Apple Unveils iOS 26 with Liquid Glass Design and AI-Powered Features at WWDC 2025

Here are all the iOS 26 rumors that came true at WWDC | TechCrunch

While Apple unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on Monday, there were many rumors that surfaced ahead of the event, including the new name for the operating system, a dedicated gaming app, and a virtual health coach. Here's a roundup of the most notable features rumored to be coming to iOS 26 that came true. And be sure to check out our live coverage of the keynote right here. Apple renamed its operating systems to reflect the release year rather than using version numbers. This means that iOS 19 will be renamed iOS 26, similar to how car model years are designated. This name change will also apply to other software updates, such as iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Referred to as the most significant design change since iOS 7, the operating system features a complete visual overhaul inspired by Apple's Vision Pro headset, which the company refers to the new interface as Liquid Glass. This includes translucent panels for navigation and circular app icons. The visionOS-inspired design will be made across Apple's entire ecosystem (including CarPlay) with the goal of creating a more cohesive experience. Additionally, three apps underwent the most changes -- the Phone app, Camera, and Safari. For instance, the Phone app has a new option that allows users to merge their favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a single view. Meanwhile, both the Camera app and Safari have more visual updates, such as a transparent address bar for Apple's browser app. Apple also unveiled a new gaming app that integrates Apple Arcade and the App Store's game offerings, featuring a central hub for achievements, leaderboards, and App Store content. This comes after the company acquired its first game studio, RAC7, according to DigitalTrends. Apple also announced Workout Buddy, an AI feature to serve as a personal coach. The new chatbot aims to motivate users through workouts in real-time and gathers data from the Health app, such as pace and total miles logged. Bloomberg previously reported that the Health app may be revamped to include a food-tracking feature, allowing users to log their carbohydrate and caffeine intake. However, Apple didn't mention this during the event. The Messages app is getting an Apple Intelligence-powered translation feature that can automatically translate messages as soon as they hit users' inboxes. Apple Intelligence also powers a new polling feature that lets people in group chats vote and offers AI-generated poll suggestions. 9to5Mac reported both features. Additionally, Messages added the ability to set a background image, following in the footsteps of WhatsApp and Instagram. Apple is bringing its Preview app from macOS to iPad users, allowing them to annotate and edit PDFs. This was reported by Bloomberg. One notable absence from today's keynote was the impressive Siri capabilities highlighted in Apple's 2024 presentation, which featured a more context-aware assistant that can gather information and perform actions across different apps. The company stated in March that the new features are delayed. Additionally, Apple was rumored to be announcing AI-powered battery management, which was missing from the slew of announcements. The feature was reported to analyze device usage and make adjustments to conserve battery life. The rumor of reverse wireless charging, which would have allowed users to charge accessories such as AirPods or the Apple Watch directly from their iPhone, was also not announced. Another update missing from the keynote was a rumor about Genmoji, which was said to allow users to combine existing standard emojis, such as a basketball going into a trash can.

iOS 19: All the rumored changes Apple could be bringing to its new operating system

As Apple prepares to unveil iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 on Monday, several rumors have surfaced, including a potential new name for the operating system, a dedicated gaming app, and a virtual health coach. This could be a big update, with a dramatic redesign design inspired by the Vision Pro -- and more. Sources told Bloomberg that Apple plans to rename its operating systems to reflect the release year rather than using version numbers. This means that iOS 19 will be renamed iOS 26, similar to how car model years are designated. This name change will also apply to other software updates, such as iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Major design overhaul Anticipated to be the most significant design change since iOS 7, the operating system may feature a complete visual overhaul, one that's reportedly inspired by Apple's Vision Pro headset, according to Bloomberg. This could include translucent panels for navigation and circular app icons. The visionOS-inspired design will be made across Apple's entire ecosystem (including CarPlay) with the goal of creating a more cohesive experience. Additionally, there are three apps expected to undergo the most changes -- the Phone app, Camera, and Safari. For instance, the Phone app is rumored to introduce a new option that allows users to merge their favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a single view. Meanwhile, both the Camera app and Safari are anticipated to have more visual updates, such as a transparent address bar for Apple's browser app. Dedicated gaming app Apple is also rumored to be releasing a gaming app that will integrate Apple Arcade and the App Store's game offerings, featuring a central hub for achievements, leaderboards, and App Store content. This comes after the company acquired its first game studio, RAC7, according to DigitalTrends. Virtual health coach Apple may also be developing an AI feature to serve as a personal health coach. This new chatbot is expected to suggest lifestyle changes and provide health advice based on user data collected from the Health app. Additionally, the Health app may be revamped to include a food-tracking feature, allowing users to log their carbohydrate and caffeine intake. Smarter battery management Apple could improve iPhone battery health with AI-powered battery management. This new feature is reported to analyze device usage and make adjustments to conserve battery life. There may also be a new charging icon on the lock screen that gives an estimated time for when it's fully charged. Another rumor suggests that reverse wireless charging is being tested on the iPhone 17 Pro models, allowing users to charge accessories such as AirPods or the Apple Watch directly from their iPhone. AI translation for Messages According to 9to5Mac, the Messages app is set to get an Apple Intelligence-powered translation feature that can automatically translate messages as soon as they hit users' inboxes. 9to5Mac also reports that Apple Intelligence could power a polling feature that lets people in group chats vote and offers AI-generated poll suggestions. Additionally, Messages may also add the ability to set a background image, following in the footsteps of WhatsApp and Instagram. Preview app Apple may bring its Preview app from macOS to iPad and iPhone users, allowing them to annotate and edit PDFs. This will reportedly be a preinstalled app, per Bloomberg. New Genmoji feature As Bloomberg reports, Genmoji could gain a small yet exciting feature that allows users to combine existing standard emojis, such as a basketball going into a trash can. What about Siri? One notable absence from all the rumors is the impressive Siri capabilities highlighted in Apple's 2024 presentation, which featured a more context-aware assistant that can gather information and perform actions across different apps. The company stated in March that the new features are delayed. While we can expect some AI-related announcements, the primary focus is likely to be on design changes. Reports indicate that improvements to existing Apple Intelligence features will also be introduced, along with some new additions.

WWDC 2025 Is Happening Now: How to Watch and See if iOS 26 Debuts

Katie is a UK-based news reporter and features writer. Officially, she is CNET's European correspondent, covering tech policy and Big Tech in the EU and UK. Unofficially, she serves as CNET's Taylor Swift correspondent. You can also find her writing about tech for good, ethics and human rights, the climate crisis, robots, travel and digital culture. She was once described a "living synth" by London's Evening Standard for having a microchip injected into her hand. Apple's annual summer software event, WWDC, is happening now at Apple Park HQ in Cupertino, California. CNET reporters are there to bring you all the news as it happens, including our first impressions of iOS 19 -- which may end up being called iOS 26. You can watch the event online from anywhere in the world. Here's a direct link to the keynote. Apple has already revealed the lineup for its developer conference, which is scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 13, with a mix of online and in-person sessions. The company has scheduled a special event for the first day, from which it will stream its keynote and Platforms State of the Union Address. This is the point in the year when Apple traditionally unveils major software updates, including the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS and WatchOS, for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, respectively. It's exciting whether or not you're planning to invest in a new Apple product this year, as the new software will also roll out to most of the company's most recent devices, breathing new life into your iPhone for another year or so. As always, iOS 19 likely won't arrive until later in the year (probably after the annual September iPhone event), but WWDC will let us know what to expect, as well as potentially giving us insight into new Apple Intelligence tools. In the meantime, check out our iOS 19 wish list of features that CNET staff hope will be coming with this next big software update. We should also note that it might not even be called iOS 19 -- one rumor suggests Apple is changing its numbering system and this iteration will be called iOS 26. Better tune in to see if the rumor is true. CNET has editors and writers attending in person to report on live WWDC 2025 developments as they break. The June 9 keynote is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. PT and will detail "groundbreaking updates coming to Apple platforms," according to a press release. During the keynote, we expect to see the company announce its plans for iOS 19 and other software updates across iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. The platforms state of the union will take place on the same day at 1 p.m. PT, offering "a deeper dive into the new tools MacOS, TVOS, VisionOS and WatchOS." You can watch both events online via apple.com, the Apple TV app and the Apple YouTube channel. WWDC is a conference for the developers who create the apps we use across our Apple devices, from our iPhones to our MacBooks, to learn about new tools and features they can take advantage of that year. However, the event also garners significant attention from beyond the developer community, since it tells us all we need to know about what to expect from the next generation of software updates that will come to our devices. The online event is free to attend for all developers, and anyone who is curious can tune into Apple's keynote. But those who want to attend the June 9 event at Apple Park in person need to apply online. In the days following, students and developers will attend sessions where they can engage more deeply with the changes to Apple's platforms, which will allow them to ensure their apps are fully compatible with and that they take advantage of those changes. "We're excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of worldwide developer relations. "We can't wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate." If rumors are to be believed, Apple's operating systems are set for a dramatic design overhaul this year. According to Bloomberg, iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and MacOS 16 will all feature new icons and menus, which will also change how our devices are controlled and navigated. The aim is reportedly to create a more cohesive style across platforms that will be reminiscent of VisionOS, the operating system designed for the company's mixed-reality headset. But that's not all -- Apple will likely use WWDC to outline the progress it's made in the field of AI. "I'm looking forward to seeing more details about Apple Intelligence and the new features that will become available," said Francisco Jeronimo, VP of devices at IDC. "This is critical for Apple, as Google Gemini and the Android vendors have taken significant steps forward with their AI offerings." Last year at WWDC 2024, Apple announced iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence -- as well as updates to Siri that have yet to materialize. It's highly unlikely we'll see Apple unveil any hardware at this event, although rumors are heating up about next-generation AirTags and a possible iPhone 17 Air. If these are true, they're more likely to come later in the year.

WWDC 2025 Is Just Hours Away: How to Watch and See if iOS 26 Debuts

Katie is a UK-based news reporter and features writer. Officially, she is CNET's European correspondent, covering tech policy and Big Tech in the EU and UK. Unofficially, she serves as CNET's Taylor Swift correspondent. You can also find her writing about tech for good, ethics and human rights, the climate crisis, robots, travel and digital culture. She was once described a "living synth" by London's Evening Standard for having a microchip injected into her hand. Apple's annual summer software event, WWDC, begins Monday at Apple Park HQ in Cupertino, California. CNET will be there to bring you all the news as it happens, including our first impressions of iOS 19 -- which may end up being called iOS 26. You can watch the event online from anywhere in the world. Apple has already revealed the lineup for its developer conference, which is scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 13, with a mix of online and in-person sessions. The company has scheduled a special event for the first day, from which it will stream its keynote and Platforms State of the Union Address. This is the point in the year when Apple traditionally unveils major software updates, including the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS and WatchOS, for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, respectively. It's exciting whether or not you're planning to invest in a new Apple product this year, as the new software will also roll out to most of the company's most recent devices, breathing new life into your iPhone for another year or so. As always, iOS 19 likely won't arrive until later in the year (probably after the annual September iPhone event), but WWDC will let us know what to expect, as well as potentially giving us insight into new Apple Intelligence tools. In the meantime, check out our iOS 19 wish list of features that CNET staff hope will be coming with this next big software update. We should also note that it might not even be called iOS 19 -- one rumor suggests Apple is changing its numbering system and this iteration will be called iOS 26. Better tune in to see if the rumor is true. CNET has editors and writers attending in person to report on live WWDC 2025 developments as they break. The June 9 keynote is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. PT and will detail "groundbreaking updates coming to Apple platforms," according to a press release. During the keynote, we expect to see the company announce its plans for iOS 19 and other software updates across iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. The platforms state of the union will take place on the same day at 1 p.m. PT, offering "a deeper dive into the new tools MacOS, TVOS, VisionOS and WatchOS." You can watch both events online via apple.com, the Apple TV app and the Apple YouTube channel. WWDC is a conference for the developers who create the apps we use across our Apple devices, from our iPhones to our MacBooks, to learn about new tools and features they can take advantage of that year. However, the event also garners significant attention from beyond the developer community, since it tells us all we need to know about what to expect from the next generation of software updates that will come to our devices. The online event is free to attend for all developers, and anyone who is curious can tune into Apple's keynote. But those who want to attend the June 9 event at Apple Park in person need to apply online. In the days following, students and developers will attend sessions where they can engage more deeply with the changes to Apple's platforms, which will allow them to ensure their apps are fully compatible with and that they take advantage of those changes. "We're excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of worldwide developer relations. "We can't wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate." If rumors are to be believed, Apple's operating systems are set for a dramatic design overhaul this year. According to Bloomberg, iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and MacOS 16 will all feature new icons and menus, which will also change how our devices are controlled and navigated. The aim is reportedly to create a more cohesive style across platforms that will be reminiscent of VisionOS, the operating system designed for the company's mixed-reality headset. But that's not all -- Apple will likely use WWDC to outline the progress it's made in the field of AI. "I'm looking forward to seeing more details about Apple Intelligence and the new features that will become available," said Francisco Jeronimo, VP of devices at IDC. "This is critical for Apple, as Google Gemini and the Android vendors have taken significant steps forward with their AI offerings." Last year at WWDC 2024, Apple announced iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence -- as well as updates to Siri that have yet to materialize. It's highly unlikely we'll see Apple unveil any hardware at this event, although rumors are heating up about next-generation AirTags and a possible iPhone 17 Air. If these are true, they're more likely to come later in the year.

Every New iOS 26 iPhone Feature: Liquid Glass, Camera and AI

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is a peek into the near future of the iPhone, and this year, that view is through a Liquid Glass lens. That's the name of a new look being applied throughout the Apple product line that takes on visual characteristics of glass similar to the VisionOS interface on Vision Pro. In addition to the new look, iOS 26 (numbered to coincide with 2026, the new naming convention for all of Apple's system releases) brings improvements to the Phone app, redesigned Camera and Photos apps, a sprinkling of Apple Intelligence and much more. The next version of the operating system is due to ship in the fall (likely with new iPhone 17 models), but developer betas are available now with a public beta expected in July. After more than a decade of a flat, clean user interface -- an overhaul introduced in iOS 7 when former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive took over the design of software as well as hardware -- the iPhone is getting a new look. The new design extends throughout the Apple product lineup, from iOS to WatchOS, TVOS and iPadOS. The Liquid Glass interface also now enables a third way to view app icons on the iPhone home screen. Not content with Light and Dark modes, iOS 26 now features an All Clear look -- every icon is clear glass with no color. Lock screens can also have an enhanced 3D effect using spatial scenes, which use machine learning to give depth to your background photos. Translucency is the defining characteristic of Liquid Glass, behaving like glass in the real world in the way it deals with light and color of objects behind and near controls. But it's not just a glassy look: The "liquid" part of Liquid Glass refers to how controls can merge and adapt -- dynamically morphing, in Apple's words. In the example Apple showed, the glassy time numerals on an iPhone lock screen stretched to accommodate the image of a dog and even shrunk as the image shifted to accommodate incoming notifications. The dock and widgets are now rounded, glassy panels that float above the background. The Camera app is getting a new, simplified interface. You could argue that the current Camera app is pretty minimal, designed to make it quick to frame a shot and hit the big shutter button. But the moment you get into the periphery, it becomes a weird mix of hidden controls and unintuitive icons. Now, the Camera app in iOS 26 features a "new, more intuitive design" that takes minimalism to the extreme. The streamlined design shows just two controls: Video or Camera. Swipe left or right to choose modes. Swipe up for settings such as aspect ratio and timers, and tap for additional preferences. With the updated Photos app, viewing the pictures you capture should be a better experience -- a welcome change that customers have clamored for since iOS 18's cluttered attempt. Instead of a long, difficult-to-discover scrolling interface, Photos regains a Liquid Glass menu at the bottom of the screen. The Phone app has kept more closely to the look of its source than others: a sparse interface with large buttons as if you're holding an old-fashioned headset or pre-smartphone cellular phone. iOS 26 finally updates that look not just with the new overall interface but in a unified layout that takes advantage of the larger screen real estate on today's iPhone models. It's not just looks that are different, though. The Phone app is trying to be more useful for dealing with actual calls -- the ones you want to take. The Call Screening feature automatically answers calls from unknown numbers, and your phone rings only when the caller shares their name and reason for calling. Or what about all the time wasted on hold? Hold Assist automatically detects hold music and can mute the music but keep the call connected. Once a live agent becomes available, the phone rings and lets the agent know you'll be available shortly. The Messages app is probably one of the most used apps on the iPhone, and for iOS 26, Apple is making it a more colorful experience. You can add backgrounds to the chat window, including dynamic backgrounds that show off the new Liquid Glass interface. In addition to the new look, group texts in Messages can incorporate polls for everyone in the group to reply to -- no more scrolling back to find out which restaurant Brett suggested for lunch that you missed. Other members in the chat can also add their own items to a poll. A more useful feature is a feature to detect spam texts better and screen unknown numbers, so the messages you see in the app are the ones you want to see and not the ones that distract you. In the Safari app, the Liquid Glass design floats the tab bar above the web page (although that looks right where your thumb is going to be, so it will be interesting to see if you can move the bar to the top of the screen). As you scroll, the tab bar shrinks. FaceTime also gets the minimal look, with controls in the lower-right corner that disappear during the call to get out of the way. On the FaceTime landing page, posters of your contacts, including video clips of previous calls, are designed to make the app more appealing. Do you like the sound of that song your friend is playing but don't understand the language the lyrics are in? The Music app includes a new lyrics translation feature that displays along with the lyrics as the song plays. And for when you want to sing along with one of her favorite K-pop songs, for example, but you don't speak or read Korean, a lyrics pronunciation feature spells out the right way to form the sounds. AutoMix blends songs like a DJ, matching the beat and time-stretching for a seamless transition. And if you find yourself obsessively listening to artists and albums again and again, you can pin them to the top of your music library for quick access. The iPhone doesn't get the same kind of gaming affection as Nintendo's Switch or Valve's Steam Deck, but the truth is that the iPhone and Android phones are used extensively for gaming -- Apple says half a billion people play games on iPhone. Trying to capitalize on that, a new Games app acts as a specific portal to Apple Arcade and other games. Yes, you can get to those from the App Store app, but the Games app is designed to remove a layer of friction so you can get right to the gaming action. Although not specific to iOS, Apple's new live translation feature is ideal on the iPhone when you're communicating with others. It uses Apple Intelligence to dynamically enable you to talk to someone who speaks a different language in near-real time. It's available in the Messages, FaceTime and Phone apps and shows live translated captions during a conversation. Updates to the Maps app sometimes involve adding more detail to popular areas or restructuring the way you store locations. Now, the app takes note of routes you travel frequently and can alert you of any delays before you get on the road. It also includes a welcome feature for those of us who get our favorite restaurants mixed up: visited places. The app notes how many times you've been to a place, be that a local business, eatery or tourist destination. It organizes them in categories or other criteria such as by city to make them easier to find the next time. Liquid Glass also makes its way to CarPlay in your vehicle, with a more compact design when a call comes in that doesn't obscure other items, such as a directional map. In Messages, you can apply tapbacks and pin conversations for easy access. Widgets are now part of the CarPlay experience, so you can focus on just the data you want, like the current weather conditions. And Live Activities appear on the CarPlay screen, so you'll know when that coffee you ordered will be done or when a friend's flight is about to arrive. The Wallet app is already home for using Apple Card, Apple Pay, electronic car keys and for storing tickets and passes. In iOS 26, you can create a new Digital ID that acts like a passport for age and identity verification (though it does not replace a physical passport) for domestic travel for TSA screening at airports. The app can also let you use rewards and set up installment payments when you purchase items in a store, not just for online orders. And with the help of Apple Intelligence, the Wallet app can help you track product orders, even if you did not use Apple Pay to purchase them. It can pull details such as shipping numbers from emails and texts so that information is all in one place. Although last year's WWDC featured Apple Intelligence features heavily, improvements to the AI tech were less prominent this year, folded into the announcements during the WWDC keynote. As an alternative to creating Genmoji from scratch, you can combine existing emojis -- "like a sloth and a light bulb when you're the last one in the group chat to get the joke," to use Apple's example. You can also change expressions in Genmoji of people you know that you've used to create the image. Image Playground adds the ability to tap into ChatGPT's image generation tools to go beyond the app's animation or sketch styles. Visual Intelligence can already use the camera to try to decipher what's in front of the lens. Now the technology works on the content on the iPhone's screen, too. It does this by taking a screenshot (press the sleep and volume up buttons) and then including a new Image Search option in that interface to find results across the web or in other apps such as Etsy. This is also a way to add event details from images you come across, like posters for concerts or large gatherings. (Perhaps this could work for QR codes as well?) In the screenshot interface, Visual Intelligence can parse the text and create an event in the Calendar app. Not everything fits into a keynote presentation -- even, or maybe especially, when it's all pre-recorded -- but some of the more interesting new features in iOS 26 went unremarked during the big reveal. For instance: The finished version of iOS 26 will be released in September or October with new iPhone 17 models. In the meantime, developers will get access to the first developer betas starting on Monday, with an initial public beta arriving in July. (Don't forget to go into any beta software with open eyes and clear expectations.) Follow the WWDC 2025 live blog for details about Apple's announcements. iOS 26 will run on the iPhone 11 and later models, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). That includes:

iOS 26 isn't just about a rebrand and Solarium - here's what else is coming

Apple will hold its annual WWDC conference today, and the leaks about what might be announced are pouring out at full speed. I recently told you how the company is reportedly planning a massive UI overhaul called Solarium for every corner of its software ecosystem. Shortly after that, reports emerged that Apple would also rename its operating systems to follow a year-based convention, with iOS 19 being called iOS 26. Now, 9to5Mac has the scoop on what, specifically, iOS 26 will introduce. Also: How to watch Apple WWDC 2025 keynote : What to expect with iOS 26, Siri, AI 9to5Mac has a solid track record when it comes to Apple leaks. So when it reveals what the next major iteration of Apple's mobile software could bring in terms of upgrades, you listen. While the Solarium redesign, which is thought to be the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7, will undoubtedly steal the spotlight, some of the under-the-radar changes could be equally exciting. When Apple unveils iOS 26, it will supposedly discuss a few new features and software upgrades coming to Messages, Music, Notes, CarPlay, and more. Keep in mind that none of this has been revealed by Apple just yet. I've contacted the company for a comment, but I do not expect it to confirm 9to5Mac's reporting. It will use WWDC 2025 to reveal the new features in iOS 26. iOS 26 will bring AI-powered real-time translation to Messages, automatically detecting and translating incoming texts and your replies so recipients can see them in their language. Also: Your iPhone is getting these useful features with iOS 26 - including a big AI one It will also add polls. You'll be able to tap a new "Poll" button, enter your question and options, and everyone in a chat can vote, with results updating in real time. Apple Intelligence will even suggest poll options based on your conversation. So, if you're deciding on dinner, it might offer "pizza," "burgers," or "sushi" as poll choices. This isn't the biggest change, but you can expect animated album art -- which is already a thing inside Apple Music -- to appear on your Lock Screen. So, when your iPhone is locked, album artwork should appear to come to life, in full-screen glory. Another small feature reportedly coming to the iPhone with iOS 26 should make some note‐takers and writers happy: they'll get the ability to export notes in Markdown from Apple Notes. Until now, doing this required third‐party apps. 9to5Mac reports that Apple plans to bring the Solarium design language to CarPlay with iOS 26. That means it'll likely update menus, buttons, and widgets to match your iPhone's and iPad's new look. Earlier reports had mentioned that iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, TVOS, and VisionOS are all set to receive this visual overhaul -- but now, it appears CarPlay will, too. Since Solarium is all about bright, translucent elements, you can expect CarPlay to look more modern and lightweight after the update. WWDC 2025 kicks off today, on June 9, with the main keynote happening on Day One, like it does every year. ZDNET's WWDC guide offers a comprehensive look at all the expected announcements and explains how you can watch the event live. As always, the headline-grabbing features will get most of the buzz, but these smaller iOS 26 improvements will likely share some stage time as well. Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

