WWDC 2025 kicked off on Monday, and like in the past few years, the company focused on software updates and new technologies, including the next version of iOS called iOS 26.
This year, as we are lagging behind AI and face continuing legal challenges in the App Store, we have put considerable pressure on our company to compensate developers based on that promise.
iOS 26 is the most dramatic design change for over a decade
When Apple introduced a massive overhaul to iOS in 2013 with the launch of iOS 7, it felt uncomfortable for many users as they shifted from the previous Zetmorphic design with gradients and real-world textures to a more colorful, flat design style that reflected the minimalism preferences of Apple's then Chief Design Director Jony Ive.
At WWDC 2025, the company announced an updated user interface called Liquid Glass. It features shiny, reflective, transparent visual interface elements that allow the software to provide a more “glass-like” look and feel.
Liquid glass displays are translucent and behave like glass in the real world. Screen colors are notified by content and adapts between bright and dark environments. Additionally, an alert will appear from where you tap, and the context menu will scroll and tap to expand it to a scannable list.
The lock and home screens are getting updates that match the overall aesthetics of liquid glass.
iOS 26, new naming scheme
Instead of using system names like iOS 19 or MacOS 19, Apple uses this year as part of its name. This means that all operating systems are called iOS 26, iPados 26, Macos 26, TVOS 26, Watchos 26, and Visionos 26.
Dedicated game app
Apple has announced a new dedicated gaming app designed to centralize the gaming experiences of Apple devices. The app acts as a game launcher, allowing users to track achievements and view leaderboards.
The gaming app also includes social features, such as the Play Together tab, where you can see what your friends are playing, compare scores, and invite them to play. There are also “challenges.” This is a new way to compete with friends in a score-based showdown.
Image credit: Apple
Updates for macos, iPados, watchos, visionos, and vos
Apple unveiled its Watchos 26, the upcoming software overhaul of the Apple Watch. It launches with a redesigned interface based on Apple's new Liquid Glass operating system, wristflick gestures, and training buddy fitness features with new Apple Intelligence.
Apple TV is also getting a redesign featuring the aesthetics of liquid glass that offers a sophisticated “unconspicuous” design, the company said. One outstanding feature is that you can quickly jump to your user profile. Apple TV presents profile options every time they wake up from sleep, making it more convenient for each family to choose their profile and immediately watch their favorite shows and movies. It also has a karaoke function.
The MacOS 26, called Tahoe, has gotten a number of upgrades in addition to the new liquid glass aesthetic, along with the AI-powered shortcut app.
The iPad OS makes your iPad feel like a Mac. This includes new preview features that provide a variety of tools, including markup using Apple Pencil and Autofill. Users can also export images in a variety of formats.
In addition to the Visionos update, Apple's Vision Pro AR/VR headsets are also getting some new accessories: Logitech Muse Stylus and PlayStation's VR2 Sense Controller compatibility.
CarPlay and AirPods updates too
Leaks suggested more gestures and other additions, but Apple announced that the AirPods lineup will acquire two important features: studio-quality audio recording and camera remote. The camera is also remote.
The three biggest additions to CarPlay are the ability to select widgets and live activities, and the “tapback” response to incoming messages. Users can also pin their favorite conversations, like iMessage.
Apple wallet, voting, maps, etc.
Other small features have also been announced, such as the new travel-friendly feature for your Apple wallet. Imssages poll. Lyric translation and pronunciation functions. And the maps will learn how to commute.
This story was originally released on June 5th and was significantly updated on June 9th with all the announcements from WWDC 2025.