Apple recently unveiled the next update to its operating systems, and it’s striking that iOS will upgrade from version 18 to 26 moving directly to version 26. Why is this? Apparently, there are two reasons. The first is that Apple wants its product versions to have the same number; currently, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and macOS 15 all have different versions. And why 26? Because of the year. Although the new version of iOS will be officially released in September 2025, that version will be around for practically the entire year of 2026.
And here you might be wondering, what does this have to do with Christianity? Well, you’ll be surprised by the analogies and insights we can draw from the new features in iOS 26. Let’s begin:
1. Transparency: LiquidGlass
iOS 26 introduces the “LiquidGlass” redesign, a translucent interface that reveals layers and context. The transparencies used in this design remind us that the Christian life is called to be transparent to God and the human beings around us:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” (Psalm 139:23).
“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 20:27).
2. Apple Intelligence vs. Divine Wisdom
iOS 26’s artificial intelligence now includes live translation, Visual Intelligence, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration, all designed to help users make informed decisions. These are tools that will make your life easier. Imagine your spiritual life with the wisdom that comes from God.
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17).
️ 3. Privacy, control and the heart
iOS 26 improves privacy (Private Relay, Local Processing, Call and Spam Filtering). Just as iOS continues to close the door on everything unwanted, protect your heart and mind even more:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). Draw a parallel between app firewalls and the surveillance of the spiritual heart.
️ 4. Multitasking and spiritual focus
Thanks to iPadOS 26, the iPad will feature Mac-like multitasking, allowing you to view multiple apps on screen at the same time, just like you would on a Mac. Additionally, Focus mode has been improved in iOS 26 to enhance filtering in Messages and Phone:
Chats from strangers go directly to a separate folder and won’t show notifications until you accept.
The call screening feature is smarter at detecting who is calling and why.
Apple Intelligence collaborates with Focus to summarize notifications and prioritize the most relevant ones.
Focus mode no longer just mutes notifications—it now actively manages what and who can interrupt you.
Just as Focus mode got that upgrade to help you focus better, you should also be focused on your spiritual life:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).
Focus, block out distractions, read the Bible, pray, fast, and connect more with God.
5. Live Translation → Reconciliation and Unity
iOS 26 offers simultaneous translation for calls, messages, and FaceTime. Can you imagine this technology in the days of the Tower of Babel?