Apple announces iOS 26 with Liquid Glass redesign

Jay Peters is a news editor covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme. Apple has unveiled iOS 26, the next version of its iPhone operating system, as part of its suite of announcements at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). It features a complete redesign with Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design language. The announcement marks a change in how Apple signifies its major updates to iOS. Under the previous marketing scheme, this year's major release would have been iOS 19 -- the direct follow-up to iOS 18. But now, Apple's big iOS updates will be numbered based on the year following their introduction, a little bit like car-makers do with new car releases. A bunch of elements of the operating system are getting a major facelift as a result of the redesign. The time on your lockscreen can stretch to fill more of the screen. The Camera app has a more streamlined layout - many controls are now hidden to make the experience feel cleaner. In Safari, webpages are edge-to-edge, and the tab bar floats over your content. Apple is adding some improvements to the phone app, including a call screening feature that can answer calls on your behalf and sit on calls on your behalf while you're on hold. The Messages app is getting a bunch of updates, too, like customized backgrounds. Apple will offer backgrounds, but you can also add your own photos or images generated by Image Playground. You'll be able to create polls - and Apple Intelligence can suggest adding a poll if it senses that might be helpful. And group chats are getting typing indicators. To make new emoji, Apple will let you merge two emoji with Genmoji instead of just using a text description. And Image Playground is getting a new feature that lets you make images with the help of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Apple is also adding Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, that can translate conversations in real time. It runs using models that are all on-device. The translations can happen in text threads or on phone or FaceTime calls, for example. Developers will be able to add Live Translations to their apps with an API, too. Apple Music is getting lyrics translation and lyrics pronunciation. AutoMix can seamlessly transition songs from one to another like a DJ. You'll also be able to pin your favorite artists and playlists to the top of the app. Apple Maps will be able to learn and offer your preferred routes, and it can send you a notification if there's delays or traffic on that route. You'll also be able to check back on your visited places, if you want to more easily share them with your friends. This is also Apple's second major iOS update following the introduction of the company's Apple Intelligence AI features. iOS 18 received some basic AI features like tools to improve writing, Genmoji for custom emoji, and integration with ChatGPT. But some big promised upgrades to Siri, like the ability to take action based on what it could see on your phone, were delayed ahead of their expected launch.

Apple WWDC 2025: the 13 biggest announcements

Emma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Apple packed a bunch of major updates into its annual Worldwide Developer Conference keynote. During the event, the company showed off the sleek design refresh coming to its operating systems, as well as a mix of new features for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and more bundled in upcoming software updates. Here's a roundup of some of the most exciting changes Apple announced during Monday's keynote. As predicted, Apple has given each of its operating systems new version numbers that now align with the year after their release, rather than the version number. The new names are iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. They'll be coming out in late 2025, but still, it's easier to remember that iOS 19, watchOS 12, and macOS 16. The operating systems are available as developer betas starting today and will be available to all users this fall. Apple is revamping the design across its operating systems. Now iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and CarPlay will have a new "liquid glass" theme that adds more transparency to buttons, switches, sliders, text, and media controls throughout their interfaces. The date, time, notification previews on iOS 26's lockscreen will also adopt the liquid glass look, allowing you to get a clear view of your wallpapper behind all the text. As part of its broader redesign, Apple revealed revamps for some of its core apps in iOS 26. Now, web pages in Safari will take up your entire screen. The Camera app also has a simplified layout that shows you two main options, photo and video, and you can swipe on the tool bar to reveal other modes, such as "Slow-Mo" and "Cinematic." The Phone app is getting an upgrade as well, as it will now have a layout that combines favorites, recents, and voicemails into one panel, while "calls," "contacts," and "keypad" remain on the bottom of the app. Apple is bringing a major update to iPadOS 26 that should make multitasking easier. New windowing capabilities will let you resize app windows, place them around your display, and open more windows at once. It's also adding a more precise mouse pointer and a new menu bar, allowing you to swipe down on an app to view various options and commands. It all looks a lot more Mac-like. iPadOS 26 is also getting a version of the Mac's Preview app to view and annotate image and files. Apple is updating Messages to let you change the background of your chats and create polls in group conversations. Some other updates include typing indicators for group chats and the ability to screen messages from unknown senders, which will appear in a separate folder instead of your main list. Apple revealed a new Games app that will let you access all of your Apple Arcade games and discover new ones from a single spot. You can check out the "Library" tab to view the games you've downloaded from the App Store, as well as use the "Play Together" option to challenge friends. The next macOS software update will introduce an upgrade to Spotlight that will make your search results more relevant with personalization and filtering options to help you search for specific files, folders, apps, and messages. It also adds the ability to take actions like sending an email or creating a note. Apple is also bringing the Phone and the newly-announced Games app to macOS 26, along with support for the iPhone's Live Activities. The Apple Vision Pro will support PlayStation's VR2 Sense controllers in visionOS 26, which will let you play a wider variety of virtual-reality games. It's also adding a new a new scrolling feature that lets users navigate apps by looking up or down, in addition to spatial widgets that integrate "seamlessly into a user's space and reappearing every time they put on Apple Vision Pro." There's a new Apple Intelligence feature coming to iOS 26 that lets you use the same buttons you would to take a screenshot to call upon the AI assistant. From there, you can ask additional questions about what you're seeing on your screen with ChatGPT, or search for a particular object on Google or Etsy to find similar images. Along with the Liquid Glass design language, Apple is bringing a new "wrist flick" gesture to watchOS 26 that you can use to dismiss notifications. The Apple Watch will have a new AI-powered "Workout Buddy" as well, which will generate personalized advice and encouragements. Apple is building AI-powered live translation into the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps. You can use the integration to automatically translate texts in the Messages app, while you'll hear speech translated aloud on the Phone app. In FaceTime, Apple will display translated live captions while you listen to your conversation partner. Apple previewed an update that will let users take a photo with their iPhone or iPad by tapping the stem of their AirPods. It's also working on a new feature that lets users record "studio-quality" vocals in noisy areas with voice isolation. The features will come to the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2. Though Apple's keynote was a bit light on AI news, the company announced that it will let third-party app developers access the on-device large language model used by Apple Intelligence, allowing them to create tools of their own.

How to watch Apple WWDC 2025 keynote : What to expect with iOS 26, Siri, AI

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off today, Monday, June 9 at Apple Park, but the full conference runs through June 13. The event will feature the new software generation for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Vision Pro, and Apple TV -- and, of course, Apple Intelligence. Also: iOS 26 isn't just about a new name and Solarium - here's what else is coming This developer conference also marks one year since the company entered the AI space with the announcement of Apple Intelligence. As a result, all eyes are on Apple and its much-awaited updates on the progress of the AI platform, such as when the upgraded Siri update will be rolled out to devices, and what new features will be coming next. Apple begins the event with a keynote that debuts the latest software updates to iOS, MacOS, WatchOS, VisionOS, and TVOS. This year, you can also plan to hear a lot more about the company's AI initiatives at Apple Intelligence. Also: I test AI tools for a living. Here are 3 image generators I actually use and how Each year, Apple hosts media, developers, and students at its WWDC event. Developers attending in person or virtually can learn, connect, and engage in multiple activities and consultations to optimize their apps. Those not invited to Apple Park can watch the keynote livestream on Apple TV, YouTube, and Apple's website. "We're excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community," said Susan Prescott, Apple's Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We can't wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate." ZDNET will be attending in person, bringing you the latest updates, hands-on images, videos, and demo experiences on our website and social media platforms. Apple is reportedly planning to rebrand its operating system names, moving from generation numbers to years. According to the Bloomberg report, instead of getting iOS 19, MacOS 16, WatchOS 13, and VisionOS 3, you'll be getting iPadOS 26, MacOS 26, WatchOS 26, TVOS 26, and VisionOS 26. Also: Is Apple's iOS 26 rebranding a gimmick or pure genius? My verdict as an iPhone and Mac user Apple is also expected to make big changes to the iPhone user experience, including redesigned icons, menus, apps, and windows that will give iOS a new look. The major software overhaul would be the first in at least 12 years, as Apple hasn't made significant design changes to its user interface since the release of iOS 7 in 2013. Apple is reportedly focused on making these changes to iOS, MacOS, and iPadOS to unify the user experience across the iPhone, Mac, and iPad and make navigation more intuitive. Greg Joswiak, Apple's SVP of marketing, posted on X a "Sleek peek" at what to expect at WWDC, including a short animation that is likely a nod to the redesign coming to Apple's operating system. When Apple launched Apple Intelligence, the company positioned its AI as a personal assistant that -- equipped with the context of your daily interactions -- could deliver advanced assistance, centered around a Siri upgrade. However, Apple so far has only unveiled some less advanced features, such as Genmoji, Writing tools, and Photo clean-up, while repeatedly delaying Siri 2.0. The result has been frustrated users and a consensus that Apple may not be as ready to compete in the AI race as it claimed. Therefore, the world will be closely watching Apple's announcements surrounding its AI developments. While Apple could use the WWDC 2025 stage to make a comeback, people close to the matter told Bloomberg that it likely will not be the case. Also: 3 Apple Intelligence features that would convince me to ditch Gemini and ChatGPT According to the report, the company will be taking a gap year, with bigger AI projects -- such as a revamped version of its Shortcuts app, Apple's AI doctor via the improved Health App, and a ChatGPT competitor -- coming at a future date. The event may include some sneak peeks, but it is likely that Apple will approach this carefully after receiving some backlash from showcasing Apple Intelligence features at last year's WWDC that were nowhere near ready. The biggest AI-related announcement will reportedly be that Apple is opening up its Foundation Models to third-party developers, which should spur some innovation and growth in the AI sector, with developers building deeper integrations of their offerings into a more helpful experience on devices. At WWDC, Apple doesn't typically announce hardware, and this year will likely be no different. The best way to think of WWDC is that Apple sets the foundation for what to expect with the launch of new devices during the fall Apple event, where the company unveils its latest gadgets -- including its next-generation iPhones. Before each WWDC event, Apple holds a Swift Student Challenge, an annual coding competition for students worldwide. The competition encourages developers 13 years and older who are enrolled in high school or other educational programs to create an app using Swift Playgrounds. The winners get Apple swag and prizes, and the top 50 participants can attend WWDC in person at Apple Park. Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

How to watch Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote

Dominic Preston is a news editor with over a decade's experience in journalism. He previously worked at Android Police and Tech Advisor. With Google and Microsoft's developer conferences out of the way, now it's time for Apple's WWDC. The Cupertino company is gearing up to unveil new versions (and new numbers) for all its operating systems, as well as taking a second step at convincing everyone it's a major player in the AI industry. Rumor has it we may also see a whole new product category from Apple, with a HomePad smart display possibly in the offering. Here's how to catch it all live. While WWDC itself runs all week, the keynote with all the major announcements should take just a couple hours on Monday, June 9th. It's set to start at 1PM ET / 10AM PT. The keynote event is taking place in person at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, but it'll be streamed online too. The easiest place for most people to watch it will be YouTube, so we've embedded the livestream up above. Apparently this year they'll all make the jump to iOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and so on, unifying version numbers while tying them to the calendar year just after they release, which should help them sound sufficiently futuristic. Of course, macOS isn't giving up its Californian names just yet. Alongside its new number, it'll apparently be titled Tahoe. To go with those new numbers, Apple is reportedly planning a design overhaul for its software, inspired by the look of the Vision Pro's visionOS. That will mean updated icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons across iPhones, Macs, and iPads, with a look that incorporates "light and transparency." There'll also be tweaks to toolbars, new pop-out menus that bring up extra options on a click, and larger redesigns for the Phone, Safari, and Camera apps on iPhone and iPad. This may be Apple's best chance to show off its long-rumored smart display, a HomePod/iPad hybrid with a speaker and smart home controls. It had been rumored for a March 2025 release, but expectations then shifted to later this year. Still, even if the release date is still a while away, Apple might want to take WWDC as an excuse to tease what it has in the works. Apple can't afford to ignore AI this year, even if Apple Intelligence didn't get off to the greatest start. We hope, though it might not, Apple brings a second look at its take on AI for iPhones (and beyond), even if some of the features announced a year ago still haven't arrived. Apple may have learned its lessons from last year and could focus on AI features that are a bit closer to completion, which may mean it'll stay quiet on its plans to overhaul Siri. According to Bloomberg that's likely to mean a focus instead on translation features, AI-powered battery optimization, and opening up Apple's foundation AI models to third-party developers.

Everything you might've missed at WWDC 2025: iOS 26, Liquid Glass, MacOS Tahoe, more

Apple kicked off its annual developer conference with a bang. Here are all of the major reveals from the event so far. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, is a momentous occasion for Apple fans. The tech giant held its keynote speech on Monday at Apple Park, but the full conference runs through June 13. It also marks one year since the company entered the AI space with the announcement of Apple Intelligence. Also: The best iOS 26 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile As WWDC is a developer conference, the main focus of the keynote was software. Apple revealed it's planning on making sweeping UI changes to all its operating systems, adding new features, new apps, and enhancing Apple Intelligence. By the time you read this, the keynote presentation will have concluded, but you can watch the VOD (video on demand) on YouTube to see demonstrations of the updates. Also: Every iPhone model compatible with Apple's iOS 26 (and which ones aren't) ZDNET attended WWDC in person, and we have brought you hands-on images, videos, and demo experiences on our website and social media platforms. Below is a roundup of the most important announcements from WWDC 2025 in no particular order. It includes the reveal of the Liquid Glass UI update, spatial photographs, and a personal Workout Buddy. What was arguably the most impactful announcement was the reveal of Liquid Glass, a new "cross-platform design language" that introduces the company's "biggest [UI] update since iOS 7." Inspired by VisionOS, Liquid Glass adds translucency to Apple's operating system, allowing certain aspects of the UI to "behave" like glass. Colors are "informed by surrounding content." For example, the menu buttons on a Safari web page can reflect the cascade of colors of a news article. It can change from red to white to black as you scroll down. Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here's everything we know about Apple's major UI overhaul at WWDC To better match Liquid Glass, navigation controls and toolbars have been redesigned to be transparent with rounder corners. Because these toolbars are translucent, users will be able to see the app below, albeit with a frosted look. What's particularly interesting is that these UI elements are dynamic. They will adapt to what's on screen. The digital clock readout on an iPhone's Lock Screen, for example, can either expand or shrink to complement what's on screen. If a subject or subjects take up a large area, the clock will be small. Liquid Glass will be rolling out to iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and the Visions Pro later this Fall. With the next iOS update, Apple is changing its naming convention. Instead of using numeral order, the company will name its system after the upcoming year. So, it is now iOS 26 rather than iOS 19. In addition to Liquid Glass, several first-party apps are receiving new features. The Phone app on iOS 26 has a new "unified layout" combining Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail into one big section. Apple Intelligence can be used to write up summaries for specific voicemails. Call Screening helps stop interruptions by asking people on the other line to provide a reason for their call. Users can then decide whether or not to pick up. One of my favorites is Hold Assist. If you're ever put on hold, this feature keeps your place in line and will notify you whenever a live agent picks up. Also: The best iOS 26 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile Continuing down the list, Messages can screen incoming texts from unknown senders, giving you more control over who gets to talk to you. Polls are being added to Group Chats to help settle debates like where to go on vacation. For Lock Screen wallpapers, iPhone owners can implement a 3D effect, transforming flat 2D photographs into a dynamic image that moves. Apple continues its long-standing tradition of naming macOS updates after notable California locations. This year, we have macOS Tahoe, named after the lake of the same name. Again, the Liquid Glass UI is here as the tech company strives to maintain a visual consistency. It is by far the system's most notable change. Apple redesigned the dock, sidebars, and toolbars to have a translucent aesthetic that shows more content on screen while eliminating some UI clutter. There is more to macOS Tahoe than just its facelift. The Phone app is coming to Mac computers, enabling a "more streamlined user experience between your iPhone and computer." It'll sync directly with your iPhone, providing access to recent calls and contacts. It even supports the new Phone app features like Hold Assist and Call Screening. Also: The 5 biggest MacOS features announced at WWDC 2025 macOS Spotlight is receiving a revamp, too. Search results, including files, folders, apps, and more, will be ranked according to what is most relevant to the user. Extra filtering options have been added to help people locate PDFs or emails. It can even bring up "documents stored on third-party cloud drives." If you're a big nerd like me, you'll appreciate the new Games app. It introduces a Game Overlay where users can adjust settings, talk with friends, or invite them to play without having to leave the game. The app will also highlight major events or updates for favorite titles. Liquid Glass will also be on iPadOS 26. However, the UI changes don't stop there. The operating system has received a new windowing system, allowing users to resize web pages and apps to their heart's content. In the bottom right-hand corner of an app will be a grab handle. Pressing and holding said handle lets you fluidly resize windows and then move them to whatever location you want. For example, users can snap web pages to a specific side of the screen, organize them into a 2x3 grid, or have everything in a jumbled mess -- it's totally up to you. Resized apps keep their shape even if you shrink them. Features like Exposé spread all of the windows out for quick navigation. Also: 4 best iPadOS 26 features revealed at WWDC - and which iPads will get them Apple Intelligence saw its own set of improvements, too. Live Translations will work across text messages, FaceTime, and phone calls, providing real-time translations with both captions and audio output. This is not an exclusive feature of iPads. iPhones will also support the new Live Translation. Last but certainly not least is WatchOS 26. Upon release, Apple Intelligence will gain a bigger role in Apple Watches. They will have a new feature called Workout Buddy that uses your actual fitness data history it has collected over time, and provides real-time insights while you work out. In the presentation demo, we saw Workout Buddy tell a woman her total running distance for the year and how fast she ran. At the end, your wearable will recap your workout stats. It'll even congratulate you if you hit any achievements. Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features in WatchOS 26 Notifications on the Apple Watch are becoming self-aware -- well, sort of. A new feature is being added that'll allow the device to be more cognizant of the sound level in the surrounding environment. It'll adjust the volume level for alert notifications. So, if you're in a quiet space, it'll output a loud ding. Speaking of notifications, a new hand gesture is being added. A simple flick of the wrist will let you dismiss calls, alerts, as well as "silence pings." Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

What's New in iOS 26: Liquid Glass, Call Screening, CarPlay Upgrade, More

As expected, Apple today unveiled revamped versions of its operating systems with a new naming convention (say hello to iOS 26, not iOS 19) and a "Liquid Glass" makeover. Some of the upgrades tap into Apple Intelligence, while others are small but potentially useful add-ons. Developers will get access to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 "Tahoe," and more this week. Everyone else can check out a public beta next month or wait until the fall to update. Here's a rundown of the more notable features coming to your iPhone later this year. 1. Live Translation Need to talk to someone who speaks another language? A Live Translation feature will be integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, so texts or in-person chats will be translated automatically. At launch, Messages will support English (US, UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (simplified). On the Phone app and in FaceTime, it'll work with English (US, UK), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). Google introduced something similar for Meet video conferences at I/O last month. 2. More Ways to Keep Spam Calls and Texts at Bay Apple's iOS already lets you screen incoming calls with Live Voicemail, but with iOS 26, Call Screening will act as your assistant to ask who's calling and give you the option to answer or send to voicemail. And if you're getting bombarded by spam texts, iOS 26 will send messages from unknown senders into their own dedicated folder. They won't make noise until you mark them as known, though Apple notes that you'll still be able to find things like multi-factor authentication codes or "your table is ready" texts from a restaurant. To that end, Apple promises a more "unified" message inbox that combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails all in one place. And, if you're stuck on hold, Hold Assist allows you to silence the hold music and move on to something else. Your phone will alert you when a human answers and is ready to take your call. Apple is also adding some minor but potentially popular features to Messages: polls and custom backgrounds. It will also let you see a typing indicator in a group chat, and request, send, and receive Apple Cash. 3. Analyze Screenshots With Visual Intelligence Visual Intelligence is an AI-powered feature that lets you point your iPhone camera at items you want it to identify. At WWDC, Apple showed off the option to take a screenshot and have Visual Intelligence analyze it. Maybe you spotted a pair of shoes on someone's social feed you want to buy; take a screenshot, and Visual Intelligence will search Google, Etsy, or other supported apps to find similar images and products. If you're looking at an event, meanwhile, Visual Intelligence will suggest that you add it to your calendar and populate key details like date, time, and location. 4. CarPlay Adds Tapbacks, Widgets, More The OS design upgrade extends to CarPlay, and adds a few new options from the iPhone, like message tapbacks and pinned conversations. You can also see widgets on the CarPlay display for info at a glance, as well as Live Activities, like the status of a flight. 5. Visited Places in Apple Maps AI announcements were rather muted at WWDC, humming along in the background rather than a focal point of the keynote. That includes the "visited places" option in Apple Maps, which will keep tabs on favorite locations for quicker navigation, suggested routes, and traffic notifications. "Visited Places are protected with end-to-end encryption and cannot be accessed by Apple," the company says.

