Apple Unveils iOS 26 and Major Software Redesigns at WWDC 2025

Apple made significant announcements at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, outlining a major visual overhaul and a host of new features for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The new ‘Liquid Glass’ design will bring a glossier, more translucent interface to Apple devices, inspired by the look of the Vision Pro headset, aiming to help users focus more on their content. Alongside this redesign, Apple is changing its software naming conventions, with the next iPhone update labeled iOS 26, aligning releases with the year. The update will introduce features like improved caller screening and on-hold detection in the Phone app, a streamlined Camera app, and enhanced Messages with AI-powered translation and better management of unknown senders. iPhones will also support digital passport IDs for certain TSA checkpoints, and the Visual Intelligence tool will offer more contextual information on-screen. On the AI front, Apple is enabling developers to build tools using its large-language models and focusing on practical AI uses such as real-time translation and personalized fitness coaching. Meanwhile, iPads are set to become more Mac-like, with improved multitasking and window management, available even on entry-level models. Despite these innovations, Apple faces challenges including lawsuits over its Apple Intelligence marketing and ongoing uncertainty about App Store revenue. The company’s share price has dropped over 15% since the start of the year, reflecting broader industry pressures. The announced software updates are expected to launch this fall.