Highlights
- Apple introduces simplified OS names tied to release years, starting with iOS 26.
- The new “Liquid Glass” design brings a sleek, transparent look across Apple devices.
- Smarter AI features and a powerful developer framework steal the spotlight.

With significant updates across its ecosystem, Apple made a big splash at the start of its Worldwide Developers Conference 2025.
Apple is committed to making its software smarter, more elegant, and easier to use, as evidenced by the WWDC 2025 announcements, which included a bold new design language, smarter AI, and simplified OS naming.
WWDC 2025 Announcements: Apple Reinvents OS, Design, and Intelligence
For simplicity, Apple renames its operating systems.
This year’s changes to Apple’s software names are among the most useful. The OS names now correspond to the year rather than the confusing version numbers.
This includes watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 (now known as macOS Tahoe). This straightforward naming makes knowing what’s current easier.
Liquid Glass Design: A Modern, Sleek Style
The new “Liquid Glass” interface in iOS 26 is a contemporary, see-through design that gives lock screens, control buttons, and app icons a smooth, transparent appearance. It appears fashionable, modern, and consistent across all platforms, including Macs, iPads, and iPhones.
A New Gaming Hub and Updated Apps
Several built-in apps were cleverly redesigned. To make it easier to use, the Camera app now separates the tabs for photos and videos.
With tabs for contacts, recent calls, and voicemails, the Phone app offers improved navigation. Safari gets quicker and more nimble.
Additionally, Apple released a games app for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac that provides a dedicated location to access arcade games, view friend games, and check leaderboards. It’s the largest push Apple has made so far.
Apple Intelligence Advances
A significant component of iOS 26 is AI. To overcome language barriers instantly, Apple introduced Live Translation.
Users can now ask questions directly from any app and identify and shop for items they see on screen, thanks to a new Visual Intelligence tool.
Apple gave developers access to the Foundation Models framework, a potent tool for integrating AI into their applications. In one example, an app used handwritten notes to generate quiz questions. This has enormous potential.
Increased Capabilities for the iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch
With resizable windows and a floating menu bar for improved multitasking, iPadOS 26 now feels more like a Mac. The iPad is also compatible with the Preview app.
Apple Intelligence is added to workouts with watchOS 26. Along with features like real-time translation and a “Wrist Flick” gesture, a new “Workout Buddy” provides personalized fitness coaching.
Spotlight is enhanced with AI in macOS Tahoe 26. It can now more naturally launch apps, send emails, and find files based on your usage.
Expanding the Spatial Experience with VisionOS 26
More realistic Personas for digital avatars, improved spatial widgets, and support for PS VR2 controllers are all features of VisionOS 26. Additionally, it incorporates Apple Intelligence tools into the realm of spatial computing.
It was evident from the WWDC 2025 announcements that Apple is rethinking how we use technology rather than merely updating it.
Apple is laying the groundwork for a more cohesive and intelligent user experience with its stunning new design, smarter, more approachable AI, and developer tools.
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