iOS 26: 3 Features Apple Nailed -- and 3 That Feel Half-Baked

I'm a Mobile Analyst at PCMag, which means I cover wireless phones, plans, tablets, ereaders, and a whole lot more. I've always loved technology and have been forming opinions on consumer electronics since childhood. Prior to joining PCMag, I covered TVs and home entertainment at CNET, served as the tech and electronics reviews fellow at Insider, and began my career by writing laptop reviews as an intern at Tom's Hardware. I am also a professional actor with credits in theater, film, and television. Apple previewed its latest mobile operating system, iOS 26, at WWDC, and there were plenty of changes, big and small. Though some new features look cool, I'm not impressed by everything Apple is adding to its iPhone platform. What about iOS 26 appeals to me, and which aspects left me cold? Here are three things I like and three things I don't. I love personalizing my home screen with photos of my pets. In iOS 26, I'll be able to turn any of my photos into a 3D-like image on my home screen. Apple says the date and time will automatically adjust around the photo, which lets the image itself stand out. This looks really neat, and I can't wait to have multiple home screens featuring both my dog and cat. I'm sure 3D wallpapers will work just as well with photos of people and places, but it seems to me that it was almost made specifically to show off our furry friends. Snoots and Whiskers in 3D? Yes, please. 2. Transparent Icons and Widgets The option to have fully transparent icons and widgets represents a totally new look from Apple, and I think it gives the home screen a clear, unified appearance. I'm excited to try it with a custom wallpaper because I think it will really let the picture behind the icons pop. With iOS 18, my wallpaper photo is so completely covered by apps that I can't even see it. Transparent icons and widgets will give me the best of both worlds: access to my apps and the ability to see my personalized wallpaper. 3. Strong Backward Compatibility iOS 26 will be available to iPhones from 2019 and later, which means the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max will reach seven years of OS updates. Apple doesn't specify exactly how long it will offer software updates to its phones, but this matches the seven years of support that Google and Samsung offer for their top devices. It's great to see Apple offer its latest software to phones that have been around for so long. Of course, not every iOS 26 feature will be available to every phone. Apple Intelligence requires at least the iPhone 15 Pro,15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 to run. Apple mentioned several Apple Intelligence-based features in iOS 26, and it's not clear exactly where the compatibility line falls with respect to these features. While I like the transparent icons, Apple's big design makeover doesn't look all that different to me, other than the fact that it seems to have gotten its cues from Windows Vista. I'm rather agnostic on most of the visual changes, but I'm desperately concerned about the menu system. It appears that the streamlined design has hidden too many menus behind additional taps and long presses, which might make it easier for people to get lost or confused as they navigate the user interface. I thought the whole point of iOS was to make it simple to use and easy to learn. I'm all for a design refresh, but not at the expense of usability. The jury is definitely still out on this one. 2. Call Screening I hate receiving calls from unknown numbers as much as the next person, but that doesn't mean I want my phone to prevent the calls from even reaching me. Apple's new Call Screening feature uses Apple Intelligence to answer calls from unknown numbers. It then gathers information from the caller and gives you a summary of that info via text on your screen, and you can choose to pick up the phone. Call Screening does this in the background, without disturbing you. Google's implementation on Pixel phones shows you that your phone is ringing and that it is answering for you. I'm curious to see how it will work in practice, but right now I'm not sure why I need this. I like being notified when someone is calling me, and if I don't want to answer a call, I send it to voicemail. I'm certainly not interested in having Siri, or any other AI assistant, answer on my behalf. Please, Apple, just let me do the talking. 3. AI Voicemail Summaries This one feels redundant. iPhones have been able to transcribe voicemails since the 2016-era iOS 10. The existing tool already lets me read the entire message left by my caller, most of which are only a couple of sentences long. Even when I receive the occasional too-long voice message, skimming the full text isn't really that difficult? Why do we need to introduce AI summaries to a tool that already works well enough as-is? Whether you are looking at a summary or the entire message, you still have to take the time to read what's on the screen. This doesn't feel innovative or necessary to me. Instead, it feels like an attempt to shoehorn Apple Intelligence into another feature where it isn't needed. Agree? Disagree? What are your favorite and least favorite features of iOS 26? Let me know in the comments below.

Don't Judge iOS 26 Just By Its New Look. It's Also Adding These 5 Great Features

At Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, the hardware and software giant introduced a new look for its operating systems, dubbed "Liquid Glass," alongside a robust set of new features coming to your iPhone and connected devices later this year. Developers will get access to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, and the other new operating systems this week. Everyone else can try the public beta next month or wait until the fall to update. Here's a rundown of the more notable features headed to iOS. 1. Live Translation Need to talk to someone who speaks another language? A Live Translation feature will be integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, so texts or in-person chats will be translated automatically. At launch, Messages will support English (US, UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (simplified). On the Phone app and in FaceTime, it'll work with English (US, UK), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). Google introduced something similar for Meet video conferences at I/O last month. 2. More Ways to Keep Spam Calls and Texts at Bay Apple's iOS already lets you screen incoming calls with Live Voicemail, but with iOS 26, Call Screening will act as your assistant to ask who's calling and give you the option to answer or send to voicemail. And if you're getting bombarded by spam texts, iOS 26 will send messages from unknown senders into their own dedicated folder. They won't make noise until you mark them as known, though Apple notes that you'll still be able to find things like multi-factor authentication codes or "your table is ready" texts from a restaurant. To that end, Apple promises a more "unified" message inbox that combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails all in one place. And, if you're stuck on hold, Hold Assist allows you to silence the hold music and move on to something else. Your phone will alert you when a human answers and is ready to take your call. Apple is also adding some minor but potentially popular features to Messages: polls and custom backgrounds. It will also let you see a typing indicator in a group chat, and request, send, and receive Apple Cash. 3. Analyze Screenshots With Visual Intelligence Visual Intelligence is an AI-powered feature that lets you point your iPhone camera at items you want it to identify. At WWDC, Apple showed off the option to take a screenshot and have Visual Intelligence analyze it. Maybe you spotted a pair of shoes on someone's social feed you want to buy; take a screenshot, and Visual Intelligence will search Google, Etsy, or other supported apps to find similar images and products. If you're looking at an event, meanwhile, Visual Intelligence will suggest that you add it to your calendar and populate key details like date, time, and location. 4. CarPlay Adds Tapbacks, Widgets, More The OS design upgrade extends to CarPlay, and adds a few new options from the iPhone, like message tapbacks and pinned conversations. You can also see widgets on the CarPlay display for info at a glance, as well as Live Activities, like the status of a flight. 5. Visited Places in Apple Maps AI announcements were rather muted at WWDC, humming along in the background rather than a focal point of the keynote. That includes the "visited places" option in Apple Maps, which will keep tabs on favorite locations for quicker navigation, suggested routes, and traffic notifications. "Visited Places are protected with end-to-end encryption and cannot be accessed by Apple," the company says.

Apple pours 'Liquid Glass' interface everywhere

Annual infomercial spruiks visual change, modest functional enhancements, and a movie Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday opened the company's annual developer conference by talking up a forthcoming racing film called "F1". If it seems odd for a company famous for hardware to open a major event with a chat about a movie, SVP of software engineering Craig Federighi stepped onto the stage and tied it to Apple's core products by referring to his nickname - "Hair Force One" - in a racing-themed sketch during which he removed his racing helmet to reveal an exaggerated mane of silver hair. The gag underscored the focus of the keynote - the visual redesign of Apple's operating systems. Before Apple execs provided a walkthrough of the redesign, Federighi called out Apple Intelligence - a suite of on-device AI tools and a developer framework for tapping large language models first unveiled at WWDC 2024. However, not everyone was impressed: One user sued the iGiant for false advertising in March. "This year, we're doing something new, and we think it's gonna be pretty big," said Federighi. "We're opening up access for any app to tap directly into the on-device large language model at the core of Apple Intelligence, with a new Foundation Models Framework." For developers committed to the restraints of the Apple developer ecosystem, the Foundation Models Framework provides a way to integrate Apple Intelligence services into their apps. The advantage of doing so is that Apple's AI models reside on-device and work offline. For example, an iOS app could use this Swift-based framework to implement natural language search capabilities that would work on locally stored app data - no cloudy connection required. More significantly, Apple's on-device approach means there's no cloud inference cost, meaning developers who want to add AI to apps won't have to pay for services from the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic. Live Translation looks to be one of the more useful features coming to iThing Apple device users through Apple Intelligence. Available today to those in the Apple Developer Program and next month through the Apple Beta Software Program, it allows automatic translation of text or the captioning of speech in Messages, FaceTime, or the Phone app. Apple has also extended visual intelligence, which lets users search for objects they photograph with an iPhone camera, to include the ability to query OpenAI's ChatGPT about content on the iPhone screen. Cupertino announced a few additional features for its operating systems. iOS 26 will gain Shortcuts that work with Apple Intelligence and improve call screening. Spotlight autocompletions will help macOS 26 users automate various tasks. Improved windowing and multitasking is coming to iPadOS 26. watchOS 26 will allow users to mute incoming calls, silence timers, and dismiss notifications with the Wrist Flick gesture. Apple also announced a new convention for naming its operating systems, which currently use version numbers. Starting later this year, the company will label its OSes by the following calendar year. In the fall of 2025, users will therefore receive iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 Next year's OS releases will presumably be version 27. Apple had much to say about its interface renovation, which brings a new look called "Liquid Glass". Alan Dye, Apple's VP of human interface design, described it as "our broadest design update ever." The new look, as its name suggests, is glossy and translucent. And according to Dye, it possesses "a fluidity that only Apple can achieve." Either you like it or you don't, but at least the design rethink has the potential to make app interfaces more consistent across Apple products. For developers, the change means they must adapt their apps to the new design paradigm. Even so, there's a certain irony to talking up an interface refresh while rolling out Apple Intelligence services that reduce the need to tap, type, and manipulate interface controls. App interface details like slider sensitivity, icon size, and the arrangement of app controls become less important when AI models handle the input and output. There are other aspects of software development that Apple could have chosen to focus on at its developer conference, like software quality, a persistent gripe in the Apple community. We can only hope the shiny, renumbered operating system updates tackle important bugs and improve overall performance. ®

WWDC 2025: Everything Apple announced including iOS 26, Liquid Glass design and more

The WWDC 2025 keynote gave Apple device owners a peek into what they can expect their iPhones, iPads and Macs to look like later this year. The company focused on design and productivity upgrades to all of its major operating systems this time around, and of course, some new AI features as well. When the latest OSes become available to all this fall, interfaces will look noticeably different than they did before, with a refreshed design language, updated widgets, a few overhauled apps and more. Here's everything Apple announced at WWDC 2025 this year. Apple kicked off the keynote by talking about Apple Intelligence, reviewing features that iPhone users already have access. The biggest piece of news this time around is that all apps, including those made by third-party developers, will be able to access Apple Intelligence. That means non-native apps will able to tap into Apple Intelligence to use AI to enhance their own features. As was expected, Apple revealed a new visual design language coming to all of its operating systems dubbed Liquid Glass. It called this new system its "broadest" design update yet, and it features semi-transparent design features like redesigned widgets, notifications and more. Apple is billing it as more dynamic than the previous design language, and it will bring even more consistency across all operating systems including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. In addition to the new design language, Apple is revamping the names of all of its operating systems. Instead of iOS 19, for example, we'll have iOS 26 coming out this fall. iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and others will follow suit, marking the first time Apple has given its software updates year identifiers instead of arbitrary generation numbers. Upon naming iOS 26 for the first time during the keynote, Apple focused on the visual changes we can expect coming in the redesign. The changes are subtle, but they give iOS a cleaner look and feel, with lots of overlapping elements, rounded corners and more. Apple said the design is inspired by that of visionOS, the operating system that powers Vision Pro headsets. App icons has slightly different looks, and toolbars and text inputs have see-through appearances. But folks will be happy to know that things look largely the same -- you shouldn't have an issue identifying key apps like the Phone app, FaceTime and more. Speaking of the Phone app, it's getting the biggest redesign since its launch with the original iPhone all those years ago. It puts scrolling front-and-center, allowing you to scroll through key contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. A translucent bar at the bottom of the screen gives you quick access to additional contacts and other options.

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Fall overhauls introduce slick new "Liquid Glass" design

In a nutshell: Apple's 2025 WWDC presentation confirmed earlier rumors of a substantial visual overhaul across all its operating systems. The company also introduced live AI translation for communication apps, new tools to combat phone scams, a centralized gaming hub, and enhanced Mac-like functionality for the iPad. Last month, Apple adopted a new naming scheme for its operating systems, aligning each version with the year following its release. The rebranding arrives alongside refreshed features, including a unified visual interface and improved performance. Developer betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 begin today, with public betas set for July and general availability expected this fall. Calls and messaging gain new AI-powered tools while the iPad continues its push as a functional laptop replacement. Apple's most ambitious design overhaul in years unifies the visual language across its entire device lineup. App icons, widgets, and control buttons now feature a rounded, transparent appearance that adapts to surrounding content. Meanwhile, the new Games app aims to emulate Steam by centralizing all games in one menu, where users can see what friends are playing and invite them to challenges. Another cool feature is live translation. Devices with Apple Intelligence can translate languages during calls, messaging, and FaceTime. Text translations will launch with support for English, Chinese, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, and European Spanish. Calls and FaceTime will additionally support Italian, Japanese, and Korean. To reduce spam calls and texts, the Phone app can now automatically screen unknown callers by answering and asking for their name and the purpose of the call. Users only hear ringtones once the app confirms the caller isn't a telemarketer. A new Hold Assist feature lets users perform other tasks on their iPhones while waiting on hold, alerting them when the call resumes. Additionally, the Messages app will try to filter scam texts by screening unknown senders. Apple has significantly revamped iPadOS, bringing it closer to Mac-like functionality. Users can now resize app windows freely using touch, a mouse, or a trackpad, making multitasking feel more like it does on laptops and desktops. Switching to other apps no longer interrupts large downloads or heavy background tasks, and users can open new windowed apps that appear on top of tiled windows. The Files app gains new options for organizing and opening documents. Users can select which app to use each time they open a file and pin folders to the bottom dock. Tapping a docked folder reveals a sleek list view of its contents. For the first time, Apple is bringing macOS's Preview PDF manager to the iPad. Apple's overhauls extend beyond Mac, iPhone, and iPad. This year's updates also deliver numerous enhancements to watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, CarPlay, Apple Intelligence, AirPods, Photos, audio recording, and more.

WWDC 2025: Apple debuts unified design, AI across all devices

It's Apple's most significant design refresh since iOS 7, aimed at delivering visual consistency and sharper focus across all its devices. Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI features, is now deeply embedded across all operating systems. With features like live translation, on-device image generation, and intelligent messaging tools, the 2025 updates prioritize personalization, privacy, and productivity. iOS 26 redefines the iPhone experience with the Liquid Glass interface. Icons, widgets, and navigation elements now reflect and refract surroundings, bringing more depth to the home and lock screens. Users can resize app icons, apply tint colors, and position them freely on the screen. The lock screen adapts its clock to fit custom wallpapers, while apps like Safari and Apple Music introduce floating tab bars for a cleaner view. The Camera and Photos apps get simplified layouts and smarter organization. The clock on the Lock Screen can now intelligently adjust its size and position to blend seamlessly with the photo's composition.

Apple to reveal iOS 26 at WWDC today. Here's what to expect.

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Your iPhone's software might soon look very different from what you're used to. Your AirPods could do even more than play music and serve as hearing aids. And the line between your iPad and your computer may soon get even fuzzier. These are just a few of the software features and updates Apple is expected to unveil during its Worldwide Developers Conference starting Monday. The upgrades -- which executives will outline in a two-hour keynote -- will involve changes to some of its artificial intelligence tools and the way Apple's most popular products look, feel and function. Apple is grappling with protracted uncertainty over tariffs, the possibility of losing out on App Store revenue as developers rethink how users should pay following a court battle, and lingering doubts about the value of its Apple Intelligence AI tools -- software features announced last year that have since sparked two class-action lawsuits over alleged misleading marketing claims in North America. Apple did not immediately comment on the lawsuit and upcoming features. The company's share price has shed more than 15 percent of its value since the beginning of the year. It will be months before the software updates the company announces today become publicly available, but here's our early sense of what stands to change and what it means for you. 1 A better read on Apple Intelligence Return to menu Apple unveiled its grand plans for AI known as Apple Intelligence last year. This time, the company is reportedly taking a more subdued approach, with little in the way of boisterous announcements, according to Bloomberg. App developers will probably be able to build tools and features using Apple's large-language models for the first time, for example. Google's Gemini may also join OpenAI's ChatGPT as an option for handling requests that Siri can't. Meanwhile, work continues behind the scenes to make Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, more effective, though the company admitted months ago that its next major upgrade -- which would give it the ability to interact with apps and learn more about its user's habits and history -- will be delayed. We may learn a bit more about Siri's evolution today, but it doesn't seem like those changes will arrive in short order. The same goes for other Apple Intelligence features said to be in the works, like a revamped Health app that Bloomberg says can act as an AI-powered adviser but won't be ready to appear during the show. 2 A turning point for iOS Return to menu Get ready: iPhones are about to get a serious software overhaul. Apple has been quietly revamping the look and feel of its iOS software in part to lay the groundwork for a 2027 iPhone redesign intended to commemorate the product's 20th anniversary, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. We'll probably get our first peek at that new Liquid Glass interface design -- in which system menus and apps become more transparent and Vision Pro-like -- today. While iPhones will be the main way millions of consumers will grapple with this new look, the glossier, glassier design also reportedly extends to Apple's iPad, Mac and in-car software. The names of Apple's software updates might also start to make more sense, too. While we're approaching Apple's 19th major round of software updates, the company will now reportedly tie those names to the year, with this upcoming iPhone software release labeled iOS 26. Yeah, we know: That's still a little confusing. Think of those software names like cars, where the releases tied to a new model year are shipped before the current calendar year is over. Expect the usual flurry of updates to your iPhone's built-in apps, too. Apple's Camera app, which hosts a boatload of features and options that can be tricky to find, has reportedly been streamlined. Enthusiast site 9to5Mac foresees a more fleshed-out version of the Messages app arriving, with AI-powered text translation and polls -- for, say, gauging what everyone wants for dinner. And before long, an AI tool in the works might help better manage your iPhone's battery life. (We'll believe it when we see it.) 3 The iPad becomes more Mac-like Return to menu Right now, you can buy an iPad that's as powerful as some of Apple's full-blown laptops, but there's very little overlap in how they work. That stands to change soon. Details are scarce, but Apple is said to have rebuilt its iPadOS software with more of a focus on multitasking and productivity. That might include changes to the iPad's Stage Manager software, which lets users display and interact with multiple apps at the same. (We found the feature hard to understand when it launched, and it hasn't changed much since.) The catch? Some of these changes might require your iPad to be connected to a keyboard and a mouse or trackpad, so you may have to pay even more to be productive. 4 Making AirPods smarter Return to menu Apple's wireless earbuds already do more than just play music According to a report by Bloomberg, there could be an Apple Intelligence-powered live translation feature -- when AirPods detect speech in one language, the connected iPhone will translate and read the resulting message back in another. For now, though, it's not clear whether this feature will work on Apple's existing AirPod models or exclusively on versions yet to be released. Also said to be on deck for AirPods are the ability to act as a remote shutter button for the iPhone's camera and an auto-pause feature that shuts off your music or podcast if you fall asleep while listening.

