The summer season is not just about beach trips and barbecues; it’s also the time when tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of new Android phones. Recently, we’ve seen remarkable foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5 take the spotlight. However, for Apple fans, this time also unveils what’s coming next in their software ecosystem.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a pivotal event where the company showcases innovative features destined to elevate the iPhone experience and rejuvenate older models. While some years focus on broad ecosystem changes, others zoom in on specific products, making WWDC a can’t-miss event for any Apple user.
This year, Apple has outdone itself. From an eye-catching new Liquid Glass design to a major overhaul of iPadOS, the updates promise to transform user experiences across the board. Notably, public betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and tvOS 26 are now available, marking a unified approach to naming and numbering across their products.
1. Liquid Glass: A Game-Changer
Apple introduced Liquid Glass, a new interface that presents a sleek, unified design across all devices. It stands out as one of the most significant updates we’ve seen in years, enhancing not just aesthetics but functionality. However, it’s worth noting that the design has polarizing opinions, with many users discussing its readability issues.
Following user feedback, Apple has made vital adjustments to improve the interface’s clarity. The public beta now sports a shadowed background, allowing for better contrast against colorful wallpapers.
2. iPadOS 26: Empowering the iPad Pro
WWDC 2025 will be remembered as the year the iPad’s limitations were truly acknowledged. With iPadOS 26, the potential for productivity has surged, transforming it into a robust workstation alternative when lounging at home. This update enhances multitasking capabilities and introduces broader improvements that make the iPad more functional.
Incredible Multitasking in iPadOS 26
Traditionally, the iPad was sidelined by users seeking a device for heavy multitasking. However, with the introduction of a new windowing system in iPadOS 26, this has changed dramatically. It mimics classic desktop multitasking features, making the iPad an entirely new kind of productivity tool.
A New Menu Bar, Just Like a PC
The new menu bar provides an intuitive experience, consolidating settings and shortcuts for easier access. It streamlines productivity and helps users navigate through various functions swiftly, similar to using a desktop computer. This familiarity encourages efficient workflows on the iPad.
The New Preview and Files Apps
File management has always been a challenge on the iPad. The new Preview and Files apps on iPadOS 26 address this gap significantly. They incorporate context menus common in desktop environments, making file handling efficient and intuitive.
3. The iPhone’s Revamp with iOS 26
While iPadOS might steal the spotlight this year, iOS 26 brings essential updates that dramatically enhance usability. The introduction of the same Preview and Files apps adds desktop-like functionality to the iPhone, meaning that it can now serve as a more potent productivity tool.
Additionally, Liquid Glass greatly enhances the user interface — it feels more cohesive and adaptable to daily tasks. For example, you can now select a phone number and choose whether to call with a different SIM card or a third-party app directly from the same menu. This is a significant improvement over previous iterations.
What Changes Were Made to the Phone App on iOS 26?
The revamped Phone app simplifies contact management in an unprecedented way, allowing users to scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemails effortlessly on one screen. Moreover, the introduction of AI features like Call Screening and Hold Assist marks a leap towards enhancing the overall calling experience.
4. macOS Tahoe 26: A Subtle, Yet Significant Update
MacOS Tahoe 26 brings refined aesthetic updates through the same Liquid Glass design seen across Apple’s platforms. While not brimming with dramatic changes, minor enhancements throughout applications elevate the overall user experience — especially features like improved iPhone mirroring that integrates with Live Activities.
Spotlight: The Key New Improvement
Spotlight has seen a complete revival, and now boasts extensive search capabilities that are both comprehensive and well-integrated. Users can perform a variety of tasks quickly — from sending emails to launching apps — all from the Spotlight interface, making it a powerful assistant on the Mac.
5. Should You Install the Betas?
The stability of beta software can be questionable, so it’s essential to back up your device before diving into any public beta. Despite this, many users are discovering that the advancements in this year’s software make it worth it. Just be prepared for some bugs and idiosyncrasies that come with beta testing.
Curious about these Apple betas? It’s a perfect time to explore how they enhance your digital experience. For the latest insights and news, check out Moyens I/O.