WWDC 2025: iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence
WWDC 2025 introduces iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26 and a shared Liquid Glass design, with broader Apple Intelligence and communication features.
Apple has opened WWDC 2025 with a new naming system and a shared visual design across its platforms. iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS move to version 26, while the translucent Liquid Glass design and expanded Apple Intelligence features run through the updates.
Liquid Glass across Apple devices
Liquid Glass is a translucent design material used across controls, navigation, icons, widgets and other interface elements. Apple is applying it across its operating systems to make them feel more consistent while retaining the familiar structure of each device.
Visual changes can affect readability and established habits, so organisations should test accessibility, screenshots, training material and managed app behaviour before a broad upgrade.
iOS 26
iOS 26 redesigns the Lock Screen, Home Screen and many built-in apps. Phone and Messages gain stronger call screening and tools for handling unknown senders, while the Camera and Photos interfaces are simplified.
Apple Intelligence adds Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime and Phone, along with stronger visual intelligence for taking action on information shown on the screen. Availability will depend on device, language and region.
macOS Tahoe 26
macOS Tahoe brings the Liquid Glass design to the desktop, Dock, menu bar and apps. The Phone app comes to Mac, Live Activities can appear from a nearby iPhone, and Spotlight receives a major update with quicker actions and stronger search.
Shortcuts can use Apple Intelligence for more complex automations. As with every major macOS update, compatibility with business apps, security tools, printers and specialist hardware should be checked first.
Apple Intelligence expands
Live Translation, updates to Genmoji and Image Playground, stronger visual intelligence and intelligent actions in Shortcuts are planned across supported devices. Apple is also giving developers controlled access to its on-device foundation model for features inside their own apps.
These tools are optional capabilities, not a reason to place confidential business information into every AI feature. Organisations still need clear rules about approved devices, accounts and data.
Other platform updates
iPadOS 26 pushes windowing and file handling further, watchOS 26 adds a Workout Buddy and new interface elements, while tvOS, CarPlay and visionOS receive the same wider design direction. No new hardware was announced in the keynote.
Wait for the finished releases
Developer betas are available now and public betas are planned for next month. The final versions are due later this year. Keep work devices on supported release software until critical apps and services have been checked.
The shared design is the visible story, but call screening, Spotlight, translation and cross-device continuity may prove more useful in everyday work.
