Apple WWDC 2025 Delivers Major iOS 26 Updates

Apple just dropped its biggest software announcement of the year. The tech giant packed its Apple WWDC 2025 keynote with major updates that will change how you use your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. From a complete design overhaul to smarter AI features, Apple is reshaping the user experience across all devices.

Apple WWDC 2025 Announcements

Apple stated updates across the board for every operating system in their ecosystem. This update is Apple’s most significant software evolution in quite some time. Let’s dive into everything Apple announced during this historical event.

Apple Simplifies Operating System (OS)

Apple is definitely doing the right thing by changing the naming convention of its operating systems. Version numbers are gone, and they were never easy for people to remember anyway. All Apple operating systems now have a straightforward naming convention based on the year.

Image: Apple

The new products include iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. All of these products will be released in late 2025, so it is very easy to understand which version you are using. It’s much easier than trying to remember if you are using iOS 19 or watchOS 12.

Developer betas are available today, and regular end-users can expect access in the fall. It really does promote an easy understanding of what software you are using.

Liquid Glass Design

Apple redesigned the Liquid Glass design, which is their most consequential design change in many years. This new approach creates amazing transparency throughout all of the operating systems. Buttons, switches, sliders, text, media controls all now look as if they are constructed of glass.

Read more: Apple MacOS26

The iPhone lock screen offers more attention during this design change. Date, time, and notification previews all use the Liquid Glass to create a more transparent feel, which makes wallpaper shine through better than before.

This design also creates a more immersive and elegant user experience. Apple applied this visual language consistently across all devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. It feels good to use all of these products together, with the visual language across all of these devices feeling so seamless.

iPhone Apps Get Major Makeovers

Apple has given a makeover to three of the most powerful iPhone apps. Safari now takes full advantage of the whole screen for browsing by eliminating unnecessary interface that just gets in your way. This gives you room for the content that you actually want to see.

The Camera app has been simplified. There are just two shooting options: photo and video. Other modes like Slow-Mo and Cinematic are stored until you swipe on the toolbar. This makes the camera easier to use and faster for typical photography.

The Phone app combines favorites, recent calls, and voicemails into a single panel together. The lower portion of the panel still holds calls, contacts, and keypad access below the dotted line. The organization now allows access to what you need quicker.

iPadOS 26

Apple has made some very big strides in iPad multitasking with the new iPadOS 26. New windowing capabilities allow you to resize app windows to move them anywhere you’d like on your screen. You can also simultaneously open multiple windows, just like you would on a Mac.

The iPad now has a more accurate mouse pointer which will allow for better navigation. Additionally, there is a new menu bar that will pop down whenever you swipe down on an app, giving you access to a variety of options and commands. All of these changes to iPadOS make the iPad feel much more like a traditional computer.

Apple also fully integrated the Mac’s Preview app into the iPad as well. This allows you to better view and annotate any images or documents. With all of these updates, the iPad can be seen as a serious laptop replacement by a lot of users.

Messages App Gains Customization

Apple has made some enhancements to the Messages app with improved personalization options. You can now change the chat backgrounds in Messages to reflect your style or mood. The group conversations now have a polling feature that will make it easier to come to a decision with friends and family.

On top of that group chat now shows the typing indicators so you will know someone is responding to the conversation. Apple also added protection from unknown senders where you can sift through suspicious messages in its own folder, thus keeping your message list clean and not filled with spam.

These new updates give users more tools with messaging and it definitely seems like a more positive experience with greater safety. The enhanced customization choices will encourage users to express themselves more in their conversations.

macOS Tahoe 26

Apple has revamped Spotlight search in macOS Tahoe 26 with added personalization. Search results will now be personalized and tailored based on your usage patterns and preferences. Dynamic filtering can help you quickly find the files, folders, apps, and messages you are specifically searching for.

Spotlight can now also complete actions directly from search results. You can send an email, create notes, and complete other actions directly from the search results instead of needing to open different applications. This allows for faster and more efficient navigation on the Mac.

The Mac version also gets the Phone app and the new Games app. Additionally, iPhone Live Activities now work with Mac so you can receive updates across all of your devices.

Vision Pro Expands Gaming with PlayStation Controller

Apple Vision Pro now allows the use of PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers with visionOS 26. This allows for a greater breadth of virtuality in virtual games and experiences.

The headset also received new navigation capabilities. Users can scroll through apps just by looking up or down. The spatial widgets are also integrated into your virtual world and will automatically reappear when you wear the headset.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence has seen a robust new feature in iOS 26. You can now use the screenshot button combination to engage the AI assistant which can interpret what is on your screen and can answer inquiries regarding the content.

The feature also connects to ChatGPT for more complex requests. You can search either Google or Etsy for similar items being displayed on screen. This significantly increases the contextual awareness and the utility of the AI assistant.

Image: Apple

Apple Watch Introduces Wrist Flick Gesture

watchOS 26 introduced a new “wrist flick” gesture for Apple Watch. With a flick of the wrist, you can now dismiss notifications and operate one-handed on your watch.

The watch also got a new “Workout Buddy” feature that is powered by AI. This will provide personalized advice and encouragement during workouts. The workout buddy will adapt to your fitness level and goals.

Live Translation

Apple added AI-driven live translation to Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. In the Messages app, text message translations happen automatically. In a phone call, spoken translations happen in real-time.

During a FaceTime call, you have translated captions along with the original audio. Apple’s goal here was to remove the language barrier so that you can talk to people around the world.

AirPods Become Camera Remote and Studio Recorder

AirPods have added new photography features to be used as a remote for the iPhone and iPad. You can take photos by tapping the stem of the AirPods, giving you hands-free control over your camera.

Apple has also made use of voice isolation technology for AirPods. This allows you to record studio-quality vocals and sounds in environments with a lot of noise. Devices that support these features are AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2.

Apple Opens AI Platform

Apple announced that third-party developers can access its on-device language model. This allows them to create their own AI-powered tools and features. The move could spark innovation in AI app development.

WWDC 2025: The Future of Apple Devices Starts This Fall

Apple WWDC 2025 showcased the company’s vision for the future of personal technology. These updates represent significant improvements in design, functionality, and user experience. The combination of beautiful visuals, smart AI features, and enhanced productivity tools creates a compelling upgrade story.

Developer betas are available now, with public releases coming this fall. These updates will transform how millions of people interact with their Apple devices every day.