iOS 26 Review: Liquid Glass Design, AI Tools, and Smarter CarPlay

Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, a system update that blends futuristic design with powerful AI features and major improvements to CarPlay. Whether you’re curious about the Liquid Glass design, Apple’s new AI tools, or the compatibility of iOS 26 CarPlay with aftermarket solutions, here’s everything you need to know.

A New Era of Design: Liquid Glass

The iOS 26 interface debuts Apple’s Liquid Glass theme. Icons, menus, and widgets now carry a translucent, glass-like effect that adapts dynamically to wallpapers and lighting. Users can switch between Clear, Light, and Dark modes, or go full Black & White for color-blind accessibility.

This design isn’t just cosmetic—it improves legibility for drivers and users with visual impairments.

Accessibility for Everyone

Apple expanded accessibility in iOS 26:

• Color blindness modes for red-green and low-contrast vision

• Improved text scaling for easier readability

• Audio comfort profiles for safer long listening sessions

• Braille Access support for blind users

This makes iOS 26 one of the most inclusive operating systems ever released.

Apple Intelligence: AI at Work

iOS 26 integrates Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI system, which introduces:

• Smart Summaries for emails and messages

• Genmoji (AI-generated emojis)

• Visual Intelligence that turns screenshots into actions

• Customizable AI engines (on-device, ChatGPT, or private cloud)

These tools streamline everyday workflows—though some require newer iPhones (15 Pro or later).

The iOS 26 CarPlay Update

For drivers, CarPlay gets its biggest redesign in years:

• Liquid Glass interface with adaptive Clear, Dark, or Auto modes

• Widgets support for clocks, music, and Live Activities

• Larger fonts and contrast-aware colors for safer driving

⚠️ Early testers noted compatibility issues with certain infotainment systems. If your factory radio is older, CarPlay may appear too small or fail to load. Apple is expected to fix these bugs in coming patches.

💡 Tip: If your current head unit doesn’t support iOS 26 CarPlay properly, you can still upgrade with an aftermarket solution like the SCUMAXCON RCD360 PRO3S head unit — an OEM-style system with built-in wireless CarPlay & Android Auto designed for Volkswagen models.

Security and Privacy First

iOS 26 also strengthens iPhone security:

• Recovery Assistant for easier troubleshooting

• Quantum-secure TLS to protect future internet connections

• Accessory permissions for connected devices

• Centralized blocked contacts hub

Other iOS 26 Highlights

• Screenshots & screen recording now support HDR

• eSIM transfer between iPhone and Android without QR codes

• Podcasts app adds “Conversation Boost” clarity mode

• Wallet supports real-time flight info and digital passports

• Games app becomes a central hub for App Store & Apple Arcade

Should You Upgrade?

If you want a modern look, smarter AI, and improved CarPlay, iOS 26 is a strong upgrade. But drivers should confirm compatibility with their car systems before updating.

If your current infotainment system doesn’t fully support the new CarPlay interface, consider a retrofit CarPlay solution like the SCUMAXCON CarPlay head unit or portable CarPlay screens. These devices ensure full support for iOS 26 features, without waiting for car manufacturers to catch up.

Final Thoughts

iOS 26 proves Apple is looking beyond incremental updates—it’s setting the stage for an AI-powered, design-driven, driver-friendly future.

For iPhone users and car enthusiasts alike, this update is more than software—it’s a new way to interact with technology, at home and on the road.