iOS 19 Leak Reveals iOS 26's Unseen Design

Apple has introduced two significant changes to the iPhone operating system this year. The first is the renaming of the expected iOS 19 to iOS 26, as Apple now aligns its software numbers with the next year for all operating systems. The second change is the debut of Apple's most substantial design overhaul in years, called Liquid Glass. This new design is available across all devices. However, Liquid Glass has sparked considerable controversy among iPhone users since its introduction at WWDC 2025. A recent leak offers a glimpse into what iOS 26 might have looked like without the Liquid Glass design.

AppleInsider obtained images of an iPhone 16 Pro prototype running an early version of iOS 26, labeled as iOS 19. The exact date of the build is unknown, but the images suggest that the Liquid Glass UI was already embedded in the software, even though it wasn't activated. Without Liquid Glass enabled, the iPhone 16 Pro test device appears similar to one running iOS 18. The report notes that the "Sensitive UI" setting is enabled, which should activate Liquid Glass effects. However, the apps do not display any translucent elements or fluid effects. Additionally, the apps on the development iPhone are not representative of what users would experience on a commercial iPhone 16 Pro model.

The images show various apps that Apple software engineers use while working on unreleased iOS versions. The blog also mentions that the Livability app contains an active Solarium feature flag, indicating that Apple was working on Liquid Glass. However, the feature was not enabled on the test device.

• The Livability app is an internal tool used by Apple engineers to manage feature flags in iOS development versions.
• The images reveal several menus in the Livability app covering different iOS development milestones, including features in development for WWDC 2025 and beyond.
• The iOS 19 build includes a PurpleRestore 4 mobile app, which has not been seen on an iPhone before. This app may be linked to a new iPhone capability allowing users to restore their device using a nearby iPhone. PurpleRestore is an internal app used by Apple to flash firmware to iPhones and other devices.

Previous reports have connected Solarium and Sensitive UI to Liquid Glass. Solarium is Apple's codename for the Liquid Glass design, while Sensitive UI is the switch that enables it. Last month, BetaWiki shared screenshots from a TikTok video showing an iPhone 15 Pro Max running an iOS 26 version labeled as iOS 19 with Sensitive UI turned off. This clip is still available on TikTok, as shown below. BetaWiki speculated that Liquid Glass was disabled on this device to prevent leaks. The video shows an iOS 19 experience similar to iOS 18, although some iOS 26 features, such as the new battery usage details in the Settings app, are visible.

The images obtained by AppleInsider are more intriguing. They showcase the Livability app, revealing various menus related to different iOS development milestones, including features being developed for WWDC 2025, fall of 2026, and others. The WWDC 2026 and 2027 milestones are also mentioned, though no specific flags are associated with them.

The first iOS 27 leaks indicate that Apple will focus on performance improvements next year, including enhancements to Liquid Glass. Additionally, Apple is expected to release a major iOS 26.4 update in the spring, which should introduce a redesigned Siri experience.