOS 26 leak reveals Apple’s biggest UI redesign since iOS 7, featuring pop-out menus, a transparent Safari revamp, refreshed widgets, and more.
iOS 26 Redesign: What to Expect from Apple’s Biggest Interface Overhaul Since iOS 7
With WWDC 2025 just around the corner, anticipation is building, and now, thanks to a fresh report from Bloomberg, we’ve got a much clearer picture of what iOS 26 will look like. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be shiny, sleek, and like nothing we’ve seen from iOS since the flat design shift in 2013.
A New Era of iOS Design, Inspired by visionOS
Apple is borrowing heavily from the visual language of visionOS, the operating system behind its Vision Pro headset. According to the report, the iOS 26 interface will be built around “digital glass” elements, so expect lighter themes, more transparency, and smoother visual layering throughout the system.
You’ll notice the shift almost everywhere:
- Toolbars and tab bars are getting a fresh coat of paint with cleaner layouts and translucency.
- Buttons and app icons will see subtle tweaks, although their shape will largely remain the same.
- Pop-out menus will offer quicker navigation options, just tap a button, and contextual actions appear.
Widget Makeover and Safari Gets a New Shine
Widgets on the Home Screen are also getting a facelift to better match the updated interface. While they’ll function the same, visually, they’ll blend better with the system’s new aesthetic.
Safari is another area of focus in iOS 26. The browser will reportedly sport a “more transparent and glassy” address bar, helping it feel more immersive and in line with the system-wide design theme.
The Phone App Gets a Smart New Layout (Optional!)
Apple isn’t forcing change where it’s not welcome. The Phone app will gain a slick new unified view combining favorites, call history, and voicemail, all in one scrollable interface. Not a fan? You’ll be able to stick with the classic layout.
Preview App Comes to iPhone and iPad
A longtime macOS staple, the Preview app will finally make its debut on iOS and iPadOS. You’ll be able to annotate PDFs, view a variety of file types, and manage documents more powerfully, no third-party apps required.
More New Features You Might Have Missed
Bloomberg’s report backs up earlier rumors and adds credibility to other expected iOS 26 features, including:
- A redesigned CarPlay experience
- Polls and auto-translate in Messages
- A standalone Apple Games app
- Updated Camera app features
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of the same-old iOS look, this year’s update is shaping up to be a visual breath of fresh air. Between the UI overhaul, smarter system apps, and some long-requested additions, iOS 26 is set to make a memorable debut when it’s officially revealed at WWDC 2025.
Comments