WWDC 2025 Preview: Apple's iOS 26 Design Overhaul, macOS Tahoe, and Much More

The 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference is just a few days away, with the keynote event set to take place on Monday, June 9. Ahead of Apple's big software debut, we've rounded up all of the rumors that we've heard so far about iOS 26, macOS 26, and Apple's other updates. Apple is streamlining the way that it numbers operating system updates, so all of the software will be appended with a "26" instead of the number that would normally be expected in Apple's prior versioning scheme. The "26" used for each time reflects the launch season for each update, covering the period between September 2025 and September 2026. Apple is using year-ahead numbering going forward, so in September 2026, we'll get iOS 27. Apple could have gone with the year of launch, which would be 25, but 26 also makes sense because there are more months in 2026 where we'll be running iOS 26 and its sister updates than in 2025. With the streamlined naming that Apple is implementing, there won't be a need to remember separate numbers for each operating system, and it'll be clear which update came out in which year. iOS 26 is going to get a major design overhaul that's been described as the biggest design update since iOS 7. Inside Apple, the design project is referred to as "Solarium," which hints at what we can expect. A solarium is an all-glass room that's designed to let in sunlight, and rumors suggest that iOS 26 will adopt a more translucent, glass-inspired aesthetic that's loosely based on visionOS. iOS 26 is expected to get the floating on-screen windows and menus that are used in visionOS, with rounded pop-up navigation and menu bars that float above the content on the display. Apple may use shading, shadowing, and subtle lighting effects to give buttons and other interface elements a slight lift. Widgets on the Lock Screen and Home Screen will adopt the new design, but functionality won't change. App icons could see design tweaks, and notifications, menus in apps, search bars, card-style interfaces, and other parts of the iOS user interface could have more rounded corners than we're used to. The floating navigation bars are expected to be pill-shaped, for example, and Apple is going to use pop-out menu options to allow users to expand settings with a tap. One rumor suggested Apple is going to transition to round app icons on iPhone, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that the icons are going to keep the same general shape. iOS 26 has been described as having a glossy or glass-like look, which is also how visionOS looks. Apple's WWDC 2025 teaser images feature frosted glass with soft colors, and those images might give us a look at what's coming. Along with introducing new design language in iOS 26, Apple is streamlining navigation. Rumors suggest that Apple is tweaking menus, buttons, and navigation to make the operating system simpler to learn and navigate. Some of the design and interface changes will also extend to macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS, improving design consistency and navigation across Apple's operating systems. There are several new Apple Intelligence features that are expected in iOS 26. An AI-powered battery management tool will analyze how you use your iPhone and make adjustments to maximize battery life. The option will be able to limit the power draw of apps and other system features based on device usage. Battery management will be particularly useful for the iPhone 17 Air that will have a smaller battery than other iPhones, but it will be available on iPhones that are able to run iOS 26. It's not clear if Apple will announce the AI battery feature at WWDC 2025, as it could be held until the iPhone 17 Air debut later in the year. Apple plans to update the Shortcuts app with Apple Intelligence, allowing users to create actions that use Apple Intelligence models. With this functionality, which Apple might call "Generative Shortcuts," Shortcuts will be easier to use. Even casual users will be able to create useful shortcuts using natural language and help from AI. Apple and Google are close to establishing a deal that will add Google Gemini to the iPhone as an alternative to ChatGPT, and that's a feature that we'll likely see in iOS 26. Google Gemini would integrate with Siri like ChatGPT, with Siri able to hand requests over to Gemini for more in-depth AI-powered answers. Apple may not announce Gemini integration until it's ready, so this may not be a feature we see previewed at WWDC. Apple still hasn't launched the Apple Intelligence-powered personalized Siri features that debuted at WWDC 2024. Those updates are expected to come at some point in iOS 26, but we're not quite sure when. Siri may not be ready for the launch version of iOS 26, and we're not expecting Apple to mention these Siri features again until the functionality is ready. Apple is planning to introduce a new Games app, plus some existing apps are getting new functionality. Apple has a new pre-installed gaming app planned, and it'll replace Game Center and add more functionality than ever before. It's going to house the games section of the App Store, so you'll be able to find and launch games from one convenient gaming-centric spot, but the App Store's games section isn't going away. Tabs in the Games app include Home, Arcade, Play Together, Library, and Search. The app will offer game suggestions from Apple's editorial team, and it has tools for playing with friends and family. It will also house achievements and leaderboards, replacing Game Center. The Mac Preview app is coming to iOS and iPadOS, and like Games, it'll be pre-installed. It has the same functionality as the Mac version of the app, and it will let users view, edit, and annotate PDF documents. It's already possible to annotate PDFs using Markup tools in apps like Mail, but having a dedicated app will make the options easier to find. The iOS 26 Phone app will gain a unified view that shows favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails all in one window. The design will be opt-in, and Apple will provide a setting to use the existing design with separate tabs. Apple is expected to bring new AI-based live translation features to the Phone app, for automatically translating conversations between people who speak two different languages. To match the new systemwide iOS design, Safari is set to feature a more transparent, glass-looking address bar. The Camera app's navigation will be redone to make it simpler to get to different settings and options. Apple will use pop-out menus that will make tweaking photo settings more intuitive. The Messages app could gain support for polls in group chats and automatic translate. There's already an option to long press on a message to translate it to another language, but in iOS 26, messages that aren't in your specified language could be translated automatically. Genmoji is getting an update that will allow users to combine two existing emoji into a new emoji, a feature that Apple will call "Mixmoji." With Mixmoji, you will be able to combine two emoji such as cake and balloons into a new emoji that features a cake and a balloon for a celebration. The Apple Music app is expected to gain support for full screen animated art on the Lock Screen. The current Now Playing view tints the Lock Screen based on album art, but in iOS 26, album art could be even larger. The Notes app could support exporting in Markdown. CarPlay could get interface changes to match the design changes that are being introduced with iOS 26. Apple also plans to bring new Accessibility features to CarPlay. CarPlay will gain a Large Text option and new Sound Recognition capabilities. Sound Recognition will recognize crying babies, sending a notification if a crying baby is detected inside the vehicle. With an AirPods firmware update, iOS 26 will allow the AirPods to translate in-person conversations from one language to another. If an English speaker with AirPods is conversing with someone who is speaking Spanish, the iPhone will detect the audio, translate the speech, and relay it back in English to the AirPods wearer. Apple is adding a feature that will synchronize captive Wi-Fi portal login information across devices, so you'll only need to enter login details for a captive Wi-Fi network once, and it'll be available on all of your Apple products. Captive networks are common in hotels, airports, coffee shops, and other locations with shared or paid internet options. Apple might also make it easier for iPhone users to transfer an eSIM to an Android smartphone. There's a possibility that Apple will add a Stage Manager feature for iPhone models that have a USB-C port, with the feature activating when an iPhone is connected to an external display over USB-C. Stage Manager would allow multiple apps to be opened at once, offering a more Mac-like experience when an iPhone is used with a display. Apple previewed new Accessibility features coming to iOS 26 earlier this year, and there are some interesting new additions. Apple is planning to provide developers with tools to access Apple's large language models, so custom AI features can be integrated into apps. iOS 26 will not be available on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or the iPhone XS Max, but it will run on all other iPhones that support iOS 18. While these iPhones will support iOS 26, advanced features may be limited to newer iPhones with faster processors. Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, for example, only runs on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 models. iPadOS 26 is going to get the same design updates that are coming to the iPhone, so it will have the same glass-like, translucent look. iPadOS 26 may have a Mac-like menu bar when connected to a Magic Keyboard, plus Apple is adding a new reed calligraphy pen option for Apple Pencil users that need to write Arabic script. macOS is the only operating system that gets a special California landmark name along with its number. This year, Apple is going to go with "Tahoe," for macOS 26 Tahoe. A lot of the rumors we've heard this year have focused on the design updates coming in iOS 26, but some of those same design changes will also debut in macOS 26. The changes won't be as dramatic, but Apple is aiming for a more cohesive look across its operating systems. macOS 26 could get the same glass-like design update, with more translucency, rounded menu elements, rounded app icons, and more depth through a play on light and shadow. The Mac design updates will focus on the menu bar and window buttons, with widgets also set to adopt the new look. Many of the Apple Intelligence features rumored for iOS 26 will also come to macOS Tahoe. We'll get the same revamped Shortcuts app and perhaps Gemini integration, and eventually, all of the personalized Siri features that Apple previewed at WWDC 2024 will come to iOS and macOS alike. The Mac is also going to get the new gaming app that Apple has in the works, and support for cross-device captive Wi-Fi network sharing. Xcode could also get a revamp, with Apple set to add support for third-party AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT. Specific to the Mac, there's a new Magnifier accessibility feature that will let Mac users use their iPhones for zooming in on small text and anything else that's hard to read. It'll work using the Continuity Camera features that link the iPhone and the Mac. Macs are also going to get support for Vehicle Motion Cues, a feature that uses small dots at the edge of the display to match the feeling of movement with what the eyes are seeing, with the aim of cutting down on motion sickness. With watchOS 26, Apple plans to bring some of the same design updates that are coming to iOS 26 to the Apple Watch. Apple's aim is a more consistent design across all of its software platforms. If watchOS is getting a design update to match iOS 26, Apple will likely add new watch faces that are designed with the new style. The Apple Watch doesn't have the processing power to run Apple Intelligence on-device, but it is rumored to be getting some "powered by Apple Intelligence" features that could rely on its link to the iPhone. Right now, features like ChatGPT Siri integration and Writing Tools don't extend to the Apple Watch, but these are options that Apple could add. The Apple Watch also doesn't support notification summaries or content summaries in general. It's possible Apple will bring the AI-powered battery management feature rumored for the iPhone to the Apple Watch too. watchOS 26 could introduce support for third-party shortcuts in Control Center, allowing third-party app settings to be accessed right alongside built-in options for doing things like toggling on Wi-Fi, turning on Airplane Mode, activating Do Not Disturb, and pinging the iPhone. The Apple Watch Control Center could also get a new layout customization option that would be accessible through the Apple Watch app, with Apple allowing users to add new shortcuts and remove those that aren't necessary. The Apple Watch could integrate with the AirPods to pause content that's playing when the wearer falls asleep. It's a rumored feature for iOS 26, but the AirPods have no sleep detection functionality, so the option would need to use Apple Watch data. watchOS 26 will run on all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 11. The design that Apple used for visionOS is inspiring a new look for iOS and macOS, but Apple also plans to make some tweaks to the way that visionOS looks, too. The changes are likely to be small in scale, and we don't have a lot of detail, but at least some visual updates are coming. Apple is going to add a new eye-scrolling option to the Vision Pro, which will use the built-in eye tracking features. The Vision Pro already supports navigating through the OS by looking at something on the display and then using a hand gesture to "tap" it, so eye-based scrolling is a natural extension of that functionality. Apple will add eye scrolling to the built-in Apple apps, and it will provide an API that will let developers integrate the capability into third-party apps as well. The Vision Pro will gain support for third-party VR hand controllers like the hand controllers designed by Sony for the PlayStation VR console. VR controllers are better attuned to VR games than standard game controllers because they support gestures and magic wand functionality. Apple is planning to add new Apple Intelligence features to iOS, and it's possible anything that's added will also expand to visionOS. The AI battery management feature rumored for iOS 26 would make sense for the Vision Pro. At some point, Apple will introduce the Apple Intelligence personalized Siri features that were shown off at WWDC 2024, and those capabilities will almost certainly expand to the Vision Pro. The new cross-platform Games app that Apple has in the works should be available on the Vision Pro as well as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The Games app will include all the content from the games section of the App Store, along with Apple Arcade content and Game Center features like achievements and leaderboards. In May, Apple announced upcoming Accessibility features that will be added to visionOS 26. visionOS is going to get new vision accessibility options for users who are blind or have low vision. Zoom will let users magnify anything that's in view using the main Vision Pro camera, while Live Recognition in VoiceOver will use on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, and read documents. Apple is developing a new API that will allow approved apps to use the main camera for providing live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation, a feature that will be useful for apps like Be My Eyes. For users with severe mobility disabilities, visionOS is gaining a new protocol that will support Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces, a technology that lets users control their devices with brain signals. The visionOS-style design update that's coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will also extend to tvOS. tvOS 26 could adopt some of the same translucency for menus, app icons, buttons, and other parts of the interface, plus it could get the same floating look and more dramatically rounded edges for buttons and windows that are typical of visionOS. It's typical for Apple to introduce new screensavers with tvOS updates, so we can perhaps expect to see new aerial screensaver options, as well as screensavers that match the updated aesthetic. Last year, Apple came out with Snoopy screensavers, so we could get more of those too, or another partnership. Apple's cross-platform Games app that will serve as a one-stop spot for discovering and launching games on the Apple TV. The Games app will essentially feature the entire games section of the tvOS App Store. It's also expected to have features like achievements, leaderboards, and recommendations from Apple editors. There might also be new tools for communicating with other players. If you're in the unusual situation of needing to connect your Apple TV to a captive network at a college or similar location, you'll be glad to hear that the captive Wi-Fi syncing option rumored for the iPhone will work across all platforms. With this feature, you'll only need to log into a captive network on one of your Apple devices, and the login information will sync to everything else signed into your Apple Account. tvOS 26 will run on the Apple TV HD from 2015 and later Apple TV models. We don't have details about what's coming to the HomePod and HomePod mini in updated software, but Apple typically launches new software for its HomePods alongside other software updates. We do know that the forthcoming HomePod software is expected to run on all HomePod models, including the original HomePod. For several years now, we've been seeing hints of a platform called "homeOS," which could be a new platform that's designed to run on upcoming Apple devices like the smart home hub. homeOS is distinct from the software that runs on the HomePod. Apple sometimes debuts new hardware at its developer events, but this year, there have been no rumors of products that are ready to come out around the June timeframe. The WWDC 2025 keynote will take place on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website, on YouTube, and in the TV app. We have a full list of when WWDC will take place in your timezone in our How to Watch WWDC 2025 guide. Apple will make the new versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 available to developers for testing purposes just after the June 9 keynote event. Testing will continue for several months, with Apple likely planning to provide a public beta option starting in July. All of the updates will launch in the fall alongside new iPhone models.

iOS 19: All the rumors about the big changes coming to your iPhone

The new iOS update may actually be called iOS 26, not iOS 19 Big redesign anticipated New Gaming app Changes to the Camera app Health app updates Stage Manager for iPhone when using external display Some features may be delayed Every year in June, we are introduced to the next version of iOS, Apple's iPhone operating system, during the keynote address that kicks off WWDC (Apple's worldwide developers conference). During the event Apple will reveal some, or all, of the new features coming to iPhones later in the year. In this article we will run through what we know about the new features coming in the next version of iOS. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that all indications are that it won't be called iOS 19 this time. Instead Apple will name the new release in line with the year - so expect it to be called iOS 26. More on that below. iOS 26 probably won't arrive on compatible iPhones until this September, but you don't have to wait until then to experience the new features. Every year Apple runs a beta-testing program where developers and anyone who signs up for the beta can try out the software before it is released following the Apple iPhone Event in September. If you want to join that beta testing program you will find information about how to do so below, including when the first iOS 26 beta will be available. Our first glimpse of iOS 19 - we should probably just get used to calling it iOS 26 - will be at WWDC25 on June 9, after which the operating system will be in beta until Apple releases it to the public in the fall. Apple typically releases the new version of iOS to the public on the Monday following the launch of the new iPhone. Based on recent history, we expect iOS 19 to release to the public around the time of the on either Monday, September 15, or Monday, September 22. Here are the release dates for the most recent versions of iOS: Apple's name for the next iOS has always been predictable. iOS 4 was followed by 5, 6, 7 and so on. The current iOS is iOS 18, so the next one will be iOS 19 right? Apparently not! All indications are that iOS 19 won't be called iOS 19 at all, instead it will be iOS 26. A May 28 story from Bloomberg says Apple is going to unify all its various operating system names/versions, taking a page from car models and using the coming year as a basis. iOS 19 would then be iOS 26, while macOS 16 would be macOS 26, with tvOS 26 and watchOS 26 and visionOS 26... It's a long overdue change, if true. The full version of iOS 19/iOS 26 will launch in September, but you won't have to wait until then to try the new software out. Apple's developer beta and public beta will be running throughout the summer months, so if you want to try out the new features before they are released to the general public you can do so. After Apple announces the new version of iOS at WWDC in June it will then release an iOS Beta to developers. This year the WWDC keynote will take place on June 9 so we expect the developer beta will be available that day. The public beta usually comes a month later, around the beginning of July. Between WWDC and the official release in the fall, Apple will release a string of beta releases, typically eight or so in total. We share details of how to join Apple's beta software program so you can test the new software as soon as the beta arrives, separately. Anyone using the beta is encouraged to file bug reports using the included Apple's Feedback Assistant app so that the company can address them. If you want to learn more about the beta read: What's in the latest iOS beta and how to get it. Three iPhone models are reportedly about to lose iOS support. These are the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. This rumor comes from an anonymous X account with an impressive track record of accurate predictions. So it may be true. However, there was a report in December 2024 that suggested iOS 19 will be compatible with every iPhone that supports iOS 18. That includes: Of course, it will also support the new iPhone 17 models that will launch around the same time. As always, some features won't be available on older models, as they lack the hardware resources for it. Apple Intelligence features are already incompatible with all but the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max and the entire iPhone 16 range, so we don't expect it to be any different if Apple roles out any more Apple Intelligence related features and enhancements. Check which is the latest iOS version your iPhone can run for more information. While Apple hasn't officially announced iOS 19/iOS 26 yet, it has been hard at work on the big iPhone upgrade for quite a while and some rumors have started to leak out. It looks like the next version of iOS will be a bigger change than we're used to, at least visually. Based on the most reliable leaks and rumors, here's what you can expect when it arrives later this year. All the new features won't come with that initial release; over the months that follow the initial release more features will be pushed out to iPhones in iOS 19.1, 19.2, and so on. Or... The headline feature of iOS 19/26 (and Apple's other operating systems iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26) is said to be a massive change to the user interface design. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who seems to be well connected when it comes to this sort of thing, says the star of WWDC will be the new design - code-named Solarium. Apparently, we're talking about the biggest change since iOS 7, when Apple dropped the skeuomorphic design in favor of flat symbolic icons, changed the lock screen, notifications, and more. We don't know what this new interface will look like or what interaction changes it will bring with it, but the rumors say it is loosely based on some of the concepts in the Vision Pro interface. Gurman claims it is "is slicker and more modern" due to adopting elements from visionOS. Think circles rather than squares as that seems to be the theme. New apps like Apple Invites and Apple Sports may give us some clues to the interface conventions we can expect, as they don't have have interfaces that fit in with most of Apple's older apps. Gurman also says "consistency and unification across the operating systems" will be a major theme of WWDC. Which indicates that there will be more consistency across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, along with a major improvement to the productivity features of iPadOS. For example, one rumor says the iPad will get a menu bar when docked to a Magic Keyboard, and that Stage Manager is being overhauled. The iPhone, meanwhile, is said to get a "Stage Manager like" multi-app view when hooked up to an external display. It's not just the obvious operating systems either. 9to5Mac reports that CarPlay is getting a UI design to match iOS 26. Apple has been having trouble with some of it's AI efforts, especially the Siri features that were supposed to come in iOS 18.4 (personal context, screen awareness, and in-app actions). These features have been pushed back until next year, which means they should come as an update to iOS 19 in early 2026. A bigger Siri update, based on large language models (LLMs), that can hold natural conversations with the user, is now so delayed that it is expected to come perhaps as part of iOS 20, where it was once thought to be an update to iOS 19. At least Siri will finally get the new capabilities that we were supposed to have by now. Apple is also said to be expanding the use of Apple Intelligence in more of its apps. We haven't heard of specific examples, but Apple Intelligence could be used for things like Apple Music playlist generation, suggesting apps in the App Store, or in the Health and Fitness apps. However, we may not hear of any AI-related features at WWDC25. In a late May report, Bloomberg's Gurman said Apple won't deliver "any AI breakthroughs" at WWDC. We've heard rumors in a few places that Apple is working on a big Stage Manager update for iPad and Mac. From 9to5Mac we get a hint that it might even work on iPhone (if not all the time, then at least with an external display connected). Stage Manager should allow for much more flexible placement and sizing of windows in the new version. For iPads, you might even see a Menu bar when the iPad is docked into a keyboard. Rumors say one of the recurring themes of iOS 19/26 is going to be a number of features that Apple markets as "Powered by Apple Intelligence." These won't all be generative-AI features, but rather include many of the sort of AI-powered features Apple has employed for years across its apps. Some Apple Watch features will be promoted this way, though the AI models themselves will run on your iPhone, with the Apple Watch simply serving as your wrist-bound interface to it. Another example is a new battery saving mode that will use AI to analyze your usage patterns to decide when it can lower the power draw of certain applications or features to save battery without impacting the user experience. A new Calendar app based on Mayday app (which Apple acquired last year) relies on AI to help manage your calendar. 9to5Mac reports that Messages will be able to automatically translate messages using AI. Messages will also let users create polls. Apple's current implementation of RCS (Rich Communication Services, used to offer more advanced texting features with Android users) is based on the GSMA Universal Profile version 2.4, which is a little dated. Version 2.7 came out last year, but hasn't been implemented by Apple yet. It adds support for custom emoji reactions, editing and deleting messages, and improved spam handling. RCS 3.0 adds encryption for 1-to-1 messages. Apple has announced support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages on all it's platforms "in future software updates," so it is likely to add support for all the features in RCS 2.7 and 3.0 in the iOS 19 cycle. One rumor from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says iOS 19 is going to get "bolstered translation technology" and, as part of it a live translation feature for AirPods. The AirPods will need a firmware update as well, and it's not clear which models will support the feature. Your AirPods would send text to your iPhone where the foreign language would be recognized and translated in the Translate app (or the under-the-hood service that powers it), and translated audio sent back to your AirPods. Other earbuds have had similar features for years, so it will be interesting to see if Apple goes further or has superior functionality. Apple has announced that several accessibility features will be coming to iOS 19 in the fall. Among the new additions are Accessibility Nutrition Labels let users see whether an app will be accessible to them before they download it; Braille Access, which turns the iPhone into a "full-featured Braille note taker," and Accessibility Reader, a new reading mode with font, color, and spacing options. With each iteration of the iPhone operating system Apple usually gives some of the included apps some attention, and sometimes introduces new ones. This year the following updates are expected. While not specifically mentioned in any of the current leaks or rumors, we find it hard to believe that Apple won't have some significant improvements to the Home app, HomeKit, and related services in iOS 19. Why? Well, Apple is expected to release a wave of new smart home products throughout 2025 and 2026. A new Apple smart home hub is first: it's rumored to be an affordable 7-inch tablet that runs a custom operating system (code-named Pebble). It will support Apple Intelligence, FaceTime, and tie in with other Apple services but isn't expected to have an App Store. After that, likely in 2026, Apple is said to be working on a new indoor smart security camera and a smart doorbell that would use Face ID to unlock your door the way it unlocks your phone. Further down the road, a smart home product with a movable screen on a robotic arm has been rumored, all of which will require deep integration with the iPhone and Home app. The rumored "HomePad" was rumored to launch in the spring of 2025, but was delayed to the fall so it can have an interface that aligns with the big iOS 19 / macOS 15 interface changes. It's hard to imagine Apple pushing a product like that into the market without some significant changes to the look and feel of the Home app. Read about every new Apple product coming in 2025. Jon Prosser claims to have seen the new Camera app in iOS 19, which is completely redesigned with a somewhat visionOS-inspired design. Options are condensed, the viewfinder takes up more space, and there's lots of transparency. The Photographic Styles feature may come to video, too. iOS 19 will reportedly include a dedicated gaming app, according to a report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The App will also be available for Mac, iPad, and Apple TV, it is claimed. The app is said to tap into the App Store's games section and Apple Arcade, offer editorial content about new games, and centralize everything currently found in Game Center. The Mac version of the app will "tap into games downloaded outside of the App Store," according to Gurman. The Health app may get some new features, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in a March newsletter, though these are not expected to be available at launch. Apparently we may get an AI-powered health coach that will give us personalised recommendations and warnings. These could come in the form of videos about healthy eating and heart disease. There's also a suggestion that we could see food tracking added to the Health app.

