Apple’s 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote did not showcase any groundbreaking announcements. With major hardware launches not scheduled until September and no pressing need to explore nascent tech fields such as AI or augmented reality, Apple concentrated on core necessities. The takeaway was unmistakable: iOS warrants an upgrade.
The keynote highlighted the redesign of iOS 26, dubbed Liquid Glass, featuring insights from Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior VP Craig Federighi. Additionally, Apple unveiled a novel naming system for its software platforms to align with its future aspirations. Although AI wasn’t the central theme, the OS incorporates new AI functionalities. From real-time translations to music utilities and enhancements in Safari, AI is woven throughout the system, albeit somewhat reactive in light of Google I/O 2025, which placed a strong emphasis on AI.
iOS 26, along with updates across Apple’s hardware operating systems, brings a combination of major alterations and gradual enhancements. Here’s a summary of all the announcements made at WWDC 2025, covering iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and WatchOS 26.
iOS 26 updates
Apple’s fresh visual style, Liquid Glass, signifies a considerable aesthetic refresh. It retains the fundamental structure while introducing nuanced adjustments for improved navigation.
Federighi characterized the new appearance as “expressive,” with apps designed to float in space, drawing inspiration from the Vision Pro’s spatial interface. This spatial element is also present on the iPhone, delivering a sleek, fluid experience.
The update features an upgraded Dark Mode and a novel Clear theme—a fully transparent UI that conveys a contemporary and minimalist vibe.
Live translations
Live Translations, a convenient feature from Apple Intelligence, are now embedded in Messages, FaceTime, and other primary apps. Apple claims that real-time translations are processed on-device and can replicate the user’s voice during the translation process.
The capability also extends to music, with real-time lyric translations and live pronunciation to assist users in singing along.
Phone
The Phone app adopts a more streamlined interface, merging Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into one. Apple introduces Call Screening, encouraging unknown callers to provide context for their calls, which helps users assess their significance.
The notable enhancement is Hold Assist, which notifies users when a live agent answers during a call.
Photos
Photos have undergone a significant transformation, restructuring into two main tabs: one for the entire photo library and the other for collections. This reverts to the layout seen before iOS 18 and boasts a modern appearance.
Messages
Group chats receive enhancements with Apple Pay integration and built-in Polls. Messages now sorts unknown numbers into a distinct folder, facilitating user management. Apple Intelligence suggests creating polls for decision-making and collaborates with Image Playground for tailored chat backgrounds.
CarPlay
The redesigned CarPlay features a compact view for incoming calls, allowing drivers to identify callers without compromising navigation information. Messages within CarPlay now allow Tapbacks and pinned conversations, along with widgets and Live Activities for an uninterrupted driving experience.
Apple also showcased CarPlay Ultra, an upgraded version for luxury car partnerships, starting with Aston Martin. CarPlay Ultra spans all driver-facing displays for a cohesive in-car experience.
Maps, Wallet, and a Passport Digital ID
Apple Maps receives a memory upgrade with Visited Places, recording visited spots and organizing them within the app. The application identifies regular routes and provides preferred directions, traffic updates, and quicker options directly from the lock screen.
Apple Wallet in iOS 26 introduces Digital ID for passports, which is accepted by TSA in 10 states and Puerto Rico. Boarding Passes are integrated with Live Activities for real-time updates on flight statuses.
A new Games app
The new Apple Games app consolidates gaming features, featuring a Home tab for game updates, a section for Apple Arcade, and a Library for tracking downloaded games. A “Play Together” tab facilitates real-time challenges with friends.
Safari
Safari in iOS 26 upgrades privacy and visuals, incorporating advanced protection against fingerprinting and a more rounded, edge-to-edge design.
Accessibility Features
iOS 26 brings forth Accessibility Reader for a tailored reading experience, Braille Access for users of braille displays, and enhancements to Live Listen, Background Sounds, and Personal Voice to foster more inclusive device utilization.
iPadOS 26 updates
iPadOS 26 integrates the Liquid Glass aesthetic with productivity features and Apple Intelligence incorporation. The standout highlight is Windows, allowing users to resize, reposition, and tile applications on the iPad display.
The Files app gains new folder customization and default app settings, while the Preview app is introduced on iPad for editing PDFs and images with Apple Pencil.
Creative professionals benefit from features like Background Tasks, local capture, and enhanced audio input tools. The Journal app, Game Overlay, and a new menu bar further enhance the iPad experience.
macOS Tahoe 26 updates
macOS 26, dubbed macOS Tahoe, enriches the Mac experience with deeper iPhone integration, smarter system-wide intelligence, and a more powerful Spotlight. The Phone app makes its debut on macOS, complete with Call Screening and Hold Assist, along with Live Activities incorporated into the menu.