Apple’s new, translucent UI has received lots of buzz, but the amazing 3D effects of Spatial Scenes are the real reason to download iOS 26.
Liquid Glass is an iOS 26 UI reimagining that brings a slick system-wide translucent quality to your iPhone. I like the fresh new look, but it has snatched the spotlight from one of iOS 26’s more compelling features: Spatial Scenes. This new generative AI tool transforms your photos into eye-catching 3D wallpapers you can use on your iPhone’s Home and Lock screens. The new images also react to your phone’s movements in a way that must be seen to be believed. After spending more hours than I care to admit tinkering with it, I can confidently say Spatial Scenes elevates iOS 26 to a must-have update.
Don’t miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.Spatial Scenes Creates Amazing Wallpaper and Photo Imagery
I like the glassy look, graphical flourish, and customization options Liquid Glass brings, but not everyone is happy with it. Some complaints include poor text readability, confusion from blurred backgrounds, and even dizziness. Spatial Scenes, on the other hand, introduces plenty of iPhone customization, looks fantastic, and has few issues.
First, I tried Spatial Scenes to create custom wallpaper; you enable it by heading to the wallpaper customization menu and tapping the hexagonal badge. Spatial Scenes uses AI to analyze and create a depth map for virtually any photo with a clear subject. In testing, I found it works on almost any image, including portraits, illustrations, or an AI-generated image saved to my phone.
