iOS 26 beta preview: Liquid Glass is better than you think

Here is a 177-word summary of the news article: Apple's upcoming iOS 26 update brings a major visual overhaul dubbed "Liquid Glass," which features transparent and layered design elements. While the initial beta builds were messy, subsequent updates have refined the new look. The update also relocates the search bar to the bottom of the screen, making it more accessible. The iOS 26 camera app has been simplified, stripping away advanced modes while keeping key settings accessible. Apple's AI-powered Visual Intelligence can now analyze and interact with screenshots, allowing users to quickly extract information. Other improvements include better audio quality and noise reduction for AirPods, as well as new customization options for Genmoji avatars. However, the update lacks substantial upgrades to Siri, and the new Games app seems unnecessary. Overall, iOS 26 focuses on design consistency and quality-of-life improvements across Apple's ecosystem, rather than significant AI or feature additions. The Liquid Glass aesthetic is the main visual highlight, though some initial issues have been addressed in later beta builds.