Apple unveiled significant updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, showcasing refreshed designs across its operating systems alongside a variety of new features for iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and more.
Here’s a summary of the most notable announcements from Apple’s keynote presentation.
Apple’s Operating Systems Now Named by Year
In line with expectations, Apple has updated the naming convention for its operating systems. Instead of version numbers, they will now be identified by the release year. The new designations include iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, all set to launch in late 2025. This change simplifies remembering version names compared to the previous system.
Developers can access the beta versions of these operating systems starting today, with general availability expected in the fall.
Liquid Glass Design Enhancements Across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS
Apple will enhance the design aesthetics of its operating systems through a new Liquid Glass theme. This update will introduce greater transparency for buttons, sliders, text, and media controls across their interfaces.
In iOS 26, the lock screen’s date, time, and notification previews will also feature this design, providing a clearer view of the wallpaper behind the text.
Updated Interfaces for Camera, Safari, and Phone Apps
In this broader redesign, Apple has introduced refreshed interfaces for key applications in iOS 26. The Safari browser will now occupy the entire screen for web pages, while the Camera app presents a streamlined layout with two primary options for photo and video; other modes, such as Slow-Motion and Cinematic, can be accessed via a swipe on the toolbar.
The Phone app will also see changes, consolidating favorites, recent calls, and voicemails in a single view while maintaining quick access to calls, contacts, and the keypad at the bottom.
iPadOS 26 Introduces Enhanced Multitasking Capabilities
The upcoming iPadOS 26 offers major improvements for multitasking, allowing users to resize app windows and arrange them on their screens more freely, while also supporting multiple open windows. Enhancements like a refined mouse pointer and a new menu bar will provide a more Mac-like interface experience. Additionally, iPadOS 26 will feature a version of the Mac’s Preview app for viewing and annotating images and files.
Messages Update Introduces Custom Backgrounds and Group Chat Enhancements
The Messages app will see updates enabling users to customize chat backgrounds and initiate polls within group conversations. New features also include typing indicators in group chats and the ability to categorize messages from unknown senders into a separate folder.
Launch of a New Games Hub
The new Games app will centralize access to all Apple Arcade games, enabling users to discover new titles and view downloaded games within a single interface. It will feature a Library section for tracking your downloaded titles and a Play Together option to challenge friends.
macOS Tahoe 26 Enhances Spotlight Functionality
The upcoming macOS Tahoe update will enhance Spotlight by introducing new personalization features and filtering options for more relevant search results. Users will also be able to perform quick actions like sending an email or creating a note directly from the search interface.
Additionally, macOS 26 will include support for the Phone and Games apps along with integration for Live Activities from the iPhone.
Vision Pro to Support PSVR2 Controllers
The Apple Vision Pro will support PlayStation’s VR2 Sense controllers in visionOS 26, expanding the range of compatible virtual-reality games. A new scrolling feature allows navigation through apps via head movement, enhancing the immersive experience, coupled with spatial widgets that seamlessly integrate into users’ physical environments.
Apple Intelligence Can Analyze On-Screen Content
A new feature within iOS 26, dubbed Apple Intelligence, allows users to summon the AI assistant using the same buttons as a screenshot. This functionality will facilitate questions about what is displayed on the screen, utilizing tools like ChatGPT or submitting image searches across platforms such as Google or Etsy.
New “Wrist Flick” Gesture Introduced in watchOS 26
In addition to the Liquid Glass design, watchOS 26 will introduce a new “wrist flick” gesture for dismissing notifications. An AI-enabled “Workout Buddy” will also be introduced, offering personalized advice and motivation to users.
Live Translation Features in Calls and Text Messages
Apple is enhancing its messaging capabilities with AI-driven live translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone applications. Users can expect texts to be translated automatically in the Messages app and hear real-time translations in phone calls, while FaceTime will feature translated captions for smoother conversations.
New Camera Controls for AirPods
Upcoming updates will enable AirPods users to take photos using their iPhone or iPad by tapping the device’s stem. An additional feature is in development to allow users to record high-quality vocals even in noisy environments, a capability expected to reach AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2.
