Apple WWDC 2025 Highlights: Unveiling the Future with iOS 26, Liquid Glass, and More!

The Apple WWDC 2025 stole the spotlight as Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicked off on June 9, 2025, in Cupertino, California, delivering a slew of exciting updates.

From a groundbreaking redesign dubbed "Liquid Glass" to the introduction of iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, this year’s event focused heavily on software innovation.

While AI took a quieter role compared to last year, the visual and functional upgrades across Apple’s ecosystem promise to redefine user experiences. Here’s a coverage of all the major Apple WWDC 2025 highlights and analysis of the major updates from the event, packed with insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

What Is the New "Liquid Glass" Design at WWDC 2025?

Apple unveiled a transformative visual overhaul called "Liquid Glass," marking the most significant redesign since iOS 7 in 2013. This design language introduces depth, translucency, and fluid animations across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and even CarPlay.

• Visual Appeal: New app icons, transparent menus, and smoother animations create an immersive, modern aesthetic inspired by visionOS, the software powering Apple Vision Pro.

• Unified Experience: The design aims to harmonize the look and feel across all Apple devices, making transitions between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other platforms seamless.

• Developer Support: New APIs allow developers to align their apps with this aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive experience for users.

This shift moves away from the flat design of the Jony Ive era, embracing a more dynamic, responsive interface that’s already generating buzz for its “delightful” qualities, as described by CEO Tim Cook.

Why Did Apple Rename Its OS to iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and More?

In a surprising move, Apple ditched traditional version numbering (e.g., iOS 19) and aligned its operating systems with the year 2026, despite the fall 2025 release.

• New Naming Convention: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 reflect a shift to year-based branding for clarity and consistency.

• User Benefit: This reduces confusion for customers and developers, making it easier to identify the latest software, much like Windows did in the ‘90s.

• Timeline: Developer betas are available now, public betas launch in July 2025, and stable releases roll out this fall.

The naming strategy, paired with macOS Tahoe—named after the scenic California lake—signals Apple’s intent to streamline and refresh its ecosystem.

What New Features Come with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26?

The Apple WWDC 2025 Highlights wouldn’t be complete without diving into iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, which bring practical and visual upgrades:

• iOS 26 Upgrades:

  
  

  • Liquid Glass Interface: Translucent elements and motion enhance the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and apps like Photos, Music, and News.

  
  

  • Live Translation: A new Apple Intelligence feature breaks language barriers across first-party apps, perfect for global communication.

  
  

  • Messages App: Add polls and custom background images for chats, as reported by Bloomberg and 9to5Mac.

  
  

  • Safari: A transparent address bar and advanced fingerprinting protection boost privacy and aesthetics.

  
  

  iPadOS 26 Enhancements:

  
  

  • Redesigned Files App: Customizable folders and a cleaner list view mirror macOS functionality.

  
  

  • Mac-Like Features: Architectural changes bring the iPad closer to a MacBook experience, especially with a Magic Keyboard.

  
  

These updates make the iPhone and iPad more intuitive, productive, and visually stunning, though some argue iPadOS still falls short of replacing a Mac.

How Did Apple Enhance Productivity and Audio Features?

Apple targeted productivity and audio experiences with notable updates:

• Productivity Boosts:

  
  

  • macOS Tahoe: A fully transparent menu bar, expanded Control Center widgets, and Live Activities sync real-time updates from iPhone apps like Zomato and Uber.

  
  

  • FaceTime: Major controls move to the bottom right for easier access during calls.

  
  

• Audio and AirPods:

  
  

  • Apple Music: Quality-of-life updates improve curation for a better listening experience.

  
  

  • AirPods: An over-the-air update brings studio-quality recording and camera remote features.

  
  

These changes cater to professionals and casual users alike, blending functionality with seamless integration across devices.

What’s New with Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025?

Unlike last year’s AI-heavy focus, Apple Intelligence played a supporting role, but still delivered:

• New Features: Live Translation integrates into first-party apps, and personalized actions analyze user activity for tailored experiences.

• Developer Access: On-device Foundation Models and new APIs let developers tap into large language models for apps, including live translation.

• Subtle Approach: No major Siri overhaul or ChatGPT rival emerged, disappointing some hoping for a big AI push.

Analysts note Apple is laying groundwork for future AI advances, possibly in 2026, while focusing on design this year.

What Updates Did watchOS 26 and visionOS 26 Bring?

Apple’s wearables and AR/VR platforms also saw exciting tweaks:

WatchOS 26:

• Third-Party Widgets: Control Center now supports customizable widgets, offering more flexibility for users and developers.

  
  

  • Visual Revamp: A fresh look aligns with the Liquid Glass aesthetic.

    
    

• visionOS 26:

  
  

  • Spatial Widgets: Customize frame width, color, and depth for a personalized AR experience.

    
    

  • Personas: Enhanced digital representations improve user interaction.

    
    

  • Accessories: Support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers and a Logitech Muse stylus expands Vision Pro’s utility.

    
    

These updates make the Apple Watch and Vision Pro more versatile and immersive.

Did WWDC 2025 Hint at Future Hardware?

While WWDC 2025 was software-focused, rumors of hardware surfaced:

• iPhone 17 Air: A slim, light model is teased for a September 2025 debut, though not officially unveiled.

• AirTag 2: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports a new AirTag is “nearly ready” for a mid-2025 launch.

No AirPods or HomePod hardware debuted, aligning with Apple’s tradition of saving devices for fall events.

Final Thoughts on Apple WWDC 2025 Highlights

The Apple WWDC 2025 Highlights showcase a bold shift toward a unified, visually stunning ecosystem with the Liquid Glass design, iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and beyond.

While AI took a backseat, practical updates to productivity, audio, and wearables signal Apple’s commitment to refining user experiences.

As developer and public betas roll out, the fall 2025 stable releases promise to transform how we interact with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more.

Stay tuned for deeper dives into these innovations and what they mean for Apple’s future!