TL;DR
Apple has updated its Research app with the Liquid Glass visual refresh introduced in iOS 26, bringing the app's look in line with the system-wide design. The update is available from the App Store; several other Apple apps, such as iWork apps, have not yet received Liquid Glass updates.
What happened
Apple has rolled out a visual refresh for its Research app that adopts the Liquid Glass aesthetic used across iOS 26. The change updates the app’s appearance to match other system apps that have already received the redesign. Apple Research remains the company’s platform for recruiting iPhone users into health-related studies that can inform future features—examples cited include work on sleep tracking and heart health. The report directs users to download the latest Apple Research release from the App Store to view the redesigned interface. The article also notes that a number of Apple apps have yet to receive Liquid Glass updates, with Apple’s iWork suite—Pages, Keynote and Numbers—specifically called out as still awaiting the redesign.
Why it matters
- Consistent system aesthetics can improve user familiarity and visual cohesion across iOS.
- A refreshed Research app interface may affect how participants discover and interact with health studies.
- Highlighting which apps remain unupdated helps set expectations for users and developers about Apple’s rollout progress.
- Design updates signal continued investment in updating first-party apps for iOS 26’s visual framework.
Key facts
- Apple Research has received a Liquid Glass redesign to match iOS 26’s look.
- The update brings the app’s appearance up to speed with other iOS 26-updated apps.
- Apple Research is used by iPhone users to contribute to health studies that can inform future Apple features such as sleep tracking and heart health.
- The new version of Apple Research is available for iPhone on the App Store.
- Not all Apple apps have been updated to Liquid Glass; iWork apps (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) were listed as still pending.
- The report was published Jan. 7, 2026 and credited to Zac Hall at 9to5Mac.
What to watch next
- Availability of Liquid Glass updates for remaining Apple apps, including Pages, Keynote and Numbers: not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the Research update includes functional or study-related changes beyond the visual redesign: not confirmed in the source.
- If the refreshed design affects participation or enrollment in health studies: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Liquid Glass: A visual design language used in iOS 26 that updates the appearance of apps with translucent layers, depth, and refined controls.
- Apple Research: An Apple app that allows iPhone users to enroll in and contribute data to health-related studies run or supported by Apple.
- iOS 26: The 26th major release of Apple’s iPhone operating system, which includes new features and visual design changes used across system apps.
- App Store: Apple’s digital distribution platform for iOS apps, where users download and update apps for iPhone and iPad.
- iWork: Apple’s productivity suite that includes Pages (word processing), Keynote (presentations) and Numbers (spreadsheets).
Reader FAQ
What changed in the Apple Research app?
The app received a Liquid Glass visual redesign to align its appearance with iOS 26.
How do I get the updated Research app?
Download the latest Apple Research version for iPhone from the App Store.
Did Apple add new study features in this update?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which Apple apps still need Liquid Glass updates?
The report specifically mentions Apple’s iWork suite—Pages, Keynote and Numbers—as still pending.
Who reported this update?
The update was reported by Zac Hall for 9to5Mac on Jan. 7, 2026.
iOS 26 gave Apple Music three of my favorite new features in years Ryan Christoffel Jan 6 2026 Apple Research app updated with Liquid Glass redesign Zac Hall | Jan 7…
Sources
- Apple Research app updated with Liquid Glass redesign
- Discover how apps are using the new design and Liquid …
- Apple introduces a delightful and elegant new software …
- Liquid Glass Is Cracked, and Usability Suffers in iOS 26
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