At the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple showcased the future of its software ecosystem with a sweeping visual redesign, deeper AI integrations, and new features across its product line. The annual event — a critical moment for developers, investors, and fans — was headlined by the unveiling of iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and an updated push into AI under the Apple Intelligence banner.
Liquid Glass – a new chapter in Apple’s design history
Apple has unveiled a new visual design called “Liquid Glass.” This marks the company’s boldest visual transformation since iOS 7. Inspired by the Vision Pro device, this interface unifies iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro into a single aesthetic harmony.
Users can expect a rich interface with better app icons, new widget styles, and transparent elements. This update further modernizes the user experience while maintaining Apple’s inherent simplicity.
Naming Unification
With this year’s updates, Apple is aligning the version numbers of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS — all jumping to version 26. MacOS, however, breaks from the pack with a distinct name: macOS Tahoe, a nod to Apple’s California-themed naming tradition.
Apple Intelligence
Apple reiterated its commitment to AI innovation through Apple Intelligence, although several features have been delayed until 2026. Still, users can expect smarter Mac Shortcuts, a more capable Spotlight, and AI-assisted code generation in Xcode. Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature can now scan screenshots to identify items or events, making search and scheduling more intuitive.
iPad Becomes Even More Like a Mac
iPadOS 26 received what Apple called its “biggest release ever,” adding a Mac-style windowing system, customizable folders in the Files app, and improved multitasking. A Preview app, menu bar, and background tasks bring iPadOS even closer to a full desktop experience.
macOS Tahoe
Mac users will notice a refined interface with folder color customization, Live Activities integration (borrowed from iPhone), and AI-powered Intelligent Actions to simplify workflows. The “Tahoe” update also brings smoother Spotlight functionality and more robust automation through Shortcuts.
VisionOS 26
Apple’s Vision Pro headset is getting a major update with VisionOS 26. Users will see dramatic improvements in their virtual avatars (“Personas”), which now better reflect real-life facial details. Widgets can now be anchored in your spatial environment, staying in place each time the headset is worn.
Apple Watch
watchOS 26 features enhanced fitness tracking, a Workout Buddy AI coach, and a new gesture — wrist flick — to handle calls and notifications. Improved Smart Stacks adapt to your routine throughout the day.
Apple TV
Apple TV is adopting the Liquid Glass aesthetic too, along with a more cinematic browsing experience. Users can now sing along to songs with Apple Music Sing, turning their iPhone into a karaoke mic, complete with visual effects.
The Phone App Gets Smarter and More Private
iOS 26 introduces a Call Screening feature that answers unknown calls silently and summarizes who’s calling and why. A Hold Assist feature can detect hold music and keep your place in line until someone is ready to speak.
Live Translations, AI-Powered Messaging, and More
Messages and FaceTime now support live language translations, even across different device ecosystems. Users can also create polls, send Apple Cash, and customize group chat backgrounds.
Conclusion
While Apple’s AI roadmap may still be maturing, WWDC 2025 emphasized a commitment to tighter integration, personalization, and visual coherence. The Liquid Glass design represents the next phase of Apple’s user experience evolution — one that stretches across all screens, from the smallest watch face to immersive spatial computing.
Open beta versions will be released next month, while official releases are scheduled for this fall. The expected future is now even brighter – and Apple is creating this future itself.
Prepared by Navruzakhon Burieva
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