WWDC 2025 Highlights

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, brought a substantial wave of updates and new features across its entire product ecosystem. This year’s event marked a significant shift in how Apple presents its software platforms, introducing a new naming convention and a major redesign of user interfaces, alongside enhancements in artificial intelligence and multitasking capabilities. Below is a detailed overview of the key announcements and changes from WWDC 2025, explained in straightforward terms.

New Naming System for Operating Systems

One of the first changes Apple introduced was a new way of naming its operating systems. Instead of using version numbers or code names, Apple will now name its major software releases after the year they are launched. For example, the iPhone’s operating system is now called iOS 26, reflecting its release in 2026, replacing the previous version number system. This change applies to all Apple platforms, including iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This approach makes it easier for users to know which version they are using based on the year, simplifying understanding and communication about software updates.

Liquid Glass Design: A Fresh Visual Language

A standout feature of the new software updates is the introduction of the “Liquid Glass” design language. This design style focuses on soft gradients, gentle reflections, and layered translucency, creating a sense of depth and smoothness in the user interface. The Liquid Glass theme is applied consistently across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TV, and Vision Pro headsets.

This design change enhances the overall look and feel of the interfaces by making elements appear more fluid and elegant. For example, the lock screen on iOS 26 now shows a clearer view of the wallpaper beneath the displayed text, thanks to the translucent effects. Controls like switches and sliders have a more refined and transparent appearance, contributing to a modern and cohesive user experience.

iOS 26: Redesigned Core Apps and Smarter Features

iOS 26 introduces a major redesign to some of the most frequently used apps, improving both their appearance and functionality.

• Camera App: The camera app has become more intuitive, allowing users to access features faster and more easily. The interface is cleaner, helping users take photos and videos without unnecessary distractions.

• Safari Browser: Safari now offers a new tab view with a floating tab bar, enabling users to see more content on the screen at once. The navigation has been simplified to make browsing smoother and more immersive.

• Phone App: The Phone app includes updated call management tools and a cleaner layout. A notable new feature is Call Screening, where the iPhone automatically answers calls from unknown numbers using artificial intelligence. The caller is asked to state the purpose of the call, and their response appears on the screen, helping users decide whether to answer or ignore the call.

Additionally, Apple Music has been updated with animated album art that moves and displays full-screen effects, enhancing the visual experience while listening to music.

Apple Intelligence and AI Enhancements

Artificial intelligence continues to play an important role in Apple’s software improvements. The Apple Intelligence platform now supports more languages, making AI-powered features accessible to a broader global audience, including Indian users.

Key AI-related updates include:

• Live Translation: This feature breaks down language barriers by providing real-time translations across Apple’s first-party apps, allowing users to communicate and understand content in multiple languages more easily.

• Visual Intelligence: On-screen search capabilities have been enhanced, enabling users to identify products seen on social media, ask questions to AI assistants like ChatGPT, and interact with images in smarter ways.

• Foundation Models Framework: Apple introduced a new framework that allows developers to access large language models directly on devices, without needing an internet connection. This enables apps to offer AI features that work offline, increasing privacy and responsiveness. For example, developers can create apps that generate quiz questions based on handwritten notes or provide intelligent suggestions.

iPadOS 26: Improved Multitasking and Mac-Like Features

iPadOS 26 brings significant changes that make the iPad function more like a Mac in terms of multitasking and window management.

• New Windowing System: Users can now open more windows, resize app windows, and move apps freely around the screen. This system improves productivity by allowing multiple apps to be used simultaneously in a flexible manner.

• Menu Bar and Preview App: A new menu bar has been introduced, similar to macOS, providing quick access to important functions. The iPad also gains the Preview app from Mac, enabling users to view and manage files and photos more efficiently.

These improvements make the iPad more versatile for users who need to handle multiple tasks or work with complex workflows.

macOS Tahoe 26: Redesigned Interface and New Apps

macOS Tahoe 26 features a redesigned interface that aligns with the Liquid Glass design language seen across other Apple platforms. The update brings a fresh look to the desktop environment, making it more visually appealing and easier to navigate.

A new native Phone app is introduced on macOS, allowing users to make and receive calls directly from their Mac. This integration enhances continuity between Apple devices, making communication more seamless.

watchOS 26: Smarter Health and Fitness Features

The Apple Watch receives updates that focus on health and fitness, with the introduction of an AI-powered Workout Buddy. This feature provides personalized workout guidance and motivation, adapting to the user’s fitness level and goals.

The watchOS 26 update also improves the overall interface with the Liquid Glass design, making the watch’s screen elements clearer and more elegant.

tvOS 26: Enhanced Apple TV Experience

Apple TV’s operating system, tvOS 26, adopts the Liquid Glass design to create a sleeker and more modern interface. New features include smarter user profiles and a karaoke mode that uses the iPhone as a microphone, enhancing entertainment options.

The updates aim to make Apple TV more interactive and enjoyable for users, with a focus on social and shared experiences.

visionOS 26: Spatial Computing and Gaming Upgrades

Vision Pro, Apple’s spatial computing platform, receives visionOS 26, which adds support for widgets and improved controller compatibility. These enhancements make the device more versatile for both productivity and gaming.

The update also includes improvements to spatial features, allowing users to interact with digital content in more natural and immersive ways.

Gaming and Social Features

Apple introduced a new gaming app designed to foster social and competitive play. This app integrates with the broader Apple ecosystem, allowing users to connect with friends and participate in multiplayer games more easily.

The gaming experience is enhanced by the Liquid Glass design, which provides a visually appealing and responsive interface.

WWDC 2025 brought a broad range of updates that affect nearly every aspect of Apple’s software ecosystem. The shift to a year-based naming system simplifies version identification. The Liquid Glass design introduces a fresh, elegant look across all devices, improving visual depth and consistency. Core apps like Camera, Safari, and Phone have been redesigned for better usability. Artificial intelligence features have expanded, supporting more languages and providing smarter interactions. The iPad gains powerful multitasking tools, making it closer to a traditional computer experience. macOS Tahoe 26 updates the desktop interface and adds new communication tools. The Apple Watch and Apple TV receive design and functionality improvements, while Vision Pro’s spatial computing capabilities are enhanced. Finally, gaming and social features receive new attention, making the Apple ecosystem more connected and engaging.

These updates demonstrate Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining user experience through design, intelligence, and cross-device integration, setting the stage for a more unified and capable technology environment in 2025 and beyond.