WWDC 2025 Apple: Everything You Need to Know About iOS 26, AI, and New Design Innovation
Apple’s WWDC 2025 is one of the biggest and most exciting events in recent years. It was a hybrid event, with a live audience at Apple Park and developers from all over the world watching online. Unlike every year, Apple focused more on software updates this year. Additionally, it introduced visual redesigns and smarter AI-powered features.
If you just missed the event or want a quick summary, here is a recap of all the major announcements from WWDC 2025.
WWDC 2025: Why This Event Mattered?
WWDC is Apple’s annual developer-focused event. It is typically held in June. This year, the discussion was mostly about new software and tools for developers. They used this event to share their big plans for making devices smarter and more connected across all their products. The main points were:
- A total visual redesign across all platforms
- Unified version naming- iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 (Tahoe), etc.
- New AI features branded as Apple Intelligence
- Multitasking and productivity tools
In short, this year was less about surprises and more about building a smarter, unified future.
Opening of WWDC 2025 Apple
Apple CEO Tim Cook opened the event. After that, the event was kicked off with a funtime. There was a Formula-1 style video featuring Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at the firm. The incident brought some humour and energy before moving to the main announcements.
Key Highlights Included in WWDC 2025
1. Liquid Glass” UI Design
One of the biggest changes in WWDC 2025 is the brand new “Liquid Glass Design”. It is Apple’s first major redesign since iOS 7. It brings a modern look and intelligent features to all platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.
Key Features:
- Semi-transparent panels and floating UI elements
- New iconography with 3D depth and blurred effects
- Visual parity across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS
- Animations now follow fluid physics models
2. iOS 26: Smarter, More Polished iPhone Experience
Apple surprised everyone by changing how it names iOS versions. Instead of calling it iOS 19, they named it iOS 26. This new naming style also matches macOS and watchOS, making it easier for users to understand updates and keeping things more future-ready.
Top iOS 26 Features:
- Visual Intelligence: Scan screenshots, identify text, and extract data like Google Lens
- Live Translation: Real-time call and message translation (supports over 30 languages)
- New Gaming App: Game Center, Arcade, and cloud saves
- Wallet and Camera Upgrades: Simplified UI and faster scans
- Intelligence Integration: Smarter suggestions, context-aware shortcuts, and predictive units
3. iPhone Support: iOS 26 Drops Older Models
According to the latest updates, iOS 26 will only work on iPhone 11 and newer models. This means that the older devices like iPhone X, XS, and 8 series will not get the update and will stay on iOS 18. The reason behind this is Apple Intelligence features require modern Neural Engines and RAM upgrades, which are not found in older models.
Supported devices include:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 series
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen and later)
- iPhone 16 and all upcoming models
4. Apple Intelligence: Smarter Software Across the Board
The new AI system of Apple, called Apple Intelligence, brings smart features to every board.
Highlights included are:
- Live Translation for audio, FaceTime, Messages, and even third-party apps
- Visual Intelligence for documents, handwriting, and objects
- Personalized workout coaching via Apple Watch
- Smarter shortcuts that adapt to your habits
- Secure APIs for developers to add AI features to their apps
While Siri got little attention this time, the firm hinted at major AI voice upgrades in 2026.
5. iPadOS 26: Powerful Tools for Productivity
This time, Apple’s message is clear: the iPad is not just a big iPhone. It has several features. It has finally got features that go beyond what is possible on iPhones.
What is new in iPadOS 26?
- Windowed multitasking: Resize, snap, and layer like apps on a desktop
- Full Preview App: View and annotate PDFs, PSDs, and Illustrator files
- Upgraded File Apps: Improved organization and smarter search
- Better Apple Pencil Support: Instant shape recognition and smarter Scribble
- Apple Intelligence: Use AI to manage files, notes, and tasks more efficiently
6. macOS 26 Tahoe: More Integration, More Product
Named after “Lake Tahoe”, macOS 26 focuses on connection and control. The added features are inclusive of:
- Control iPhone from Mac: Use keyboard and mouse to interact with iPhone apps
- Improved continuity: Answer calls, reply to messages, and mirror screens
- Redesigned spotlight: Smarter search with deeper app results and AI suggestion
- Live Translation in Safari, Notes, and third-party apps
- New Game Mode: Better performance on M-series Mac
7. watchOS 26: AI-Powered Features on Your Wrist
Your Apple Watch has got more helpful and personalised with the following features:
- Workout Buddy: AI-powered coaching that is tailored to your fitness level
- Live translation on the go
- Wrist Flick Gesture: Control your watch without touching the screen
- Smarter Smart Stack: Prioritized info cards based on time, location, and habits
- First-ever Notes App on Watch
8. Updates to tvOS 26 and CarPlay
Updates on tvOS 26:
- Refreshed UI with Liquid Glass Design
- Use iPhone as a mic for Apple Music Sing
- Accessibility-focused display profiles
- Better FaceTime integration on TV
CarPlay Updates:
- Cleaned-up interface with quick-access widgets
- Call screening to block spam while driving
- Matching the Liquid Glass theme for visual consistency
9. visionOS 26 for Apple Vision Pro
For Apple Vision Pro users, the upgrades are:
- Better spatial environments and virtual rooms
- Custom widgets in 3D spaces
- Support for PlayStation VR2 controllers
- Improved “Personas” for more lifelike facial expressions
10. AirPods Get Smarter Too
AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 received smart updates. These include:
- Studio-grade mic isolation
- Use the AirPods stem to remotely take iPhone photos
- Better device switching and sound tuning with AI
11. Apple Music Enhancements
New features for music lovers:
- Lyrics translation and pronunciation guides for international songs
- AutoMix: Seamless transitions between tracks
- Pin your favorite songs to your Lock Screen or Home Screen
- Visual waveforms that match the new UI, Liquid Glass aesthetic
What Apple Did Not Announce (But Teased for 2026)
The announcements about the following were not made at WWDC 2025. These might be discussed in 2026.
- No new hardware: No MacBooks, iPhones, or iPads this time
- Siri update postponed: Apple promises a fully-rebuilt Siri with conversational AI in 2026
- AI-powered developer tools and Apple GPT are likely to come in the next events
In summary, WWDC 2025 did not deliver flashy gadgets, but it revealed something more important. Apple’s software is becoming more intelligent, consistent, and powerful across all devices. From the Liquid Glass UI to smarter Apple Intelligence features, this event is a turning point in the AI strategy of Apple.
