The WWDC 2025 keynote lasted for about an hour and a half, showcasing the latest innovations from Apple. If you prefer not to dive into the entire presentation, we’ve distilled the most important highlights for you.
1. Welcome to the Year of ’26’
Apple has streamlined version numbers across its platforms, tying them to the year they become available. This means that all devices introduced during WWDC 2025 will share a common numerical label of ’26,’ encompassing iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This change simplifies checking which version of software you’re running across various devices.
2. What is Liquid Glass?
With its recent update, Apple has revealed a major redesign that marks the biggest change since iOS 7 in 2013. This new design language, called ‘Liquid Glass,’ incorporates transparency to create visually stunning effects on your devices.
For instance, pulling down the notifications bar on the iPhone will create a distinct distorted effect, akin to sliding a sheet of glass over your screen. The Liquid Glass theme is integrated throughout operating systems, including lock screens, home screens, and app icons.
3. Enhanced Intelligence Features
Apple is introducing new capabilities for its Intelligence technology, starting with Live Translation. This feature allows real-time translation within various apps. For example, in Messages, your texts can automatically be converted into the recipient’s language, and their replies will translate back to yours.
Similarly, FaceTime will feature live translated subtitles, enabling you to read what others are saying in different languages. Calls through the Phone app will also include real-time translations for one-on-one conversations in several languages including English, French, and Spanish.
Moreover, the new visual intelligence allows iPhone users to take screenshots and instantly generate calendar entries or search for items like clothing featured in social media posts.
4. Major Updates to Phone and Messaging Apps
The Phone and Messages applications have undergone a complete overhaul. The Phone app now offers Call Screening to minimize spam calls, along with Hold Assist that helps keep your position in a call queue.
In Messages, unknown contacts will be filtered to a separate area, enhancing your user experience. You can even personalize conversations by adding backgrounds and creating polls in group chats.
5. The Most Significant iPad Update Yet
If you own an iPad, prepare for the biggest iPadOS update ever. The new iPadOS 26 introduces a multitasking windowing system reminiscent of macOS that allows users to view and manage multiple applications simultaneously.
Additionally, a menu bar can be accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen, delivering quick access to commands and shortcuts. The redesigned Files app makes it easier to manage documents by allowing colored folders and emoji icons.
6. Spotlight Shines in macOS 26
Spotlight on macOS 26, also known as macOS Tahoe, has received a significant upgrade with Apple Intelligence features. You can now perform actions directly from the search bar, like composing and sending messages or accessing your clipboard history.
7. visionOS Introduces Memory Capabilities
The Vision Pro headset is not left behind either. With visionOS 26, you can place virtual widgets, like clocks or calendars, into your physical space, and the software remembers their placement for later use.
8. CarPlay and tvOS Enhancements
All Apple platforms saw attention, including CarPlay, which receives enhancements and live activity widgets to improve usability while driving. Similarly, tvOS 26 adopts the new design language and introduces a karaoke mode in the Music app, turning your iPhone into a microphone.
How will these advancements affect your experience with Apple products? Apple’s updates promise not just visual enhancements but also a more personalized interaction across devices. As we step into this new era of Apple technology, staying informed is key.
What features can I expect from iOS 26? iOS 26 will provide a unified design along with enhanced intelligence features, real-time translations, and improved multitasking capabilities.
Will older devices support the new iPadOS 26? Yes, select iPads dating back to 2018 are eligible to receive the iPadOS 26 update later this year.
What do the Liquid Glass visuals include? The Liquid Glass design emphasizes transparency, creating unique visual effects across different applications and operating systems.
If you’re intrigued by these developments, there’s much more to explore in the realm of technology and Apple products. Discover further insights and updates by visiting Moyens I/O.