Apple Announces iOS 26 With 'Liquid Glass' Design, Live Translation, Overhauled Phone App, and More

Apple at WWDC announced iOS 26, introducing a comprehensive visual redesign built around its new "Liquid Glass" concept, alongside expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, updates to core communication apps, and more. Liquid Glass is a translucent material that reflects and refracts surroundings to create dynamic, responsive interface elements, according to Apple. The new design language transforms the Lock Screen, where the time fluidly adapts to available space in wallpapers, and spatial scenes add 3D effects when users move their iPhone. Meanwhile, app icons and widgets gain new customization options, including a striking clear appearance. Apple says that throughout the system, Liquid Glass enhances app experiences with greater focus on content. Safari pages now flow edge-to-edge for more viewing space, while the Camera app now has a simplified layout to minimize distractions during capture. The Photos app introduces separate Library and Collections tabs, and tab bars in Apple Music, News, and Podcasts dynamically shrink during browsing to prioritize content. Genmoji and Image Playground have had their creative possibilities expanded, with users able to mix their favorite emoji, Genmoji, and descriptions together to create something new. In addition, Shortcuts is gaining intelligent actions powered by Apple Intelligence, with dedicated actions for features like Writing Tools and Image Playground. Apple has also announced the availability of a new Foundation Models framework that allows developers direct access to on-device AI capabilities for free, offline inference. iOS 26 enters developer beta today with public beta availability next month and a general release this fall for iPhone 11 and later. Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro models or newer. Stay tuned to MacRumors for more coverage on Apple's announcements, including all the little details you may have missed.

WWDC 2025 -- 7 biggest announcements that will actually make your life easier

Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote was a whirlwind of news, from a whole new interface for Apple's devices to new versions (and new names) for every Apple operating system. But what features will actually make your life easier and better? What will save you time? That's the lens that I used to analyze all the WWDC hype. Here's the seven biggest announcements from WWDC that I think move the needle. At first, I thought the Liquid Glass design for iOS 26 and all of Apple's other platforms was just a slick coat of paint. And while it is that, the new look actually has some utility, too. The new design uses translucent effects to make better use of your displays so you get closer to a full-screen content experience. So, for example, you'll see more of web pages in Safari when you scroll. At the same time, Apple is streamlining the UI to make controls accessible without being too in-your-face, resulting in a cleaner look and feel. As Apple puts it, controls are a functional layer that sits above. I especially like the new Camera app on the iPhone, which gives you two simple options in Video and Photo. To see more options, you just slide over. Yeah, Apple stole from the Google Pixel for these two iOS 26 features, but I'm not complaining. First up, Call Screening can help screen your calls so you don't get spammed. The built-in assistant will ask the caller for their name and reason for calling, and you'll see the info pop up (as messages currently do in Live Voicemail) so you can decide if you want to make the call. Hold Assist is exactly what it sounds like. When that dreaded hold music kicks in, you'll have the option to tune it out. You'll be notified when a live agent is available. Overdue but useful! I've been waiting for the Apple Watch to get a bit more proactive in its coaching advice and words of encouragement. And it's here with Workout Buddy in watchOS 26. Workout Buddy generates personalized, motivational insights based on your training data, including heart rate, pace, distance and Activity rings. Workout Buddy could help you reach your personal best -- and help you celebrate when you do. For example, you might hear something like "Way to get your workout in! You went 4.3 miles in just over 38 minutes. Your average pace was 8 minutes and 58 seconds, and your average heart rate was 128." Don't look now, but iPadOS 26 just got a lot more like macOS. For starters, there's a new windowing sytem that makes it easier to multitask. You can easily resize app windows, and place them to the left or right of the screen with just a flick. And there's macOS-like window controls for closing and tiling windows. As you might expect, you can also see all your open apps with a swipe up on your iPad's trackpad. And there's a new menu bar and Files app that will make Mac users feel right at home. In other words, you might be tempted to get an iPad for your next MacBook. Visual Intelligence on the iPhone isn't new, as you could already do all sorts of things with the live camera view. But the Apple Intelligence feature just got a lot better in iOS 26. Visual Intelligence can now analyze what's on your screen. So if you see a pair of shoes you like in a chat app, you can look them up. Or Visual Intelligence could look at image of an upcoming event and automatically add it to your calendar, including the date, time and location. All you need to do is take a screenshot and you'll see new buttons available to take action at the bottom of your iPhone's display. While iPadOS stole a lot of thunder from the Mac at WWDC, macOS 26 gets a very powerful new feature iPads don't have -- at least not yet. The new Spotlight is not just the place to find stuff on your Mac. You can now use this tool to get all sorts of stuff done. You can do everything from send an email and create a note to play a podcast. It gets better. You can take action from within apps using the Spotlight bar via the App Intents API, as well as run shortcuts from the menu bar in the app you're using. There's even quick keys shortcuts you can perform by just typing two letters. For example, you can type "sm" for sending an email to someone or "ar" for adding a reminder. If you thought the Shortcuts app was just for power users and nerds, I agree with you. But it just got an AI-powered makeover that should make it much more accessible (and useful). Apple says that the Shortcuts app now taps directly into Apple Intelligence models to help generate responses. For example, a student can now more easily build a shortcut that compares their class notes to the audio transcription, so they can more easily see what they may have missed. You can also choose to leverage ChatGPT to provide responses that feed into your shortcut. There are also dedicated actions for things like summarizing text and creating AI images with Image Playground.

iOS 26 vs iOS 18: What's different, what's new, and should you update?

Apple pulled back the covers on the latest iteration of iOS at WWDC 2025. This will initially confuse some people, as the successor to 2024's iOS 18 is... iOS 26! Moreover, the software will release at the end of 2025. We guess naming is hard. So, does the rejiggering of the numbers look like clumsy PR, or is the new iOS one that marks a bold new direction for the iPhone? In this comparison of the two iOS versions, we'll run though what the main differences are and how the two compare, so you can be sure that you want to update to the new iOS when it arrives in September 2025. When iOS 18 launched in September 2024, it came with some cool updates to the interface and feature set of the Apple apps. Here are some of the highlights: One of the main selling points of iOS 18 was the introduction of Apple Intelligence, although many of the touted features took quite a while to arrive. These included Writing Tools that helped users create, edit and rephrase texts, emails and other text messages. Visual Intelligence turned the iPhone camera into a way to get more information about objects and places, aided by Apple Intelligence searching for matching images and information. Siri was also meant to be powered up by the new AI features, although that seems to need more work, but the Image Playground did allow you to generate pictures via prompts on your device. Apple Intelligence was limited to only the iPhone 16 generation of devices, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Following on from the widgets in iOS 17, the ability to personalise your home screen with shaded/tinted icons that you could place wherever you like (shock horror!) was another big player for iOS 18. Apple also gave users the ability to add new shortcut controls and ones for third-party apps in Control Center. The option to group them into specific situations, such as Home, Work, Music, etc, is also provided. In iOS 18 you can lock and hide specific apps, plus there's the option to restrict which contacts apps can see and which wireless accessories they can access. The Messages app in iOS 18 finally allowed users to be able to add formatting, such as underlining and italicisation. You can also use animations called Text Effects to show your support or surprise at what your friends say. There was also the introduction of Message Via Satellite which allowed you to send emergency messages if you're stuck in a place with no carrier signal. The Photos app got some attention in iOS 18, with new filters and collections there to make it easier to find images. This wasn't an entirely successful attempt to help users: there was a big backlash to Apple's changes to Photos, with people searching for ways to turn the new Photos app changes off. Building on the foundations of iOS 18 (and all that went before), Apple has unveiled what we can expect to see on our iPhones when September 2025 rolls around and the iOS 26 update becomes available. Here's the pick of the bunch: At the heart of iOS 26 is Apple's new design language, which is calls Liquid Glass. This revamped the existing menus and interactive parts of the OS with translucent areas that mimic glass. Those fearing a return to the old Aqua design of ancient macOS versions, the iPhone design is actually very tasteful. Search bars seem to float above the images behind them, allowing colors to pass through as if refracted. The effect is something that looks organic rather than the blocky overlays to which we've grown accustom. Contextual menus appear where you tap the screen in newly designed cards that look consistent throughout the interface. Liquid Glass supports both light and dark modes, as well as the tint introduced in iOS 18, plus there's a new translucent mode for iOS 26 that looks rather fetching. As personalisation was high on the agenda in 2024, it's not surprising that Apple has tweaked a few more things for the annual update. This time around the time on the Lock Screen will stretch to fit the background image you choose, while also ensuring it never obscures the main image. In fact, Apple showed off a feature where the wallpaper seems to adjust its position so that the subject doesn't get masked by notifications that come in. Apple has also brought back the old parallax images from a few years ago, where an image appears 3D if you tilt the iPhone - although the new one does seem more pronounced than its predecessor. With the introduction of Liquid Glass, Apple has also decided to simplify the camera app, removing the various scrolling options from iOS 18 and instead pairing every back to just Photo and Video. If you still want to access options like Portrait or Panorama, then they remain available simply by swiping left or right when you're in the Photo mode. Advanced settings (such as aspect ratio, etc.) can be brought into play by simply swiping up. But, if you don't want to accidentally shot a portrait when you meant it to be a normal snapshot, the interface should now stay out of your way and let you capture that moment. When you're done, you can also use a couple of tweaks in the Photos app to track down the images, as there are new tabs and collections that can be pinned to the main page. Apple's browser gets a nip and tuck, with edge-to-edge web pages filling up the screen, and the tab bar now shrinking as you scroll so that it keeps out of your way. The Liquid Glass update also makes everything feel more part of the page rather than interrupting the flow. If you use you have support for CarPlay in your car, then the updates to CarPlay might be of interest. The interface has been overhauled so that calls and messages now appear in a small section of the display, allowing you to still see the directions from Maps clearly at the same time. Widgets for various features also keep things neat, with live information displayed from them meaning you can always know if the flight you're meeting at the airport is on time. Environmental controls are also included now (with supporting car brands) so you can adjust temperature controls, air conditioning, and other features directly from CarPlay. The Phone app hasn't been neglected this time around, as it a receives a few nice upgrades. First up, there's a unified layout that shows you your Favourites, Recents and Voicemails (with the later displaying summaries from Apple Intelligence), plus the normal Calls, Contacts and Keypad. The most impressive addition though is that of Call Screening. Now, if your iPhone receives and incoming call from an unknown number, it will automatically answer it in the background and an A.I. agent will ask the callers name and reason for calling. When it has this, a summary will appear on your screen and you'll have the option to take or reject the call. Nice. Hold Assist is another potentially fantastic feature, as the app will monitor your calls and when it hears that you've been put on hold (it scans for music), you can then leave the A.I. agent to take your place while you get on with other things. When the live person comes on and takes you off hold, they'll be informed that you're there and just coming to the phone, at which point your phone will ring and you can take over the call once more. The look of Group Chats can be a bit basic on Messages, but that's about to change as iOS 26 allows you to add wallpapers to the background, which everyone will be able to see. There's also a new Poll feature that can help you and your family or friends decide what you want to do or where you want to go. Typing indicators will arrive in the updated version of the app, so you can see when someone is composing a response, plus you'll now be able to mix emoji's together to create bespoke responses to something someone has said. Like on Phone, Apple Intelligence will screen you messages for any potential spam or missives from strangers, all of which are filtered into a separate section so your inbox remains clean. Apple also powers up Image Playground, with it now able to create new memoji images for contacts, with poses and changes to their style allowing you to have fun. A feature that really stood out in the Apple presentation was the new Live Translation. As the name suggests, this uses language recognition tools to enable multi-language conversations on the Phone, Messages and FaceTime apps. Messages will translate your language into that of the recipient, then do the same back to you, making it seem like you are both speaking the same one. FaceTime will create real-time captioning, so you can read the words the other person is saying, while the Phone app will take your spoken words and translate them into simulated speech that the other person can respond to, then in turn do the same for them. If it works as well as it did in the presentation, then we can't be far away from that universal translator that Sci-Fi has promised us ever since Arthur Dent had a Babel Fish stuffed into his ear. A neat addition in the Apple Arcade app is the ability to set up instant gaming challenges with your friends. These give you the chance to pit yourself against your mates in a score-based competition, with the app showing the leaderboard. Apple stated that several games support the feature, with more sure to join them as the release of iOS 26 draws near. In iOS 18, Apple brought Visual Intelligence to the table, which gave users the helpful tool of pointing the iPhone camera at something as then having Apple Intelligence gather information about the place/item/person etc; so you could find out more. Now this will also include what's on your iPhone screen. Basically, you take a screenshot of your social media feed, browser or anything from an app, then you can use Visual Intelligence to search for more details. Say you like a coat that someone is wearing on a show, just screenshot it, tell Visual Intelligence to find it, and you'll be able to get something the same or similar in seconds. It can also pull text out of the image, such as the date and time of a concert or meeting, then create calendar entries replete with the directions and details. That's not all that's in store with iOS 26, as Apple showed off several other features that will no doubt be useful in the year ahead. These include Maps creating alternative routes for your most popular trips; Wallet now allowing the creation of a Digital ID of U.S. Passports that can be used for domestic flights and age verification; order tracking in Apple Pay; new interface for Apple Music; plus lots more little details that are there to improve the iPhone experience. As you can see, there's plenty to be excited about in iOS 26. The new Liquid Glass design does look great, but it's the improvement-to-life features like Call Screening, Message Screening, Live Translation, and Visual Intelligence now including what's on your iPhone screen that really mark a difference between the two iterations. This is a definite yes, but bear in mind of course that some of the features outlined here will rely on Apple Intelligence, which means that they will only be available for the latest iPhone models. So, if you have an older device, then it might be worth sticking with what you've got if it's running well. Then you'll have all these features to look forward to when you eventually upgrade. Now you just need to wait until iOS 26 comes out in September... Or perhaps you'd like to try the beta? For an in-depth look at what it has to offer, take a look at iOS 26 changes everything about how you use your iPhone.

iOS 26 is official - here are the 5 biggest new features coming to your iPhone

It's not just the name that's changing, though. Along with the new moniker, the operating system has a whole new look that's distinctly different from iOS 18. Below, we've rounded up five of the biggest new features coming to your iPhone in iOS 26 - from updates to core iPhone apps to a major aesthetic overhaul. The headline feature of iOS 26 is its Liquid Glass design. Apple has ditched much of the design language of iOS 18 and replaced it with something akin to visionOS on the Apple Vision Pro, complete with translucent, glass-like widgets and rounder corners on icons and menus. This new look isn't limited to iOS - a version of it is also being applied to macOS and other Apple interfaces, ensuring a more unified experience across Apple's product ecosystems and easier switching between them. Apple says Liquid Glass will "bring greater focus to content and deliver a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more" in iOS 26, so here's hoping it's not simply a visual upgrade. In iOS 26, Apple is overhauling the Phone app for the first time in years. The new version of the app features a unified layout that puts Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into one view, while a new Call Screening tool can gather information from a caller, helping you decide whether or not to accept the call. On the topic of communication, Messages is getting some major upgrades, too. Specifically, you'll soon be able to screen messages from unknown senders, create custom backgrounds, and add WhatsApp-style polls. Lastly, iMessage group chats in iOS 26 will feature typing indicators, and you'll be able to request, send, and receive Apple Cash directly within these chats. As well as those aforementioned updates to iMessage and the Phone app, Apple is also updating various other core iPhone apps in iOS 26. In Apple Maps, for instance, you'll be able to view a list of Visited Places to help you remember where you've been, and your iPhone can use AI to better understand your daily route, and advise you if your usual route is subject to delays. In Apple Wallet, iOS 26 introduces the option to pay in installments when you make in-store purchases using Apple Pay, and boarding passes will offer the ability to see and share Live Activities for real-time flight updates. For Apple Music users, iOS 26 also introduces Lyrics Translation to help you better appreciate your favorite songs, while a new Lyrics Pronunciation feature will teach you how to pronounce those Bad Bunny phrases you think you've got a handle on, but most definitely don't. We've been patiently waiting for Apple's AI to catch up with the competition, but the company did announce a slew of Apple Intelligence-related upgrades at WWDC 2025 that should go some way to closing the gap. Live Translation, for instance, is finally coming to Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, helping you communicate across languages by translating both text and audio on the fly. This is a feature that the best Samsung phones and best Pixel phones have had for a while, so we're glad to see it coming to the best iPhones soon. Visual Intelligence, Apple's take on Google Lens, is also getting an upgrade in iOS 26. You'll soon be able to search and take action on anything you're viewing in any app, with ChatGPT on hand to answer questions about that content. Other minor upgrades are coming to Genmoji, Image Playground, and Shortcuts, and Apple has also launched a new Foundation Models framework, which opens up access for any app to tap directly into your iPhone's on-device AI model. Hopefully, this means more apps will be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence soon. There's not much in the way of truly new apps in iOS 26, but one that is included is a new gaming hub, Apple Games, which replaces Game Center as an all-in-one area in which to find games, play them, and track achievements and leaderboards. This feels in tune with Apple's push to simplify iOS, as you no longer have to bounce between multiple services to perform all of these tasks. The same app will also come to Macs - so, as with Apple unifying its interface designs, this also seems like a push to unify the available software.

iOS 26 will go back to the basics with four upgrades that you'll love

Apple WWDC This story is part of our complete Apple WWDC coverage Updated less than 7 minutes ago In just two days from now, Apple will take the stage at WWDC 2025 and showcase the big yearly upgrades for its entire software portfolio. I am quite excited about the platform-wide design update and a few functional changes to iPadOS, especially the one targeting a more macOS-like makeover for the iPad's software. Of course, analysts will be keenly watching for Apple's next moves with AI, but it seems some of the most dramatic features have been pushed into the next year. Apple can afford some of those delays, as long as the company serves enough meaningful updates to its user base. Apple won't exactly be running dry on AI, though. Recommended Videos The chatter about the company opening its small language models to developers has stirred quite some excitement in the community of app builders, and some caution, too. Ahead of the event, however, Bloomberg has shed some light on what we can expect from the company's announcement package next week, and it seems iOS 26 will hog the limelight this time around with a focus on the core in-house experiences. Here's a quick rundown of those rumored tweaks and why they matter to an average iPhone user: Phone I recently wrote about how Google and Android have taken a crucial lead over Apple and iPhones when it comes to user safety and security at a fundamental parameter -- calling. Thanks to AI, Google has steadily added scam detection and anti-phishing tools within the pre-installed Phone app on Android phones. The likes of Samsung and OnePlus have also pushed AI within their respective dialer apps that use AI for call transcription, translation, and summarization. On Pixels, you get perks like call screening, Hold for Me, Call Notes, and Live Captions. At WWDC 2025, Apple might finally begin its catch-up journey. As per Bloomberg, the default Phone app pre-installed on iPhones is getting a few long-overdue feature updates. "Apple is introducing a new view that combines favorite contacts, recent calls and voicemails into a single, scrollable window," says the report. AI will also find a place within the app. Apple is reportedly adding live translation for phone calls. This is a feature that is already available on OnePlus and Samsung phones, so Apple isn't really doing something revolutionary, but the feature is still a savior. I am hoping that Apple does a better job making the translation process seamless, natural-sounding, and, if possible, reduces the latency. Camera There is a perception that I get to hear and see almost on a weekly basis. "iPhones are just better for clicking pictures and taking videos." It's not a misplaced notion, but not without its own nuances. Phones like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offer their own set of superior benefits and features. But there is one area where Apple clearly needs some work, and that's making the camera app a little more interactive and user-friendly. Over the years, Apple has added a whole bunch of advanced features such as LOG video capture and 120fps Dolby Vision. However, a healthy bunch of granular controls are hidden in the Settings app. While switching between two apps is a hassle in itself, the lack of a proper Pro mode and the inability to customize the camera feature UI -- something you can do on Android phones -- is a crucial miss. In iOS 26, Apple could finally address that glaring hole. As per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the iPhone's default Camera app is eyeing a revamp that focuses on simplicity. Separately, Jon Prosser, who's had a mixed track record with Apple leaks, claims that the using a system of expanding-collapsing boxes, Apple will consolidate the Photo and Video controls at the bottom of the screen. Using these boxes, users will be able to access the core tools available for each capture mode, alongside crucial adjustments such as exposure value. I am hoping that Apple finally offers a mode where more pro-level controls are available, somewhat like the excellent Kino app. Messages The situation with Apple's Messages app is not too different from the Phone app. Despite commanding a loyal user base worth millions of users, Apple hasn't given it many meaningful upgrades over the years. Android, on the other hand, has made steady progress with advanced AI-driven features in tow. At WWDC 2025, Apple is expected to announce a few upgrades headed to Messages. Users will finally be able to start polls in the app, a feature that has been available in competing communication apps for years. The company will also allow users to set custom backgrounds for their chats, following in the footsteps of Instagram DMs and WhatsApp. "The backgrounds will sync between devices, including those of other users, meaning that you and the people you are chatting with have the same look," says the Bloomberg report. On the more practical side of things, live translation is coming to the Messages app. This is a massive leap, especially for multilingual users. For a huge chunk of iPhone buyers in non-Western markets, chat apps are home to texts in English and multiple local languages. I deal with messages sent in at least three languages on a daily basis. With live translation coming into the picture, it would be extremely convenient to view the translated version without the hassle of switching back and forth across a translation app. I hope Apple also adds a voice translation facility to the whole stack, instead of focusing just on texts. Shortcuts The Shortcuts app on the iPhone is a powerful tool for setting up automations and routines. There's a whole community of ardent fans out there who build innovative shortcuts and share them publicly as iCloud links. But for an average iPhone user, creating these shortcuts is not an easy task due to the complicated workflow. Apple is expected to introduce an upgraded version of the Shortcuts app that will leverage AI models. "The new version will let consumers create those actions using Apple Intelligence models," says a Bloomberg report. I am not entirely sure, but if there's a text-to-shortcut approach involved, it would make the whole exercise a lot easier for users. Imagine telling Siri something like, "Create a shortcut that automatically converts selected images into a PDF and sends it as an email." Apple is expected to open its in-house AI models to developers for integrating within their apps, which could ultimately help users easily create cross-app shortcuts, as well. I am quite excited for this overhaul, and hope Apple creates something like the 'apps' system Google offers on Android phones, which allows Gemini to handle tasks across apps using natural language commands.

