Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) once again unveiled sweeping updates across its ecosystem—headlined by a stunning new interface design called Liquid Glass, a unified operating system naming convention, AI enhancements, a brand-new Games app, and smarter communication features.

A Unified Look with Liquid Glass

The show-stealing Liquid Glass redesign marks Apple’s first major UI overhaul since iOS 7. This visual refresh draws inspiration from VisionOS, infusing all platforms with translucent UI elements, lens-like surfaces, specular highlights, and dynamic motion that reacts to viewing angles. It’s a design language built for modern displays and advanced processors.

All operating systems now share version number 26, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26—the only one to retain a location-based codename.

iOS 26: Smarter Calls, Better Messaging, and Visual AI

iOS 26 introduces a unified Phone and FaceTime interface, featuring:

• Call Screening: Waits for the caller to speak before alerting you.
• Hold Assist: Keeps you connected silently and notifies you when someone picks up.
• Floating interface elements and one-tap access enhance usability.

Messages get a shared background for chats, group polls, Apple Cash transactions, and smarter Genmoji customization. Notifications can now be filtered by known and unknown senders.

Live Translation is available during calls, even with non-iPhone users, while music gets animated lock screen art, live lyrics, AutoMix, and music pinning.

Visual Intelligence & the Games App

Apple's AI now enables advanced visual search from screenshots, app content, or through ChatGPT. The new Games app consolidates Apple Arcade, game libraries, events, and even adds Play Together, allowing developers to turn single-player titles into group challenges—with full controller support.

iPadOS 26: More Mac Than Ever

iPadOS 26 continues to bridge the gap with macOS:

• New windowing system with drag-to-resize functionality and Mac-style tiling.
• Expose-like view of open windows and a persistent top menu bar.
• Improved Files app with detailed list views and Dock shortcuts.
• Preview app comes to iPad with better mic support and background task tracking.
• Support for Live Translation, AI features, and enhanced communication tools.

macOS Tahoe 26: Intelligent Shortcuts and Game Focus

macOS Tahoe 26 brings the Liquid Glass look, revamped communications, and:

• Customizable Control Center, folder emoji and color settings.
• Phone app with shared history and AI-powered tools.
• Quick Keys: Two-letter app shortcuts with smart suggestions.
• Clipboard history and Spotlight search enhancements.
• The new Games app includes an in-game overlay and improved performance via Metal 4, featuring frame interpolation and denoising.

Upcoming macOS-compatible games include Crimson Desert and Inzoi.

watchOS 26: Fitness, Smarter Notifications, and Voice Coaching

The Apple Watch gets a personal AI-powered Workout Buddy, vocal coaching, and a new interface for custom workouts. Smart Stack becomes more predictive, notifications adapt to ambient sound, and a new Wrist Flick gesture helps navigate more easily.

tvOS 26 and Apple TV Plus: Immersive Entertainment

tvOS introduces features like instant show resumption and karaoke mode using your iPhone as a microphone. Apple also teased upcoming originals and new seasons of popular series like Slow Horses and Foundation.

VisionOS 26: Productivity and Real-World Use

Already visually aligned, VisionOS 26 adds:

• Persistent, customizable widgets.
• Memory of window placement.
• Spatial photo views and smart image conversion.
• Eyes Only privacy mode.
• Accessories like the Logitech Muse 3D stylus and PSVR controllers.

Professional tools now support Premiere Pro editing and native 360-degree playback for action cams. Shared devices can store user profiles on iPhones for seamless transitions.

Availability

• iOS 26 Developer Beta is available now.
• Public betas for all platforms will launch in July.

With its focus on aesthetics, performance, and deeply integrated AI, Apple’s 2025 software vision lays a strong foundation for the next generation of devices and experiences.