Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, held on June 9, brought a wave of exciting announcements that signal a bold new direction for Apple’s ecosystem. From a stunning visual redesign to powerful on-device AI features, Apple continues its focus on privacy, design, and productivity. Here are the key highlights you need to know.
A New Look: Introducing the “Liquid Glass” Design
One of the biggest reveals was the introduction of a new design language called Liquid Glass, which will now be part of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and even CarPlay.
This design features translucent, fluid, glass-like UI elements that create a sense of depth and visual harmony across devices. It’s Apple’s biggest design update in years, aiming for a more unified user experience throughout its ecosystem.
OS Version Names Now Match the Year
Apple has moved away from traditional version numbers like iOS 18. Starting this fall, system software will carry the year of release in its name—e.g., iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe (version 26), and so on. This change makes it easier for users to identify and track OS versions.
Smarter, Private AI: Apple Intelligence
Apple introduced a powerful suite of on-device AI tools under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence, focusing on privacy-first features that don’t require cloud access.
Key capabilities include:
- Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone – all working offline.
- Visual Intelligence – allows users to analyze items on the screen, identify products, and even create calendar events directly.
- Workout Buddy – an AI-based fitness coach integrated into Apple Watch for real-time spoken motivation.
- Foundation Models Framework – Apple is giving developers access to on-device generative AI tools to build smarter, more private apps.
App Overhauls & Ecosystem-Wide Updates
Apple didn’t stop at visuals and AI. Several core apps received major upgrades:
- Phone App: New call screening and Hold Assist features.
- Messages: Group polls, typing indicators, improved spam filtering, and Apple Cash support.
- FaceTime: Real-time translation captions during live calls.
- Safari and Camera: Refreshed UIs that match the Liquid Glass aesthetic.
- New Games App: Combines Apple Arcade, multiplayer features, achievements, and a centralized place to manage all games.
Productivity Boost for iPad & Mac
iPad and Mac users have reason to celebrate:
- iPadOS 26 brings a Mac-like menu bar, advanced multitasking with multi-window support, and better mouse pointer functionality.
- macOS Tahoe adds color-coded folders, improved Spotlight search, and Live Activities on desktop.
Updates Across Devices
tvOS 26: New cinematic UI, poster formatting, and enhanced karaoke with Apple Music Sing.
visionOS 26: Adds support for PS VR2 controllers, interactive widgets in AR, and more realistic avatars.
Siri AI Upgrade Delayed
While many expected a full AI-powered Siri, Apple announced that the major Siri revamp has been delayed to 2026. However, Siri will see incremental updates this year.
Final Thoughts
WWDC 2025 was a clear statement from Apple that the future of tech lies in privacy-preserving AI, unified design, and giving users more control across devices. With iOS 26 and other OS updates coming this fall and public betas launching next month, it’s an exciting time for Apple fans and developers alike.
