Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and iPadOS 26 Redesign Everything

Apple Launches Major Redesign With iOS 26

Apple opened WWDC 2025 with a major design update across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The company introduced a new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface that will shape Apple software for the next decade.

iOS 26 was the biggest part of the event. It brings a fresh design and practical tools. Apple added Live Translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. It also added a new Phone app, smarter battery features, and visual upgrades.

iOS 26 includes:

• Live Translation that works in real time across calls and messages
• Pinned content for Apple Music: users can now pin favorite playlists, albums, and artists
• Smarter Visual Intelligence that scans and searches on-screen content
• New Messages features, including effects, stickers, and scheduling
• A central Games app that combines Game Center, Library, and Apple Arcade
• Updates to Reminders and Notes for better organization
• A new ‘Clear Look’ mode that joins Light and Dark mode
• Adaptive Power to stretch battery life
• An estimate for how long it takes to charge the battery
• A new emoji-based trivia game exclusive to Apple News+
• Improved boarding passes for Wallet and Apple Maps integration
• New background sounds for users who prefer white noise or nature tones

Apple also added ChatGPT support to its Image Playground, a creative feature in iOS 26.

The update supports iPhone 11 and newer models. Developer betas are available now, and a public beta will launch in July. Full release comes in September.

iPadOS 26 Brings Desktop Features to the iPad

Apple also gave the iPad more desktop power with iPadOS 26. The update brings over 20 new features that make the iPad behave more like a Mac.

Major iPadOS 26 changes include:

• Window support, a full menu bar, and a pointer system
• A revamped Files app with desktop-like tools
• A new Phone app with Call Screening, Hold Assist, and voicemail previews
• More powerful multitasking options

Apple confirmed iPadOS 26 will work on a wide range of iPads, including older models. The company also said the Journal app, previously iPhone-only, is now coming to iPad and Mac.

macOS Tahoe Replaces Sonoma With Big Upgrades

The new macOS Tahoe update carries the same Liquid Glass design from iOS 26. It introduces Live Translation, a better Phone app, and a supercharged Spotlight.

Spotlight in macOS Tahoe now includes:

• Quick Keys for faster navigation
• Expanded app previews
• Better search results from apps, documents, and web content

macOS Tahoe transforms Launchpad into a full App Library, mimicking the iPhone’s layout. Apple also added:

• The new Phone app with Call Screening
• A shared Journal app
• Live Translation across the system

Apple confirmed that Intel-based Macs will not get updates after macOS Tahoe. Only newer Apple Silicon Macs will continue receiving updates.

CarPlay, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS Also Get Upgrades

CarPlay in iOS 26 adds:

• Widgets
• Live Activities like real-time weather and sports scores
• Support for 13 car brands that will offer digital iPhone car keys

watchOS 26 adds:

• Compatibility with more Apple Watch models
• An AI-powered Workout Buddy to guide and adjust fitness routines

visionOS 26 adds:

• Spatial Widgets
• Shared Experiences across Vision Pro devices
• Improved Personas and productivity features

tvOS 26 gets the Liquid Glass design, but older Apple TV models will not support the update. Only newer models can access tvOS 26 features.

Developer Tools and AI Frameworks

Apple also introduced a Foundation Models Framework for developers. This gives them access to Apple’s AI tools for app creation.

The company announced that personalized Siri features are still not ready. However, Apple plans to add them in a future release.

Apple released developer betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other updates immediately after the event. The public beta launches in July, and the official release comes in September.

Summary

WWDC 2025 focused on Apple’s full ecosystem. From iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe to iPadOS 26 and watchOS, each update delivers practical upgrades.

Apple confirmed support for newer models and gave early access to developers. The new ‘Liquid Glass’ design unifies the look and feel across all platforms.

More updates are coming in the next few months as Apple continues beta testing and rolls out additional features.

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