WWDC 2025: Apple’s Liquid Glass & iOS 26 Revealed
A New Era of Apple Software Begins
Apple unveiled its most significant software overhaul in years at WWDC 2025, introducing the revolutionary Liquid Glass interface and iOS 26 alongside major updates across its ecosystem. The annual developer conference showcased how Apple plans to modernize its software while addressing growing demands in AI and developer relations.
The Liquid Glass Revolution
Marking the company’s biggest visual redesign since iOS 7, Apple debuted its Liquid Glass UI across all operating systems. This translucent interface features:
- Dynamic reflections that mimic real-world glass
- Context-aware color adaptation between light/dark environments
- Interactive elements that emerge from touch points
- Unified aesthetic across Lock Screen and Home Screen
Operating System Rebranding
In a notable naming shift, Apple abandoned incremental version numbers in favor of annual designations: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Key Ecosystem Updates
Gaming Gets Centralized
Apple introduced a dedicated Games app featuring:
- Unified game launcher
- Achievement tracking and leaderboards
- “Play Together” social features
- Score-based “Challenges” system
watchOS 26 Enhancements
The Apple Watch update brings:
- Liquid Glass UI redesign
- New wrist-flick gesture controls
- AI-powered Workout Buddy fitness assistant
tvOS Goes Transparent
Apple TV’s refresh includes:
- Streamlined profile switching
- New karaoke functionality
- Liquid Glass visual enhancements
Productivity Power-Ups
macOS Tahoe Arrives
macOS 26 (codenamed Tahoe) delivers:
- New AI-powered Shortcuts app
- Revamped Spotlight search functionality
iPad Gets Mac-like Features
iPadOS 26 upgrades include:
- New Preview app with markup tools
- Enhanced Apple Pencil integration
- Expanded file export options
Accessories & Hidden Gems
The announcements included several notable surprises:
- Vision Pro gains Logitech Muse stylus and PS VR2 controller support
- AirPods add studio-quality recording and camera remote features
- CarPlay updates with widgets and message tapbacks
The Road Ahead
While Apple made significant strides with Liquid Glass and iOS 26, industry watchers noted the company continues to play catch-up in AI compared to rivals. The unified interface redesign represents Apple’s most ambitious visual overhaul in over a decade, setting the stage for the next era of Apple software experiences.