At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled significant operating system updates for its product lineup, including iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and iPadOS 26. A standout feature of these updates is Apple’s innovative Liquid Glass design. For those eager to get a glimpse of this new aesthetic, there are wallpapers available for iPadOS 26.

Liquid Glass represents a major shift in Apple’s user interface, marking one of the most significant changes since the introduction of iOS 7. Originally, iOS utilized a skeuomorphic design, mimicking physical objects in its digital interfaces—such as making the Camera app icon resemble a real camera lens. However, with iOS 7, Apple embraced a more modern visual style.

The new Liquid Glass design takes this a step further, adopting a futuristic look that mimics transparency and smoothness. Alongside this design overhaul, Apple has introduced new wallpapers that align with the updated aesthetic across iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26. These wallpapers embody a modern and minimalist vibe, reminiscent of the sleek glass utilized in Apple’s physical retail locations.

Interestingly, this Liquid Glass design is thought to foreshadow changes for the 2027 iPhone, coinciding with the device’s 20th anniversary. Beyond the visual updates, iPadOS 26 brings substantial improvements to its functionality. Historically, iPads functioned similarly to large iPhones, but Apple has steadily refined the system to enhance multitasking capabilities.

With this latest version, changes include a redesigned cursor that resembles the standard arrow seen on macOS, allowing for more precise interactions. Additionally, newly introduced features like a menu bar and a revamped windowing system facilitate easier window management, making the iPad experience more akin to using a traditional computer.