How to watch today's WWDC keynote, and 3 reasons to do so

Apple WWDC This story is part of our complete Apple WWDC coverage Updated less than 32 minutes ago Apple's WWDC 2025 (Worldwide Developer's Conference) starts today. In case you didn't already know, WWDC is an annual event used by the tech giant to showcase new software and technologies across its product ecosystem, while also providing developers with sessions and tools to help them build apps for Apple's devices. How to watch the WWDC 2025 keynote This year, Apple's highly anticipated WWDC keynote will begin at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on Monday, June 9 - that's today! You can follow our WWDC 2025 live blog for all the latest on the from the keynote presentation. There are several ways to watch the keynote in real time, including via apple.com, the Apple TV app, and Apple's official YouTube channel. We've made it easy for you by embedding the YouTube video player at the top of this page. Apple doesn't usually say in advance how long its WWDC keynote will last, but going by past events, it could run for anything between 90 minutes and a couple of hours. But will it be worth watching? We think so, and here's why ... New software features If you have an iPhone or any other Apple device like a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, you'll get to learn more about all of the exciting new software features coming to your tech in the fall. Also, Apple is expected to unveil a new naming system for its products to bring consistency to its lineup. So instead of iOS 19, the software powering your iPhone is expected to be called iOS 26, linking it (sort of) to the year of release. Likewise, also expect to see iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. A fresh new look The tech behemoth is strongly rumored to unveil its biggest visual design overhaul since iOS 7 and which Bloomberg has claimed will "fundamentally change the look of the operating systems and make Apple's various software platforms more consistent." So get ready to cast your eyes upon a fresh new look for all of the on-screen elements linked to Apple's many products. Apple Intelligence updates The keynote will be another chance for Apple to offer some clarity on its approach to artificial intelligence, as up to now the company has been widely ridiculed for failing to deliver compelling AI features while rivals like Google and Microsoft race ahead. For example, Apple could introduce a new AI-powered battery management tool as well as a health-coaching feature that digs into your fitness data to offer personalized guidance. And hopefully much more besides. A bonus reason! Apple is widely rumored to be introducing a dedicated gaming app that could replace the Game Center. The app will serve as a central hub for launching games, tracking achievements, connecting with friends, and discovering new titles across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The app is also expected to provide editorial content and may integrate with social features like iMessage and FaceTime for better communication between players. After Monday's big reveal, be sure to check back to Digital Trends for the latest analysis on Apple's updates.

How to watch Apple's WWDC keynote on Monday, and 3 reasons to do so

Apple WWDC This story is part of our complete Apple WWDC coverage Updated less than 6 minutes ago Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developer's Conference) is almost upon us again. In case you didn't already know, WWDC is an annual event used by the tech giant to showcase new software and technologies across its product ecosystem, while also providing developers with sessions and tools to help them build apps for Apple's devices. How to watch This year, Apple's highly anticipated WWDC keynote will begin at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on Monday, June 9. There are several ways to watch the keynote in real time, including via apple.com, the Apple TV app, and Apple's official YouTube channel. We've made it easy for you by embedding the YouTube video player at the top of this page. Apple doesn't usually say in advance how long its WWDC keynote will last, but going by past events, it could run for anything between 90 minutes and a couple of hours. But will it be worth watching? We think so, and here's why ... New software features If you have an iPhone or any other Apple device like a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, you'll get to learn more about all of the exciting new software features coming to your tech in the fall. Also, Apple is expected to unveil a new naming system for its products to bring consistency to its lineup. So instead of iOS 19, the software powering your iPhone is expected to be called iOS 26, linking it (sort of) to the year of release. Likewise, also expect to see iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. A fresh new look The tech behemoth is strongly rumored to unveil its biggest visual design overhaul since iOS 7 and which Bloomberg has claimed will "fundamentally change the look of the operating systems and make Apple's various software platforms more consistent." So get ready to cast your eyes upon a fresh new look for all of the on-screen elements linked to Apple's many products. Apple Intelligence updates The keynote will be another chance for Apple to offer some clarity on its approach to artificial intelligence, as up to now the company has been widely ridiculed for failing to deliver compelling AI features while rivals like Google and Microsoft race ahead. For example, Apple could introduce a new AI-powered battery management tool as well as a health-coaching feature that digs into your fitness data to offer personalized guidance. And hopefully much more besides ... A bonus reason! Apple is widely rumored to be introducing a dedicated gaming app that could replace the Game Center. The app will serve as a central hub for launching games, tracking achievements, connecting with friends, and discovering new titles across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The app is also expected to provide editorial content and may integrate with social features like iMessage and FaceTime for better communication between players. After Monday's big reveal, be sure to check back to Digital Trends for the latest analysis on Apple's updates.

Apple debuts Liquid Glass interface at design-focused WWDC event

Apple Inc. unveiled a new operating system interface called Liquid Glass at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, an event that focused heavily on aesthetics and design elements rather than software breakthroughs. For the first time, the same interface will work across the company's products, executive Alan Dye said Monday during a video presentation from Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. He described it as the company's broadest design update ever. Apple also confirmed plans to open up its AI models to outside developers -- a move that lets app creators weave the technology into their software. The artificial intelligence market has been a weak spot for Apple. After unveiling its Apple Intelligence platform at last year's WWDC, the company was slow to roll out new features -- and its technology has paled next to that of Silicon Valley peers. This year's conference isn't expected to turn things around, but Apple is planning to showcase bigger AI breakthroughs in 2026, Bloomberg News has reported. As part of the changes, Apple is renaming its OS lineup to refer to the year rather than version numbers. The next generation of software for the flagship iPhone will be known as iOS 26. The other new releases include watchOS 26, macOS 26 and iPadOS 26. The event, better known as WWDC, is Apple's yearly showcase of upcoming software and features. Though the company introduced some new AI capabilities as part of the conference, the focus was more on operating system changes and design elements -- the kind of enhancements that may excite Apple fans but don't typically impress investors. Bloomberg News reported on the changes prior to the event, which held few surprises. Apple shares slid as much as 1.9% during the presentation before beginning to rebound. Already, the stock was down 19% this year through the end of last week, costing the company its crown as the world's most valuable business. The company has filled some gaps in its AI lineup by teaming up with OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. That relationship, first announced last year, will include new image-creation capabilities, Apple said on Monday. The company also highlighted live-translation capabilities and mapping features that learn from users' routines. And there's a new dedicated gaming app that ties together features and lets players challenge their friends. Apple said that its Vision Pro headset will now work with Sony Group Corp.'s PlayStation VR controllers, another attempt to entice more gamers. The product's software, visionOS, also features more realistic Persona virtual avatars for videoconferencing. For the Apple Watch, a new Workout app will include an AI-infused "Buddy" feature that helps users stay fit. The MacOS software, meanwhile, has a transparent menu bar with more customizable controls and can now use the iPhone's Phone app. It will be known as MacOS 26 Tahoe, named for the famous lake that straddles the California-Nevada border. Apple is improving the multitasking capabilities of the iPad and adding a menu bar to the top, making it more like the Mac. The changes are expected to help users be more productive and turn the iPad into a more effective tool for office work. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said that beta versions of the software will be available to developers immediately. In July, it will go into a public beta -- a stage where more users can test out the software -- before launching to all consumers in the fall. The hope is to give customers more reasons to upgrade their devices -- at a time when prices are likely to rise. Apple has been contending with Trump administration tariffs, prompting it to shift production of U.S.-bound iPhones to India. Even with the changes, the company is increasingly likely to increase prices. Apple typically unveils new devices in September. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Everything We Think We Know About iOS 19 (or Is It iOS 26?)

iOS 19 -- or is it iOS 26, as rumors suggest? -- is nearly here. Apple will almost assuredly announce the latest version of the iPhone's OS next week at WWDC 2025. As such, rumors about iOS 26's features have been coming in fast, and only more so as we approach the big event. Although none of these rumors can be confirmed at the moment, they still give us a good idea about what Apple might be considering behind the scenes. Seems that way. While we (logically) thought the next version of iOS would be called iOS 19, Apple reportedly has other plans in place. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 19 will be iOS 26, taking the name of the following year. Apple is reportedly doing this with all of its OS titles, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. While iOS has changed considerably in recent years, the overall design language still follows the last big UI overhaul: 2013's iOS 7. It's been nearly 12 years since Apple has mixed things up, leaving users to design their own Lock Screens and app icons. According to Gurman, however, that might change with iOS 26, as well as iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. The details are scarce, but Gurman reports sources within Apple say the company wants to better align the design languages across its various products, without merging those OSes entirely, while also simplifying the way you interact with these devices. That means iOS 26 could adopt the design of visionOS, which uses circles instead of squares for app icons, translucent window elements, and the adoption of 3D -- though that latter element may be difficult to translate on a 2D display. You can see those elements on display in this concept video from Jon Prosser. If the rumors are correct, we could be looking at "one of the most dramatic software overhauls in the company's history." In addition to a new look, iOS may be getting a little less buggy. Gurman says that stability is a big priority for Apple this year, which is music to my ears. Gurman also says that Apple is working on a live translation feature for certain AirPods models. If you're having a conversation with someone who is speaking a language you don't know, your AirPods will translate and dictate those words in your target language automatically. When you speak, your words will be translated and dictated by your iPhone, via the Translate app. This feature isn't groundbreaking -- Google's Pixel Buds have offered it for years. But it'd be a great addition to iOS 26, and to AirPods users. Apple doesn't reveal much about its upcoming updates before officially announcing them, but accessibility features are an exception. Last month, the company unveiled a list of accessibility features coming to devices "later this year." While they don't name iOS 26 and other "26" updates, it's pretty obvious those are the updates we'll see them in. There's a new Accessibility Reader feature that makes text easier to read across iOS; Magnifier is coming to Mac; you'll see "Accessibility nutrition" labels on the App Store, to denote how accessible an app is; Apple Watch is getting Live Captions, and Vehicle Motion Cues are coming to the Mac. Rumor has it that Apple is working on a "Stage Manager-like" desktop mode for USB-C iPhones with iOS 26. The feature would let you plug your iPhone into an external monitor, so you can extend your iPhone's screen to the larger display. This might not be a true "desktop mode" experience, like Samsung DeX, in that you might not be able to use your iPhone as a portable computer this way. But it could make it easier to share your iPhone's display when you want to connect to a larger screen. If you use multiple devices on public wifi networks, it's a pain to connect each one manually. That might be changing with Apple's upcoming updates: Gurman says that once updated, you'll only need to log into the wifi with one Apple device (your iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and the rest will automatically connect. Here's a great use for AI: optimizing battery life. Rumor has it iOS 26 will analyze your usage habits and determine the right times to lower performance in the name of preserving battery life. Extending the amount of time between charges is something we can all get behind. In addition, the company may add a charging indicator to the lock screen, so you know how long your battery has left to charge. This small feature has been sorely missing on iPhones for years. Apple offers it on MacBooks, but only in Activity Monitor. I hope its brings it back to the menu bar in a future update. With any luck, your current iPhone should be compatible with iOS 26, assuming you're currently running the latest software. Citing a source within Apple, French website iPhoneSoft.fr reports that any phone that runs iOS 18 should be compatible with iOS 26 as well. However, the iPad 7 will supposedly not be so lucky, as the website says it will not be included in the iPadOS 26 update. However, a MacRumors source says that Apple plans to drop the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max this year. We'll have to wait and see what Apple announces on Monday to find out which phones will still be supported. According to Gurman, Apple is working on a dedicated gaming app for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS, meant to replace the existing Game Center. The app will both let you launch titles, as well as check leader boards, chat with friends, and see your achievements. If true, it'll be interesting timing, considering the announcement will come four days after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. I have my doubts that such an app could compete with a gaming titan like Nintendo, or that this will really expand beyond the traditional short and sweet mobile game experience, but who knows. Maybe Apple is about to become a serious gaming company. (I doubt it.) The Shortcuts app lets you set up "shortcuts," which you can use to automate tasks across your Apple devices. Gurman says with iOS 26, Apple is integrating Apple Intelligence into the Shortcuts app, which might let you create shortcuts with natural language -- or, in other words, describe the shortcuts you want and have the AI build them for you. According to 9to5Mac, Apple has plans to add a new feature or two to a handful of apps. That includes: According to Gurman, Apple plans to merge Siri with Apple Intelligence sometime during the iOS 26 patch cycle. Yes, the assistant is currently listed as being part of Apple Intelligence, but behind the scenes, it supposedly has a new LLM in the works that would unify its currently split architecture and allow it to more frequently handle complex requests. As of now, its AI features are much more limited, and most of Siri doesn't use this type of AI at all. Gurman says he expects the merger to be completed by spring of 2026 with the launch of iOS 26.4. His report states that, originally, Apple's plan was to launch a more conversational Siri in the same update, but that's been delayed and is not expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2025. Gurman also indicates that because Apple has not yet completed last year's Apple Intelligence feature rollout, any unannounced features shouldn't be expected for a while.

Apple WWDC event starts today. Here's what to expect.

Alain Sherter is a senior managing editor with CBS News. He covers business, economics, money and workplace issues for CBS MoneyWatch. All eyes will be on Apple this week as it kicks off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company could announce updates to its artificial intelligence technology. Held annually at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, the conference is an opportunity for Apple to unveil its latest products and services as well as tout new advances. This year's event, which starts Monday with a keynote address from CEO Tim Cook and runs through to June 13, is expected to attract thousands of developers and virtual attendees, all eager to see what the tech giant has on tap for the coming year. Apple did not respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment. The company is expected to announce updates to its mobile operating system and to Apple Intelligence, which analysts say has lagged behind competitors' AI offerings. Although analysts don't expect any blockbuster reveals from Apple this week, they are looking for refinements in Apple Intelligence, the AI features offered on the iPhone, iPad and other devices. Apple announced new AI integrations for Siri at last year's conference, but the full suite of upgrades for the voice assistant have yet to take effect. "It's just taking a bit longer than we thought," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a call with Wall Street analysts. "But we are making progress, and we're extremely excited to get the more personal Siri features out there." In a research note, Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives noted that the Apple Intelligence rollout has been slower than expected, But also estimates that over the next few years, 25% of the world population will access AI through an Apple-powered device. At this wee's event, Apple is likely to provide updates on Siri's integration with two major AI platforms, Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, according to Ives. Apple is also expected announce a new -- and more straightforward -- nomenclature for its operating system. For example, rather than iOS 19, the operating system introduced in 2025 would be called iOS 26 to align with the coming year. The latest iOS is slated to be released as a free update in September. "While many on [Wall] Street are heading into WWDC as underwhelming given the slower-than-expected rollout of Apple Intelligence, we disagree with this bearish narrative and strongly believe this will be the start of AI monetization period of the Apple ecosystem as the company will continue to lay the foundation through its new operating system updates across Mac, iOS, iPad and others with its '26" update,'" Ives said. The look and feel of Apple's operating system interface could also get a facelift. The redesign, called "Liquid Glass," will have the "sheen and see-through visuals of a glassy surface," according to Bloomberg.

Apple unveils iOS 26 with Liquid Glass interface at its Worldwide Developers Conference

Alain Sherter is a senior managing editor with CBS News. He covers business, economics, money and workplace issues for CBS MoneyWatch. Apple kicked off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday with an array of announcements on new features coming this fall via iOS 26, its latest operating system upgrade. Leading the pack is a new user interface enhancement called Liquid Glass. CEO Tim Cook and other Apple executives used words like "beautiful," "gorgeous" and "delightful" to describe changes on the horizon for its devices. And while they emphasized a fresh user interface and elevated app features, they also reassured users that the tools would remain familiar and accessible. Read on for details on the latest bells and whistles coming to Apple's user interface. Apple is adopting a new nomenclature for identifying its operating systems, one that is more straightforward than its previous numbering system. Rather than iOS 19, Apple's next iPhone iOS will be called iOS 26 to align with the upcoming year. iOS 26, along with iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 261 are slated to be released as free updates in September 2025. Alan Dye, Apple's vice president of human interface design, calls the new OS, the company's "broadest design update ever." A hallmark feature of the new OS is Liquid Glass, described by the company as an "expressive material" meant to mimic the qualities of glass. The dynamic new interface make apps, widgets and docs appear translucent, allowing users to see multiple layers of their screen at once. Liquid Glass also creates more movement on your interface by morphing into your display. For example, as messages pop up on your home screen, the time display starts to shrink to accommodate them. The color of Liquid Glass also shifts depending on the content on your screen and adapts between light and dark environments. "From navigating apps to system experiences like the lock screen notifications and control center app icons have been crafted with multiple layers of Liquid Glass and come to life in light mode, dark mode, colorful, new tints, or an all new clear look," said Dye during the company's keynote Monday. Apple also delivered long-awaited updates to Apple Intelligence, the company's artificial intelligence system that's now integrated with ChatGPT. AI-powered features arriving this fall include Live Translation, which automatically translates messages as they're being received. "So if you're making plans with some new friends while studying abroad, your message can be translated as you type and delivered in their preferred language, and when they respond, each text can be instantly translated for you," said Leslie Ikemoto, an engineering director at Apple said at the conference Monday. Visual Intelligence, another AI tool, allows users to take a screenshot of an image they see online -- say, a cute sweater they come across on one of their apps -- and then look up where to find a similar design online. They can also ask ChatGPT specific questions about the image, such as, keeping with the example of the sweater, "What material is this made of?" Another feature builds on Apple broad selection of emojis by giving users the power to combine and personalize existing emojis to create their own unique expressions. In their presentation, Apple showed how someone could merge the lightbulb emoji with the sloth emoji to indicate they were the last one to get a joke, for example. Still lingering on Apple's to do list is new AI integrations for Siri. Apple introduced updates to the voice assistant at last year's conference, but the full suite of upgrades for the voice assistant have yet to take effect. "We're continuing our work to deliver the features that make Siri even more personal," said senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi on Monday. "This work needed more time to reach our high quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year." In a research note, Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives noted that the Apple Intelligence rollout has been slower than expected, but also estimates that over the next few years, 25% of the world population will access AI through an Apple-powered device. "While many on [Wall] Street are heading into WWDC as underwhelming given the slower-than-expected rollout of Apple Intelligence, we disagree with this bearish narrative and strongly believe this will be the start of AI monetization period of the Apple ecosystem as the company will continue to lay the foundation through its new operating system updates across Mac, iOS, iPad and others with its '26" update,'" Ives said.

