At its highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, Apple introduced a sweeping update across its ecosystem, unveiling iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. Headlining the event was Apple’s new design language—Liquid Glass—a visually immersive UI that introduces smooth, semi-translucent layers reacting dynamically to on-screen content and user interaction. The redesign spans across all Apple platforms, marking the most significant visual overhaul since iOS 7.
Apple Intelligence Gets a Boost with ChatGPT Integration
A major leap was the expansion of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features. In a surprise announcement, Apple confirmed integration with ChatGPT, allowing users to generate smart replies, compose content, and interact with Siri in a more natural, context-aware manner. Genmoji, a standout feature of Apple Intelligence, can now create unique emojis from text prompts, with users able to customise facial expressions, accessories, and even backgrounds.
Additionally, the new Workout Buddy and live translation tools on iPhones and Apple Watches leverage Apple Intelligence to provide real-time coaching and multilingual communication on the go. With on-device processing for privacy, users can also expect smarter visual search and automated task suggestions.
Redesigned Apps and iOS 26 Features
iOS 26 brings a host of practical enhancements, including:
- Unified Layout across apps and widgets
- Call Screening and Hold Assist for smarter call handling
- Background customisation in Messages and more engaging group chats
- Revamped Maps, Wallet, and Music, which now includes pinned libraries and artist pronunciations
The Messages app introduces AI-backed features such as message translation and smarter auto-replies. Apple Music now supports animated album artwork on the Lock Screen, adding a more dynamic visual experience.
WatchOS 26: Gesture Control and Smarter Alerts
Apple Watch users will see significant updates with watchOS 26, including:
- New gesture-based controls
- Expanded Control Centre widgets (now allowing third-party additions)
- A more intelligent workout experience, with personalised recommendations and real-time coaching
Developers can now build apps that take advantage of these features using updated APIs.
VisionOS and Sony Collaboration
In an effort to push spatial computing further, Apple announced a partnership with Sony to bring immersive gaming and media experiences to Vision Pro. This strategic collaboration will expand VisionOS’s content library with high-quality titles and spatial interactions.
iPadOS 26: Better Multitasking and Mac-Like Experience
Responding to long-standing user demands, Apple is enhancing iPadOS 26 with improved multitasking tools, better app window management, and features that narrow the gap between the iPad and Mac experience. While the devices still serve distinct roles, iPadOS 26 aims to make the iPad a more viable productivity powerhouse.
A VisionOS-Inspired Design Language
Under the guidance of Human Interface Chief Alan Dye, Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface channels the aesthetic seen in VisionOS. It introduces layered, glass-like elements, soft lighting effects, and more responsive animations. The UI shift is described by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman as Apple’s boldest visual transformation since 2013.
App Upgrades and AI in Core Apps
Native apps such as Phone, Safari, and Camera are receiving notable upgrades:
- Safari gains AI-backed summarisation and smarter reading modes
- Camera on iPhones and iPads may include dual-camera video recording, especially on the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models—ideal for vloggers and content creators
- Phone app includes call handling enhancements powered by AI
Battery performance and system speed are also expected to improve, with Apple Intelligence managing background activity more intelligently.
Apple Design Awards 2025
This year’s Apple Design Awards recognised 12 standout apps and games. Notables include:
- Speechify (Inclusivity)
- Balatro (Delight and Fun)
These winners reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation and accessibility across its platforms.
New Naming Convention for OS Versions
Breaking away from numerical progression, Apple has introduced a calendar-based naming system, aligning OS versions with the year. Hence, instead of iOS 19, we now have iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26, reinforcing a cleaner, more intuitive branding strategy for users and developers alike.
Beta Rollout and Final Release
The developer betas for all major OS updates are now available, with public beta versions launching in the coming weeks. A full public release is expected by September 2025, following the standard three-month testing phase.
What Lies Ahead
While WWDC 2025 didn’t feature new hardware, Apple used the platform to reassert its dominance in software innovation and design. With deeper AI integration, cross-platform visual unity, and a strong developer-first focus, Apple aims to reposition itself at the forefront of the next era of personal computing.