Free Download Apple's iOS 26, iPadOS 26 Default Wallpapers Here

At WWDC 2025, Apple didn't just renumber its flagship OS — jumping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 to align with the year — it also introduced a bold new visual direction. That shift comes into focus with a striking new wallpaper: the first glimpse of Apple’s fresh “Liquid Glass” aesthetic.

And yes — you can download it right now.

Official Apple iOS 26 Wallpapers

Official iPadOS 26 Wallpapers

Here's How to Download

Whether you're running the beta or not, getting these official wallpapers on your device is easy.

For iPhone/iPad:

1. Tap a wallpaper above.
2. Long-press the image > Tap “Save to Photos”.
3. Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper.
4. Choose your new background from your photo library.

For Mac/PC:

1. Click on a wallpaper above.
2. Right-click the image > “Save Image As”.
3. Transfer the image to your mobile device.
4. Set it manually via the device's settings or Photos app.

Pro tip: Lock Screen versions feature slightly altered contrast to ensure legibility of the clock and widgets.

A New Look, A New Number

The naming change is symbolic. This year’s OS aligns numerically with the calendar year for the first time, a move that brings iOS, iPadOS, and macOS into sync. But it’s the design language, not the number, that has people talking.

The “Liquid Glass” style—refined, layered, and more tactile—isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a taste of where the entire Apple UI is headed.

Fewer Wallpapers, More Intention

If you’re used to Apple flooding each major update with a handful of wallpapers, this year might feel a little... quiet. The initial iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 developer betas each include just one official wallpaper (per OS), available in Light and Dark variants. That’s right—just one.

But it’s purposeful.

This is less about quantity and more about theme. Apple seems to be emphasizing a unified design voice rather than releasing a grab-bag of abstract backgrounds. So far, the official options are:

• iOS 26 Default Wallpaper (Light + Dark)
• iPadOS 26 Default Wallpaper

The iPadOS version follows the same “Liquid Glass” motif but adjusts proportion and depth to better suit the larger display. For enthusiasts hoping for more, several community-designed “iOS 26-inspired” wallpapers are also available, echoing Apple’s visuals but in additional colorways like green, pink, red, grey, and bright yellow.

So, What Does ‘Liquid Glass’ Actually Look Like?

Imagine overlapping panes of frosted glass — softly tinted in seafoam green and powdery blue — floating on a creamy white canvas. Each shape subtly refracts light, giving the illusion of depth and motion without animation.

There’s a softness to it all, a kind of digital calm. You wouldn’t be wrong to describe it as minimalist, but it’s not sterile. It's quietly confident — and unmistakably Apple.

Compatible Devices and Resolution

The wallpapers are optimized for the latest display hardware, with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, making them ideal for iPhones with Super Retina XDR displays.

Apple confirmed that iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and newer, while iPadOS 26 continues support for iPads released in the past few years, though specific model compatibility varies.

Quick Q&A: Everything Else You Might Be Wondering

Q: Can I use these wallpapers on Android or older iPhones?

A: Yes. You may need to crop or scale the image, but the wallpapers work fine on non-Apple devices too.

Q: Are there matching wallpapers for iPhone 16?

A: Yes — Apple released iPhone 16 and 16 Pro wallpapers separately. Check your device’s support page or visit Apple’s media portal.

Q: Why so few wallpapers this year?

A: Apple hasn’t said. But given the focus on unity and simplicity in iOS 26, this may be a deliberate shift rather than an oversight.

The Bigger Picture

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are more than cosmetic upgrades. Beyond the wallpaper, Apple is rolling out major enhancements like:

• A dedicated Games app
• UI updates to Camera, Safari, and Phone
• Expanded CarPlay features
• Improvements to Apple Music, Wallet, and Maps
• New live translation tools
• Deeper integration of Apple Intelligence — though, interestingly, it wasn’t the focal point this time

With such substantial changes, the new wallpaper feels like a calm before the storm. A digital breath, if you will, before we jump into all that’s new.

Final Thoughts

Sure, it’s just a wallpaper — but when Apple releases a single image to represent an entire OS update, it’s never just about the pixels. It’s about design philosophy, user experience, and brand identity.

And honestly? They nailed it. This year’s "Liquid Glass" wallpaper is clean, modern, and quietly confident. If that’s where iOS 26 is heading, we’re in for a good year.

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Flynn Lo Faro

Team Leader / Editor-in-Chief

Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

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