Everything you need to know about Apple's iOS 26

Apple needs to tread carefully not to frustrate and disappoint its loyal base of iPhone users, one analyst told Euronews Next. Apple showcased its latest technology at its annual developers conference on Monday, showing off a new 'Liquid Glass' software design, a solution to screen out spam texts, and demonstrated it was in no rush to bring out more artificial intelligence (AI) features. But the latest software features will not be available for several months until iOS 26 (rebranded from iOS 19) is officially released. Here is our roundup of the latest announcements from WWDC 2025. At last year's conference, Apple announced a more personalised AI-powered Siri. However, this year Apple only mentioned Siri very briefly. "As we've shared, we're continuing our work to deliver the features that make Siri even more personal," said Craig Federighi, Apple's SVP of Software Engineering. "This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year". However, Apple did say that AI would be integrated into some products with a focus on making our lives easier. Apple's WWDC comes just after Google unveiled AI updates at its developer conference last month. Samsung may also announce new phones in July. "While it might seem others are leading the AI race, it is not a sought-after feature among users and there's no revenue uplift (for now)," tech analyst Paolo Pescatore told Euronews Next. "Considering the negative perception, Apple needs to tread carefully not to frustrate and disappoint its loyal base of iPhone users". But he said that the latest updates provide a more coherent feel and "Apple remains in an enviable position" given its large installed base of users. Apple is expected to reveal its latest iPhones later this year. Apple Watch is getting a new, AI-enhanced "Workout Buddy" feature. The new tool analyses users' exercise and fitness data, such as pace and distance to then make personalised recommendations. The demo showed a runner having data such as their heart rate during each kilometre and the distance they run that year at their fingertips. The feature will include other sports too. The biggest design update is a glass-inspired aesthetic to all Apple products. Called 'Liquid Glass' it makes icons and menus partially transparent. Apple said it retracts light and dynamically reacts to your movement with specular highlights. Apple announced users would soon be able to screen out new senders in its messaging app. "Unknown senders appear in a dedicated area where you can decide if you want to mark the numbers as known, ask for more information, or delete," said Darin Adler, a vice president at Apple. "Until you accept, messages from unknown senders will remain silenced and won't appear as notifications". Apple also announced that you will soon be able to create in-message polls. The tech giant also announced that its users will soon be able to converse with people in different languages with a Live Translation feature. "Live Translation can translate conversations on the fly. It's integrated into messages, FaceTime and phone," said Leslie Ikemoto, an engineering director at Apple. It will work in phone calls, even with a non-Apple responder; your words can be translated as you talk, and the translation is spoken out loud for the call recipient. And when the person you are speaking to responds in their own language, you'll hear a spoken translation of their voice. In messages, it automatically translates the text for you as you type and deliver while the response can be instantly translated. On FaceTime, Apple Translate provides live captions in your preferred language. Apple has not said how many languages it will support. Overall, the "subtle addition of Apple Intelligence across key services will help grow awareness and provide users with confidence to drive further engagement," said Pescatore. "The tight integration between hardware, software and services really stands out with this latest move". "It looks like Apple has done enough in what promises to be a year of transition as it further builds out its AI capabilities," he added.

Three things from Apple's WWDC 2025 you should know about

Apple's fresh take on aesthetics has resulted in Liquid Glass, its latest update to software design. A new yearly naming convention, a range of new updates to its operating system iOS and a new glassy software design are just some of the major updates Apple announced at the latest Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) yesterday (9 June). The announcements come as Apple - and other major tech firms - face increased scrutiny in the EU over concerns around market dominance and fair competition. While the threat from US-imposed tariffs are set to cost the iPhone-maker an additional $900m this quarter. Although, the company is still doing well - earning a latest quarterly revenue up 5pc year on year. The most obvious update from the conference (set to run until 13 June) has to be Apple's new naming convention for its operating system (OS), which will now be numbered based on years. So, rather than Apple announcing iOS 19 - following iOS 18 last year - the latest iOS update is instead called iOS 26. 'Glassy' software design Apple launched a new software design called Liquid Glass, which is meant to give onscreen items a glassy look with a blurred background. According to the company, the new translucent material reflects and refracts its surroundings to bring better focus to controls, navigation and icons. US tech magazine Wired spoke to product designers, some of whom claim that the transparency makes some of the material on screen difficult to read. While another calls it "rough around the edges", potentially veering into "distracting and challenging". Apple says that the new design will extend across iPhones, Macbooks, watches and TV, with updates to the lock screen, home screen, desktop and dock. Liquid Glass is available to developers, and a public beta is scheduled for next month. ChatGPT for coding Apple had initially launched Apple Intelligence at last year's WWDC conference. And along with it, it announced a partnership with OpenAI, which saw ChatGPT's integration across its devices. This year, that partnership is deepening with Apple integrating ChatGPT into the latest version of Xcode, its app development suite. Now, developers can connect AI models directly to write and test code. Developers can start using ChatGPT in Xcode without needing to create an account, and subscribers can connect their accounts to access more requests, Apple said in the announcement. Plus, new updates to Apple Intelligence introduce features such as live translation of text and voice with captions on video calls, while users can also directly select and search items from images. Users can also ask ChatGPT questions about what they're looking at on screen, as well as through other supported apps such as Google or Etsy. Last update for Macs on Intel Say goodbye to MacBooks equipped with Intel chips as they will no longer receive major software updates after macOS Tahoe releases later this year. The company introduced its own in-house Arm-based powerful M1 processors in 2020. Apple's senior director of developer relations, Matthew Firlik, said that "macOS Tahoe will be the final release for Intel Macs," yesterday at the WWDC 2025 Platforms Sate of the Union keynote. Intel-based Macs, including the 2019 and 2020 MacBook Pro, as well as the 2020 iMac will receive the Tahoe update, but no more. Fortunately for users, they are also set to receive security updates for three years. Don't miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic's digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.

Apple's 2025 WWDC unveils iOS software revamp, AI plans and more

In 2023, Apple unveiled a mixed-reality headset that has been little more than a niche product, and last year WWDC trumpeted its first major foray into the AI craze with an array of new features highlighted by the promise of a smarter and more versatile version of its virtual assistant, Siri -- a goal that has yet to be realized. "This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar," Craig Federighi, Apple's top software executive, said Monday at the outset of the conference. The company didn't provide a precise timetable for when Siri's AI upgrade will be finished but indicated it won't happen until next year at the earliest. "The silence surrounding Siri was deafening," said Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee. "No amount of text corrections or cute emojis can fill the yawning void of an intuitive, interactive AI experience that we know Siri will be capable of when ready. We just don't know when that will happen. The end of the Siri runway is coming up fast, and Apple needs to lift off." Is Apple, with its 'liquid glass,' still a trendsetter? The showcase unfolded amid nagging questions about whether Apple has lost some of the mystique and innovative drive that has made it a tech trendsetter during its nearly 50-year history. Instead of making a big splash as it did with the Vision Pro headset and its AI suite, Apple took a mostly low-key approach that emphasized its effort to spruce up the look of its software with a new design called Liquid Glass while also unveiling a new hub for its video games and new features like a Workout Buddy to help manage physical fitness. Apple executives promised to make its software more compatible with the increasingly sophisticated computer chips that have been powering its products while also making it easier to toggle between the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. "Our product experience has become even more seamless and enjoyable," Apple CEO Tim Cook told the crowd as the 90-minute showcase wrapped up. IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said Apple seemed to be largely using Monday's conference to demonstrate the company still has a blueprint for success in AI, even if it's going to take longer to realize the vision that was presented a year ago. "This year's event was not about disruptive innovation, but rather careful calibration, platform refinement, and developer enablement -- positioning itself for future moves rather than unveiling game-changing technologies," Jeronimo said. Apple's next operating system will be iOS 26 Besides redesigning its software. Apple will switch to a method that automakers have used to telegraph their latest car models by linking them to the year after they first arrive at dealerships. That means the next version of the iPhone operating system due out this autumn will be known as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 -- as it would be under the previous naming approach that has been used since the device's 2007 debut. The iOS 26 upgrade is expected to be released in September around the same time Apple traditionally rolls out the next iPhone models.

Everything announced at WWDC 2025

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has set the stage for the next year in technology, and the 2025 keynote was one for the history books. The company unveiled a sweeping new design philosophy, a more unified and simplified naming scheme for its operating systems, and a significant expansion of its artificial intelligence capabilities. From the dramatic overhaul of iOS and macOS to a dedicated new app for gamers, here's a detailed breakdown of every major announcement. The most immediate and striking announcement was a complete design overhaul for all of Apple's software platforms, called "Liquid Glass." This marks the most significant visual change since the move to a flat design with iOS 7 over a decade ago. Liquid Glass moves away from the flat, opaque elements of the past and embraces translucency, depth, and light. The new aesthetic is inspired by the look of visionOS and features shiny, reflective, and transparent interface elements that give the software a more "glassy" look and feel. The color of the screen is informed by your content and will adapt between light and dark environments. Alerts now appear from where you tap, and context menus expand fluidly. This new design language is not just a visual treat; it's intended to make the user experience more intuitive and immersive across all devices. In a move to simplify its ecosystem, Apple is ditching the sequential version numbers for its operating systems. Starting this year, all of its major software platforms will adopt the year in their name. This means we are now looking forward to the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. This change aims to create a more cohesive and understandable product lineup for consumers. iOS 26 is the star of the show, showcasing the most dramatic iPhone redesign in recent memory. The new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic is front and center, with a revamped Lock Screen and Home Screen that are more personal and expressive. Beyond the new look, iOS 26 is packed with functional updates: The Mac's new operating system, named macOS Tahoe, fully embraces the "Liquid Glass" design, bringing a new level of visual cohesion with its mobile counterparts. The headline feature for macOS 26 is a significantly more powerful, AI-driven Shortcuts app. This will allow for more complex and automated workflows, making it easier for both casual users and professionals to streamline their tasks. Spotlight search has also been enhanced to be more intelligent and context-aware. iPadOS 26 takes a significant step forward in making the iPad a more capable work machine, with features designed to create a more Mac-like experience. A new "Preview" feature brings a range of powerful tools for marking up documents and images with the Apple Pencil, including advanced AutoFill capabilities. The update also introduces a more robust windowing system, a new menu bar, and improved pointer support, all aimed at enhancing productivity and multitasking. The Apple Watch receives a substantial update with watchOS 26. The "Liquid Glass" redesign gives the interface a fresh look, and a new wrist-flick gesture provides a new way to interact with your device. The most exciting new feature is the "Workout Buddy," an Apple Intelligence-powered fitness coach that provides real-time, personalized motivation and feedback during your workouts. The Apple TV and Vision Pro also receive notable updates. In a significant move for its gaming ambitions, Apple unveiled a new, dedicated "Games" app. This app will centralize the gaming experience on Apple devices, serving as a launcher for all your games. It will allow users to track achievements, view leaderboards, and connect with friends. Social features like a "Play Together" tab and "Challenges" aim to create a more integrated and competitive gaming community within the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods lineup will be getting two key new features through a software update: the ability to record studio-quality audio and a new camera remote function. Apple Wallet is also set to receive new travel-friendly features, though further details are expected closer to the public release. Apple is continuing to thoughtfully integrate its on-device AI, "Apple Intelligence," across its platforms. Key updates include:

When is Apple's WWDC 2025 event? Start time, rumors, more

Artificial Intelligence can instantly proofread your writing and make suggestions to tweak the tone of a message, paper or presentation. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is less than a day away, though it appears that the event will see a restrained rollout compared to the AI extravaganza held a year ago. The week-long event will kick off with a keynote address on Monday, June 9, and run through Friday, June 13. There will be more than 100 technical sessions for developers, as well as group and one-on-one lab sessions, Apple announced in a news release. USA TODAY will provide live coverage of Monday's keynote, along with the latest updates on the company reveals. Here's what you need to know before Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2025. How to watch WWDC 2025 The keynote for WWDC 2025 takes place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on June 9 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT and be followed by a "Platforms State of the Union." The keynote is set to be streamed on Apple TV, the Apple YouTube page and at apple.com. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is preparing a modest rollout of artificial intelligence features, targeting WWDC 2026 to make a larger splash. Gurman wrote in the Power On newsletter that the most significant AI announcement this year will be the opening of Apple's Foundation Models to third-party developers. He noted that the move is being made in hope of spurring the creation of new AI features and apps to help Apple catch up in the artificial intelligence market. Gurman also reported that Apple appears set to add a centralized gaming app in the next iOS update. He indicates the app will be preinstalled with the update and will be a place for users to launch games, find new titles, view leaderboards and communicate with other players. "The new app will serve as a Game Center replacement, and is more ambitious," Gurman wrote. "But it's unlikely to shake up the industry." iOS naming system to change with update: Reports Apple appears set to change the naming system for iOS on Monday, according to Gurman. The company will move from numbering operating system updates sequentially to numbering them by year in a manner similar to the way car models are identified. Under the new system, the Monday update will be iOS 26 instead of iOS 19. Gurman also reported that the Mac operating system will be named Tahoe after the Californian forest.

iOS 26 to Arrive With These Upgrades for Messages, Apple Music and CarPlay

Recent reports suggest Apple won't make major AI announcements at WWDC 2025 iOS 26 is set to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) next week, and details of the company's next operating system update for its smartphones have already surfaced online. Apple is expected to introduce a revamped design with the iOS 26 update, and a new report sheds some light on a few new features that could make their way to Apple Music, Messages, Notes, and CarPlay. iOS 26 (formerly expected to arrive as iOS 19) will be rolled out to eligible iPhone models later this year. Citing unnamed sources, 9to5Mac reports that Apple will introduce a new automatic translation feature on the Messages app when iOS 26 rolls out. It is said to automatically translate messages that are sent and received, and could come in handy while interacting with users who speak another language, especially while travelling. The Messages app is also expected to add support for creating polls, a feature that is already offered by rival WhatsApp. However, the company could also rely on Apple Intelligence to suggest options for a poll, by analysing the chat. As a result, it is unclear whether these features will be fully supported on older devices that lack support for Apple's AI suite. Apple is expected to redesign its smartphone, tablet, and wearable operating systems this year, and the CarPlay experience is likely to get a fresh coat of paint. As per the report, Apple is working on redesigning parts of the interface, as per the publication. The Apple Music app is also expected to introduce a cosmetic feature with iOS 26 -- support for animated album art on the Lock Screen. The same animations seen in the Apple Music app will also be visible when the phone is locked. Another small, but useful change that is coming with the iOS 26 update is support for exporting notes with Markdown. The Notes app on iOS 18 allows users to write in Markdown, and these notes will soon add support for exporting text along with Markdown formatting. Previous reports have revealed that Apple is also expected to announce several other additions and changes when iOS 26 is unveiled, including a redesigned camera app, AI-powered battery management, and new Health and Gaming apps. We can expect to hear more about these updates when WWDC 2025 begins on June 9.

Apple Announces iOS 26 With Liquid Glass Design, These New Features

It will be available to registered developers starting today iOS 26 was unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 on Monday. The company previewed several new features and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that will soon be available on iPhone. One of the most notable changes is to the design language of the OS. Apple has introduced a new UI dubbed Liquid Glass, which bundles glass-like iconography and other elements. The latest version of iOS will also carry Apple Intelligence features and a unified interface in the Phone app, updated Camera app layout, typing indicators in Messages, new CarPlay features, and more, when it is rolled out on eligible iPhone models later this year. Apple says iOS 26 will be offered as a free over-the-air (OTA) software update for iPhone 11 and later handsets. However, the Apple Intelligence features will be limited to the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models. Registered Apple developers can download iOS 26 on their devices and start testing out the new features. A public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month. According to Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President (SVP) of Software Engineering at Apple, Liquid Glass in iOS 26 is a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surrounding visual elements. It is implemented across controls, navigation, app icons, and widgets in the OS. This new design language brings new customisation options for the home and lock screens, enabling users to customise app icons and widgets with a new clear look. On the iPhone's lock screen, the time widget now adapts to the free space in an image, shrinking and expanding automatically. Meanwhile, there's also a 3D effect which appears when users move their iPhone. iOS 26 also includes a streamlined layout in the Camera app, separate tab for Library and Collections views in the Photos app, flowing web pages in Safari, and a redesigned tab bar in apps like Apple Music, News and Podcasts. This bar is said to float near the top and dynamically shrink to highlight the content on the screen. Building upon the introduction of Apple Intelligence features on iPhone from last year, Apple is expanding upon its capabilities. It has introduced Live Translation which is integrated in apps like Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. Powered by the company's proprietary on-device AI models, this feature automatically translates text and audio in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and other languages. Updates to Visual Intelligence, Apple's alternative for Google's Circle-to-Search, enable users to ask ChatGPT questions about what they're currently looking at on their screen. They can also search for similar images and products on Google, Etsy, and other supported apps. Further, it automatically recognises if a user is looking at an event and suggests them to add it to their calendar with date, time, and other key details. Apple has also introduced AI-powered shortcuts and dedicated actions for Writing Tools and Image Playground. The company's AI model can also identify and summarise details, such as invoice in emails received from merchants. Users can also mix their favourite emojis, Genmojis, and descriptions for unique creations. Meanwhile, the new Foundation Models framework provides developers access to Apple's on-device foundation model which powers Apple Intelligence. Apple has revamped the Phone app with a unified layout which combines the Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails tabs. It also takes advantage of Call Screening which uses Live Voicemail to gather information from the caller, enabling the recipient to decide whether they wish to pick it up. On the other hand, Hold Assist can come in handy when the user is stuck on hold, notifying them when the person on the other end of the line, such as an agent, is available. With iOS 26, users can screen messages from unknown senders in the Messages app, which appear in a dedicated folder and remain silenced unless chosen otherwise. Users can also create polls, generate backgrounds for chats using Apple Intelligence, and see typing indicators in group chats. There are Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation features in Apple Music, along with an AutoMix feature that uses AI to seamlessly transition from one track to the next using time stretching and beat matching. Meanwhile, Apple Maps gets a feature dubbed Visited Places which enables the user to remember the places they've been. Apple says iPhone can use on-device AI to analyse their daily route and present them with a preferred option, while also notifying them of potential delays. In addition to updates, Apple has introduced a new app dubbed Apple Games. It is claimed to act as a one-stop-shop for all gaming needs of iPhone users. It presents users with an overview of the activities in their games including major events. Further, they can also launch the game from the app and switch between them. With iOS 26, Apple has brought a compact view for incoming calls in CarPlay. It lets users check who's calling them without missing out on upcoming directions. The update also brings Tapbacks and pinned conversations to Messages, along with widgets and Live Activities.

Apple's iOS 26 rumors swirl ahead of WWDC 2025 -- get ready for the biggest update in years

iOS 26 ahead of Apple WWDC 2025 is set to bring big changes to iPhone software. Apple will skip iOS 19 and rename the update to iOS 26, matching the year. Expect a fresh design inspired by Apple Vision Pro, a rumored desktop mode for iPhones, AI-powered battery life improvements, and live translation through AirPods. While Apple's AI features might not be groundbreaking this year, iOS 26 promises a major step forward. With WWDC 2025 starting June 9, fans can look forward to seeing how Apple reshapes its iPhone experience.Everything We Know About iOS 26 Ahead of Apple WWDC 2025- Apple fans are buzzing as WWDC 2025 is just around the corner, set for June 9 to 13. The big question on everyone's mind: what will iOS 26 bring? This year, Apple is expected to reveal major changes to its iPhone software, but with a surprising twist -- the name itself. Instead of iOS 19, Apple is reportedly jumping straight to iOS 26, aligning its software names with the year, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first revealed. With whispers of a fresh design, new features, and smarter tech, iOS 26 looks set to shake things up. The biggest shock from recent leaks is the new naming scheme. Apple plans to drop the traditional numbering and instead call this year's update iOS 26, matching the year 2026. This move will affect all Apple platforms -- macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will also adopt the "26" suffix. This change was first reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a trusted source for Apple news. It makes the software lineup simpler to understand but could confuse some users at first. Still, it's a fresh start and a signal Apple is ready for a big change. Rumors say iOS 26 will introduce one of the most dramatic design overhauls in Apple's history. Gurman reported back in March that Apple plans to refresh app icons, menus, system buttons, and overall app behavior. The design is expected to borrow elements from the Apple Vision Pro headset, aiming to create a more unified look across all Apple devices. This means your iPhone's interface could look more modern and clean, matching the futuristic feel of Apple's latest tech. If true, this redesign could make using your iPhone feel fresh and exciting. One of the most talked-about rumors is the possibility of a desktop mode for iPhones. Tech leaker Majin Bu suggests that Apple is working on letting iPhones with USB-C ports connect to external displays, similar to how a MacBook or iPad works with a bigger screen. This feature could mimic Apple's Stage Manager multitasking system, giving iPhone users more space to work and multitask. While it's an exciting idea, this is still just a rumor, so don't get your hopes up just yet -- but it's a feature many users would love to see. Battery life is always a top priority for iPhone users, and Forbes recently reported that iOS 26 might come with an AI-powered battery management system. This smart feature would help your phone last longer by optimizing how it uses power throughout the day. It could learn your habits and adjust settings automatically to save energy without you even noticing. For people constantly running out of battery, this could be a game changer, making iPhones more reliable on the go. Another exciting rumor from Gurman is that iOS 26 could add live translation directly through AirPods. Imagine having your iPhone listen to a foreign language and instantly play a translation right in your ear. It's similar to features already available on Google Pixel Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds. This would be a great tool for travelers or anyone communicating in different languages. While Google's recent live demo had some hiccups, Apple might perfect this tech by the time iOS 26 launches. Apple has been criticized for falling behind rivals like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini in artificial intelligence. The company's AI assistant, Siri, hasn't seen a major upgrade in a while. Although there were expectations of a big AI push at WWDC 2025, rumors suggest Apple Intelligence, the company's AI system, may not be ready to shine just yet. So, while we might see some AI improvements in iOS 26, don't expect the kind of fireworks Google showed off earlier this year. Apple seems to be taking its time to get AI right rather than rushing out new features. WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9 at 10 a.m. PT, running through June 13. Apple describes the event as "a week of technology and creativity." You can watch the keynote live on Apple's website or through their app. Many news sites, including Mashable, will cover the event live, so you won't miss any announcements about iOS 26 and other Apple software updates. What is iOS 26 and when will it launch? iOS 26 is Apple's new iPhone software update launching at WWDC 2025 on June 9. Will iOS 26 improve iPhone battery life? Yes, iOS 26 may include AI-powered battery management for longer phone usage.

iOS 19 or iOS 26: New iPhone operating system set for overhaul at Apple WWDC 2025

Apple is set to reveal its newest software at WWDC 2025. The upcoming iOS 19, or iOS 26, if reports are to be believed, may feature a significant design change with a fresh look to system apps and AI features. The Phone, Safari, and Camera apps are expected to receive updates. Messages may get AI translation and poll options.Apple will unveil its latest software at its developers' conference WWDC 2025 on Monday. This will include the operating systems for its iPhones, Mac computers, iPads and more. The next generation of iOS for iPhones is rumoured to sport many new bells and whistles, and even a new nomenclature. The new iPhone operating system (OS) could see the biggest design overhaul in generations, some system apps may get their long due retouch, and a helping of artificial intelligence (AI) features, courtesy Apple Intelligence. Here's a look at the changes in iOS that Apple is expected to announce at WWDC 2025: New name? iOS 19 or iOS 26 Apple will likely disrupt the current naming system for iOS to standardise nomenclature across its software bouquet. The extant iOS 18 will give way to iOS 26, and not iOS 19, according to Bloomberg. OS for other Apple devices will also follow a similar naming system, with updated versions labelled as iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26. This is meant to bring consistency to branding and avoid confusion among developers and users. New look iOS 26 is expected to get a brand new interface, first major design overhaul since iOS7. The new look will be based on the visionOS software for the Vision Pro virtual reality headset, which the company refers to as Liquid Glass, according to Bloomberg. The new interface for iOS will use light and transparency throughout the OS, with fresh look for tool and tab bars, and redesigned app icons, widgets and other buttons. Pop-out menus are in focus to offer users a quick list of additional options within apps. Fresh look for Phone, Safari, Camera The apps for Phone, web browser Safari and the native Camera app have been awaiting a revamp for long. In iOS 26, Apple is putting a single, scrollable window for Phone app featuring favourite contacts, recent calls and voicemails, Bloomberg reported. This feature is optional though, and users can easily toggle back to the old interface in the Phone app itself. Safari will get a transparent and glassy address bar, in line with the Liquid Glass interface across iOS 26. The Camera app will get a simpler look to organise the many photo and video taking features Apple has introduced on the iPhones over the past iterations. More features for Messages According to 9to5Mac, Messages app will get Apple Intelligence-powered translation for texts as soon as they land in the inbox. Messages can get the option to set a background for chats, syncing across devices, and creating polls. Apple is going after Meta's WhatsApp with these new features. Preview app for iOS Apple is bringing the Preview app from macOS to iOS for the first time for PDF management, annotation and editing. It will be visually similar to the Mac version and come pre-installed with iOS 26 instead. Health coach on the go Apple may introduce an AI-powered virtual health coach to offer lifestyle suggestions and health advice based on the data collected from the Health app. The Health app may include feature options to track diets, allowing users to record their carbohydrate and caffeine intakes. Dedicated gaming app Reports suggest that Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app that will replace Game Center app. The app could include direct access to Apple Arcade's subscription-based game store. It could also integrate with iMessage or FaceTime for remote gaming. Genmoji update Genmoji -- personalised emojis created using AI -- will get the option to merge two existing standard emojis, for example a basketball going into a trash can, according to Bloomberg. Siri updates? Apple isn't planning to showcase any major updates for Siri at WWDC this year, according to TechCrunch, after indefinitely delaying new updates in March. the updated Siri will eventually allow tapping into personal data and on-device content, and more precise control of applications and in-app features, but these are still far out.

