Apple Unveils iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and additional updates at WWDC 2025 event
At the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, Apple introduced significant updates to its operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Here's a rundown of the key features and improvements announced:
### iOS 26: A Transformative Redesign
The highlight of iOS 26 is the new design called "Liquid Glass", which provides a transparent interface and a more expressive user experience. This redesign, marking the most significant visual change since iOS 7, extends across all Apple operating systems.
The Phone app has been revamped, combining Favorites, Recent calls, and Voicemail into a single scrollable view. New features include Call Filtering, which allows unknown callers to declare their purpose before being connected, and Hold Assist, which waits on hold until someone answers. The Messages app can screen unknown text messages and supports polls in group chats for easier planning.
Lock screen wallpapers now include 3D motion effects, turning photos into interactive animated backgrounds. Apple Intelligence capabilities have been enhanced, making the system more capable and user-friendly. New features are introduced in CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and a new app called Apple Games.
### iPadOS 26: Pushing the iPad Further
While specific details about iPadOS 26 are scarce, it is noted that the update introduces powerful new features aimed at pushing the iPad further. The new windowing system for multitasking is one such feature, allowing users to run intense tasks in the background. The "Play Together" tab shows what friends are playing and allows inviting others to play, while the "Apple Arcade" tab is dedicated to Apple Arcade games.
### watchOS 26: Details to Follow
While specific features coming to watchOS 26 were not detailed, it follows the new naming convention and should align with other Apple OS updates.
### macOS 26: Embracing the Liquid Glass Design
Similar to iOS 26, macOS 26 is expected to feature the "Liquid Glass" design, providing a consistent visual experience across Apple devices. Beyond this, specific updates to macOS 26, such as improvements to apps or performance enhancements, were not detailed.
### tvOS 26 and visionOS 26: New Horizons
Details about specific updates for tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 were not provided. Both follow the new naming convention and are part of the broader redesign efforts across Apple's operating systems.
### Naming Convention Change: Aligning with Competitors
A significant change announced at WWDC 2025 is the shift in naming conventions for Apple operating systems. Instead of sequential numbers (e.g., iOS 19), the systems are now named based on the year of release, aligning with competitors like Samsung and Microsoft.
Other notable features include live translation built into Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, automatically translating texts in Messages and responses. Apple Wallet will allow users to create a digital ID with their passport for domestic travel starting this fall. The new app "Games" is introduced for iPhone games, and Apple Music is getting lyrics translation and lyric pronunciation, plus there's AutoMix for seamless song mixing.
The WWDC 2025 keynote livestream attracted over 100,000 viewers on YouTube, marking the first major software redesign since iOS 7 for Apple. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo does not expect any "major breakthroughs in Apple's AI technology" with these updates.
Technology played a significant role at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, as Apple unveiled a transformative redesign called "Liquid Glass" across all their operating systems. The new design is expected to be a key feature in iOS 26, macOS 26, and possibly iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This redesign is considered the most significant visual change since iOS 7.
