The summer months are an exciting time for tech enthusiasts, especially with a slew of new Android phones hitting the market. Notably, the launch of cutting-edge foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5 is making waves. However, for Apple aficionados, this period also serves as a window into Apple’s software landscape, revealing innovations that will shape the iPhone experience in the coming year.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a highly anticipated annual event where the company unveils new features that not only distinguish the iPhone but also rejuvenate older models, encouraging users to stay within the Apple ecosystem. While some WWDC events focus on broad ecosystem enhancements, others zoom in on specific devices and software.
This year brought significant changes: a stunning new Liquid Glass design, a complete overhaul of iPad OS, and various updates with far-reaching impacts across the ecosystem. Apple has rolled out the public beta for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and tvOS 26, though visionOS 26 won’t see a public beta. The unified naming and numbering system is a fresh take, aligning updates more closely with the annual cycle. After spending over a month with the developer beta, I’m excited to share what’s new and why you might want to consider installing the public beta.
1. Liquid Glass: A Revolutionary Design
The Liquid Glass interface marks a significant redesign across Apple devices, bringing a fresh, cohesive look. This marks a pivotal overhaul of the interface, with design integration playing a central role in the latest platform update.
Reactions to the Liquid Glass design have been mixed. Since the release of the first iOS 26 developer beta, discussions online have reflected various opinions. Apple has been responsive, iterating on the opacity of the Liquid Glass effect across multiple beta updates. The public beta now includes enhancements that improve readability, ensuring that text remains legible against colorful backgrounds.
2. Major Enhancements in iPadOS 26
WWDC 2025 will be remembered as a turning point for the iPad, particularly with the new iPadOS 26. For years, the iPad struggled with multitasking limitations compared to traditional laptops. However, the introduction of a new windowing system dramatically changes this dynamic.
iPadOS 26 enhances multitasking, combining features from previous iterations and introducing new management tools reminiscent of traditional Windows interfaces. The result is a more productive environment, compelling enough to make the iPad Pro a suitable alternative for casual computing. This update brings several notable features:
- Enhanced multitasking capabilities, allowing users to open and manage multiple apps more efficiently.
- A new menu bar designed for ease of access to settings and shortcuts.
- Revamped Preview and Files apps that streamline file management.
What improvements can users expect with iPadOS 26?
The new multitasking system allows users to manage multiple windows efficiently, offering a more desktop-like experience through improved organization of apps and tasks.
3. iOS 26: Transforming the iPhone Experience
While much of the spotlight was on iPadOS 26, iOS 26 brings its own set of transformative updates. With the introduction of the improved Preview and Files apps, the iPhone begins to function more like a mini-computer, offering richer functionality.
The new Liquid Glass design enhances usability and visual appeal. Users can now conveniently call numbers directly from highlighted text without needing to copy and paste. The updated Phone app provides a unified interface, enhancing contact management and call handling.
How has the new Phone app improved?
The revamped Phone app consolidates contacts, recent calls, and voicemail all in one screen, enhancing the user experience for better navigation.
4. Refinements in macOS Tahoe 26
macOS 26 Tahoe might not be as packed with new features, but it retains a refined elegance that enhances the overall user experience. The Liquid Glass design extends to various elements within macOS, creating a visually consistent experience.
The updated Spotlight feature deserves special mention. It offers significantly improved search capabilities and supports multi-step tasks through simple voice or text commands, making it an essential productivity tool.
What benefits does the new Spotlight feature offer?
The new Spotlight allows users to perform multi-step tasks, such as sending emails or messages, without opening the respective applications, streamlining workflows.
In conclusion, these updates represent one of Apple’s strongest software years. If you’re considering the new betas, just ensure that you’ve backed up your device beforehand. For more tech insights and recommendations, continue exploring related content at Moyens I/O.