Have you installed iOS 26 on your iPhone? Apple has released its latest operating system, which has given its technology a brand-new look.
Just some of the most notable changes include the design of your Lock and Home Screen and new Apple Intelligence, Camera and Message features.
However, there is one new element of iOS 26 that’s got people talking, the launch of Liquid Glass - a translucent effect which has been made to make “everything you do feel fluid”.
The feature really does act as “liquid glass,” but how do you turn it on? Follow our step-by-step guide.
Can the iPhone 11 update to iOS 26?
Firstly, you need to update your iPhone with iOS 26, the operating system is compatible with the following models, including the iPhone 11:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
What is Liquid Glass design on an iPhone?
The new material, Liquid Glass, is translucent and “behaves like glass in the real world”.
Apple shares that its colour is informed by surrounding content and intelligently adapts between light and dark environments.
The tech giant explains: “Born out of a close collaboration between the design and engineering teams, Liquid Glass uses real-time rendering and dynamically reacts to movement with specular highlights.
“This creates a lively experience that makes using iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV even more delightful.”
It adds: “This gorgeous new material extends from the smallest elements users interact with every day - like buttons, switches, sliders, text, and media controls - to larger elements, including tab bars and sidebars for navigating apps.
“It also shines in system experiences, such as the Lock Screen, Home Screen, notifications, Control Centre, and more.”
How do you turn on Liquid Glass on iPhone?
- Long-press on the Home Screen and tap “Edit” in the left-hand corner to enter editing mode
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- Tap “Customise” and select a "Clear" option (Clear Light, Clear Dark, or Auto) to apply the effect to your app icons and app groups
- Change the colour of your apps when using the “Tinted” option to suit your iPhone wallpaper
Looks pretty cool, doesn’t it? Let us know what you think of the Liquid Glass setting on your iPhone when installing iOS 26.
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