Apple WWDC 2025: These 7 iOS 26 features will make you fall in love with your iPhone all over again

Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote is approaching, and anticipation is building as Apple's fans want to see what the technology giant has in store for them. This year is particularly going to be memorable, with Apple set to give a demo of its latest operating system called iOS26, as per BGR report. Here are seven features of iOS26 that could make you fall in love with your iPhone all over again, as per the report. According to BGR, Apple is expected to focus on improving stability in its iOS26 which would also make beta releases smoother. iOS 26 is expected to offer UI experiences that transition between iPhone and iPad or iPad and Mac due to a design revolution, as per the report. All the operating systems the tech giant is planning to launch would feature visionOS-inspired design, according to BGR. The new design will have translucency and more nimble menus that don't block content from view and might also have new app icon designs, as per the report. The Camera app is anticipated to get a simpler interface that would let the user focus on what is being shot, as per BGR. There is speculation that there might be separate menus for photos and videos instead of several options crowding the screen, according to the report. The menus will have the same glass-like look as the rest of iOS and are expected to resemble the visionOS UI from the spatial computer, reported BGR. If you monitor runs, workouts, or daily activity with Apple Watch and the Health app, this one's for you. iOS 26 would introduce an AI-driven health coach that learns from your data to provide tailored advice to help you achieve your goals smarter, as per BGR. There could even be a more intuitive food-tracking feature, ideal for those who want to eat better. Battery anxiety exists, but iOS 26 would make it less of an issue by employing AI to recognise the way you use your phone and optimise power management to suit, as per BGR. Though this may only be available for future iPhones, such as the soon-to-be-launched ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, according to the report. There are speculations that there would be a feature to better support public Wi-Fi that requires signing into a "captive" network, like those in hotels or airports, reported BGR. A captive-portal Wi-Fi is iOS 26 would let all Apple devices using the same Apple ID connect once one of them does, as per the report. Another speculated iOS 26 feature is the live translation support for AirPods, which is likely an Apple Intelligence feature, and several Apple rivals offer similar tools, according to BGR. Is the Camera app getting a makeover? Yes. It's rumored to be more streamlined, with separate photo and video menus and a sleeker, less cluttered interface, as per BGR report. What exactly is the AI health coach? It could analyze your fitness data and give you helpful, personalized health tips -- based on how you move, eat, and live, as per the BGR report.

iOS 26: Check release date, full list of supported iPhones, new features, and why Apple skipped iOS 19

iOS 26 Release Date and Supported Devices: Apple will soon launch iOS 26 at the Worldwide Developers Conference. This new operating system will bring a redesigned interface and enhanced AI features. The final version is expected on September 16, 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 series. Users can anticipate a 'Liquid Glass' design and improved system apps. However, older iPhone models may not support all AI functionalities.Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26 at its WWDC event today, skipping iOS 18 and aligning the new name with the year of its mainstream rollout. The final version of iOS 26 is likely to launch globally on September 16, 2025, around a week after the debut of the iPhone 17 series. Apple has announced a shift in how it names its iOS versions. Going forward, the version number will reflect the upcoming calendar year -- similar to how automobile companies label their models. As a result, this year's release is called iOS 26. This change also applies to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. iOS 26 is expected to introduce a glass-like user interface with softer icons, rounded edges, and refreshed system apps. This is the first significant redesign since iOS 7. Following its usual update cycle, Apple is expected to release the final version of iOS 26 on September 16, 2025. This typically takes place the Tuesday after its annual iPhone launch event. The latest iOS release is likely to be rolled out in India along with global release. However, the company has not made any official announcement regarding the same. iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 will be available immediately after today's keynote. Public Beta 1 is expected on July 15, 2025. Users can join by following these steps: Back up the device Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates Select Developer or Public Beta and install the update iOS 26 is expected to support all iPhones currently running iOS 18. However, support for models using the A12 Bionic chip, such as iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, may be discontinued. The following models are likely to receive the update: iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and 11 series iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) Apple plans to strengthen its AI features in iOS 26. Updates are expected to improve Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground. A major upgrade to Siri is still under development. Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri. Apple may use on-device AI to personalise battery performance based on a user's daily habits. This feature could be especially useful for thinner models like the iPhone 17 Air. Apple officially announced iOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The new OS introduces a redesigned interface, new AI-powered tools, and a refined user experience. Apple introduced a new design language called "Liquid Glass" in iOS 26. This redesign affects the system menus, widgets, notifications, and lock screen, giving them more depth and motion while retaining the core home screen layout. Native apps like Photos and Camera now have updated layouts focused on ease of use and consistency. Developer Beta: Released immediately after the announcement at WWDC 2025. Public Beta: Expected in July 2025. Stable Release: Expected in September 2025, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 series. iOS 26 will require devices with an A13 Bionic chip or newer. The eligible models include: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) iPhone 12 series (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max) iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max) iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max) iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max) iPhone 16 series, including iPhone 16e Older models like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not support iOS 26. However, they will continue to receive security updates on iOS 18 for a limited period. While many iPhones will be able to install iOS 26, not all will support Apple Intelligence features, such as: According to Apple, these AI features require at least the A17 Pro chip. Full Apple Intelligence access will be limited to: Other supported devices will only receive the visual and system-wide updates, not the new AI-powered tools.

What will your iPhone look like now? iOS 26 explained

Apple just dropped a major redesign with iOS 26, and it's a big one. The new look is all about creating a more unified experience across devices, built on something Apple's calling Liquid Glass.It's not just a fresh coat of paint either there are new additions to Apple Intelligence. Let's break it down. It's been over a decade since Apple last gave the iPhone interface a major visual shake-up remember the big shift with iOS 7 back in 2013, when skeuomorphism made way for flat design? (We're not counting the Vision Pro here.) Now with iOS 26, Apple's going all in again. The entire UI gets a facelift icons and buttons have been redesigned, and toolbars/tab bars now feature a sleek, see-through look. Pop-out menus are also making a debut, offering quick access to commonly used options. It's a subtle nod to the old 3D Touch "peek and pop" days, but with a more modern execution. Widgets are sticking around, but they're getting a makeover too updated to match the new visual style across the board. iOS 26 isn't just about Apple Intelligence. It's about reimagining how iPhones look and feel in 2025. The Phone app, for instance, is getting a smarter layout. Recent calls and voicemails are now combined into a single tab, with your favorite contacts pinned right at the top for quicker access. And here's where Apple Intelligence comes in: you'll get AI-powered summaries of your voicemail transcripts, so you can skim through what matters without having to listen to the whole message. Let's start with privacy and communication. Safari now includes advanced fingerprinting protection by default, and its address bar is more transparent to match the new design language. The Phone app gets smarter with a new call screening tool that can auto-answer unknown numbers. You'll see who's calling and why, in real time powered by Apple Intelligence so you can decide whether it's worth picking up. In FaceTime, Apple's moved the key controls to the bottom right of the screen, making them easier to access during a call. Messages is catching up to the times. You can now set a custom background for group chats (just like Messenger), and everyone in the chat sees the same one. You'll also be able to create polls, send Apple Cash in group conversations, and finally see typing indicators in group threads. Apple's also working on on-device spam detection for texts. Super useful but let's be honest, if Apple starts auto-filtering those scam messages, some of us might actually miss crafting the perfect one-liner before hitting block. Photos and Camera are getting some love too. After years of feature overload, the Camera app is being simplified. Switching between stills and video? Just swipe. And yes tabs are making a comeback in the Photos app, making navigation way less frustrating. All in all, iOS 26 is clearly more than just a visual glow-up. It's Apple tightening the screws where it matters, while finally giving users some of the quality-of-life features we've been asking for. Maps is getting smarter in iOS 26. It'll learn your preferred routes -- like dropping the kids off before heading to work -- and give you real-time updates on things like traffic along those paths. There's also a new Google Maps-style location history feature. Apple says it's end-to-end encrypted, so even they can't see where you've been. Wallet's getting some useful upgrades too. You'll be able to create a digital ID from your passport, and boarding passes are getting a refresh with real-time flight updates via Live Activities, airport maps, and even a quick option to report lost baggage. There's also a brand-new core app: Games. It's a dedicated space to explore Apple Arcade titles, access your game library, check achievements, and jump into multiplayer. Apple's clearly leaning further into gaming, especially with major titles like Death Stranding and Resident Evil now making their way to iPhones and iPads. Among the most game-changing features in iOS 26 is real-time translation for phone calls, FaceTime, and Messages all handled by on-device AI. This has the potential to break down serious language barriers for iPhone users around the world. Apple Music is getting smarter too. Alongside lyric translations and pronunciation help (finally, a shot at nailing that Babymetal verse in Ratatata), there's a new AutoMix feature that brings smooth, DJ-style transitions between songs using beat matching and time stretching. It's subtle, but it could seriously level up casual playlists. On the developer side, Apple's now opening up its on-device foundation models to third-party apps. That means devs can bring features like live translation and more intelligent, privacy-focused tools into their own ecosystems. Quietly huge news. Elsewhere, the AI updates continue in smaller but interesting ways. Genmoji will now let you fuse two emojis into one custom creation. And while we didn't get the full reveal, Apple's upgraded Siri is still cooking expect a deeper dive later this year. Apple's iOS 26 is coming in hot, and here's the full list of iPhones that'll be compatible: That said, just because your iPhone can run iOS 26 doesn't mean it'll get everything. Much like iOS 18, where Apple Intelligence was limited to newer devices, iOS 26 is playing favorites again. The AI-driven features will only show up on iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup. Even beyond AI, some features might be held back on older models -- so expect a bit of a mixed bag depending on your device.

Apple unveils iOS 26: Which iPhones are eligible for new features?

Apple launched iOS 26 at the WWDC 2025 and integrated Apple Intelligence across its apps and devices. It also introduced new display technology, Liquid Glass, and announced ChatGPT support to some apps. The company's shares, however, fell about 2% as the announcements failed to impress investors.Apple on Monday previewed iOS 26 at its worldwide developer conference, a major update that brings a new design, artificial intelligence (AI) features and improvements to its apps. The latest iOS 26 features and updates will be available as a free update for the following iPhone models: A few of the Apple Intelligence features require latest hardware and will be available for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models. WWDC announcements Apple launched iOS 26 at the WWDC 2025 and integrated Apple Intelligence across its apps and devices. It also introduced new display technology, Liquid Glass, and announced ChatGPT support to some apps. The company's shares, however, fell about 2% as the announcements failed to impress investors. The new Apple Intelligence features will be available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Developers can now access the Apple Intelligence on-device foundation model to power private, intelligent experiences within their apps, the company said during its event. In Messages, Live Translation can automatically translate messages. And when on a phone call, the translation is spoken aloud throughout the conversation. Additionally, Shortcuts can now tap into Apple Intelligence directly, and developers will be able to access the on-device large language model at the core of Apple Intelligence, giving them direct access to intelligence that is powerful, fast, built with privacy, and available even when users are offline.

Through The Apple Looking Glass: WWDC 2025 Unveils "Liquid Glass" and Deepens On-Device AI

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled Liquid Glass, a new UI design across its ecosystem. It also showcased Apple Intelligence, its enhanced on-device AI. Liquid Glass offers a translucent design for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26. Apple Intelligence brings features like real-time translation and visual intelligence. Image Playground allows users to create custom emojis.The commencement of the much-awaited Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC 2025) saw the debut of Apple's new "Liquid Glass" at Apple Park, Cupertino, California, US, on the 9th of June. Apple revealed its largest software redesign in over 10 years (since the release of iOS 7), alongside a bold expansion of its on-device AI platform. These remarkable announcements mark an instrumental moment as Apple refocuses on design coherence and developer integration with AI. "Liquid Glass" by Apple is a striking yet fluidly minimal UI design model applied onto all operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26, covering the Apple Ecosystem. This design language features a "new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings." It also changes the way users navigate access across various controls on the Home Screen and Lock Screen as well. The new features and advancements have enhanced the floating tab bar and, notably, the icons that symbolise the visual elegance of visionOS. Apart from these, Apple has published an updated set of APIs that offers developers access to Liquid Glass materials, comparable to how Google has for Android with its Material 3 design language. The iOS 26 welcomes the new design language, with an adaptive lock screen clock, animated wallpapers, a revamped camera, and lastly, interactive tab bars on messages, music, FaceTime, and Podcasts apps. Next in line, Liquid Glass on the iPadOS 26 showcases multi-window workflows with the windows being conveniently resizable, with a "drag-handle UI" embedded within along with a pointer that increases precision, thereby enhancing navigability across tabs. Through this, the users can also quickly find a specific feature or related tips in an app by using their cursor on the menu bar. Apple has further updated the Files app with collapsible folders and a list view that allows users to see more of their document details in resizable columns. In macOS Tahoe, Liquid Glass UI extends to the desktop with Live Activities in the menu bar, smarter Spotlight, and an integrated iPhone app, enabling call management directly from the Mac. Lastly, on the wearables-like watchOS 26 and tvOS 26, Apple introduces a Notes app, automatic volume adjustment, and a wrist-flick gesture. The tvOS 26 holds a refined interface for Apple TV+ and enables AirPlay speakers as permanent audio outputs. Apple reaffirmed its commitment to Apple Intelligence, the on-device AI platform. Amidst the hate on Apple Intelligence and claims of it not standing on par with AI models like the GPT series, Apple has returned a full on-device translation of phone calls, FaceTime captions, and messages, supporting conversational multilingual interactions without the data having to go anywhere outside the rims of the device. It shall also integrate visual intelligence that extends the user's iPhone screen, enabling them to search and take action on anything they are viewing on Camera or Photos or other such apps that showcase visual elements. This shall allow the users to learn about objects and places around them with their iPhone camera, making the search time efficient. This feature also lets the users search across various other apps such as Google, Etsy, and ChatGPT, based on the user's need and preference. This feature is based on time management, making tasks such as setting a reminder or highlighting a date on the calendar easier. For the feature, if presented with a date or a poster of a concert, it shall highlight the date and time and suggest if a reminder should be created for the same. Apple has also created new ways to explore creativity with its "Image Playground," providing its users with more ways to play with their creative capabilities. The users shall now be able to mix together elements of multiple emojis and combine them with descriptions to create something new, rather than being limited to creating one with the already present text-to-Genmoji feature. Apart from that, when making "Genmojis" associated with the user's family members or friends, it shall enable the user to change the Genmoji's expressions and adjust personal attributes like hairstyle to match the person's current look. Users can also collaborate on their image playground work with ChatGPT, trying out new styles like oil painting or vector art. Image Playground sends the user's description or photo to ChatGPT and helps create a new unique image. All throughout these capabilities, it is ensured that the user is in full control of what is sent to ChatGPT and what isn't, thereby respecting the user's privacy. Apple Intelligence has created a new role, being the user's "workout buddy," that incorporates the user's workout data and fitness history to generate personalised and motivational insights during their session. The Workout Buddy shall analyze the user's well-being-related data, such as real-time heart rate, pace, distance, activity rings, personal fitness milestones, and more, to offer meaningful inspiration in real time. Again, the data processed is done so privately and securely with Apple Intelligence. The Workout Buddy is said to be available on Apple Watch with Bluetooth headphones and requires an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone nearby. App developers will now be enabled to build on Apple Intelligence to bring users new experiences that are intelligent and available when offline, protect their privacy, and are free of cost. For instance, an education app like Kahoot can use the on-device model to generate a personalised quiz from the user's notes without any cloud API costs. Shortcuts are now equipped with more power and intelligence; users can tap into intelligent actions via the new set of shortcuts introduced by Apple Intelligence. For example, a student can build a shortcut that uses the Apple intelligence model to compare an audio transcription of a class lecture to the notes they took. It can help add any new key points they may have missed as well. To conclude, with "Liquid Glass", Apple brings a visually stunning design across its ecosystem, while Apple Intelligence marks a confident leap into a privacy-respecting on-device AI. From creative tools like Image Playground to smart productivity features and real-time workout insights, WWDC 2025 portrays Apple's commitment to making intelligence feel more personal and beautiful without having to sacrifice users' rights to privacy.

WWDC 2025: The Final iOS 26 Leaks Are HERE! (Don't Miss This!)

Apple is preparing to unveil iOS 26 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and the upcoming update is set to redefine how you use your iPhone. With a focus on innovation, usability, and seamless integration, iOS 26 is expected to introduce a variety of features that enhance daily functionality while pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. From a sleek new design to smarter AI capabilities, this update promises to elevate the iPhone experience in meaningful ways. The video below from 9to5Mac gives us more details on what to expect from WWDC 2025 and iOS 26. iOS 26 is rumored to feature a significant design overhaul, taking inspiration from VisionOS, Apple's operating system for augmented reality devices. The new interface is expected to combine a translucent, minimalist aesthetic with practical functionality, offering a balance between futuristic visuals and ease of use. This cohesive approach ensures that whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the interface will feel familiar, modern, and easy to navigate. One of the standout updates in iOS 26 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence 2.0, a major upgrade to the AI capabilities of your device. This enhancement is designed to make Siri more powerful, proactive, and capable of handling complex tasks. These updates aim to transform your iPhone into a smarter, more intuitive assistant that adapts to your needs, making everyday tasks faster and more efficient. Accessibility continues to be a core focus for Apple, and iOS 26 is no exception. The update introduces significant improvements aimed at making technology more inclusive and adaptable for all users. These innovations reflect Apple's commitment to making sure that technology is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities, while also setting a new standard for inclusivity in mobile devices. iOS 26 is expected to introduce new apps and enhance existing ones, making your iPhone even more versatile and capable of meeting diverse needs. These updates aim to enrich your experience, whether you're gaming, learning a new language, or focusing on personal well-being. Security remains a top priority in iOS 26, with updates designed to protect your data while improving communication capabilities. These features are designed to provide a secure and user-friendly experience, giving you peace of mind as you communicate and manage your data. Rumors suggest that iOS 26 may introduce a desktop-class mode for iPhones equipped with USB-C ports. This feature, similar to Samsung's DeX, could allow users to connect their iPhone to an external monitor and use it as a desktop computer. This rumored feature highlights Apple's ambition to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop computing. iOS 26 will support iPhone 11 and newer models, making sure a wide range of users can access its features. However, some advanced functionalities will be exclusive to the latest devices. By striking this balance, Apple ensures that iOS 26 remains accessible to a broad audience while pushing the boundaries of what its newest devices can achieve. As Apple prepares to unveil iOS 26, the update promises to deliver a smarter, more integrated, and user-friendly experience. From AI advancements to accessibility innovations, iOS 26 reflects Apple's vision for the future of mobile technology. Whether you're excited about the new design, smarter AI, or expanded accessibility, iOS 26 is poised to elevate how you interact with your device, setting a new benchmark for mobile innovation.

WWDC 2025: The FINAL Leak Breakdown!

WWDC 2025 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of its software ecosystem. This year, the spotlight is firmly on software innovation, with no hardware announcements planned. Apple's vision centers on delivering a seamless, cohesive experience across its platforms by introducing a unified design language and new features for iOS, macOS, watchOS, VisionOS, and AirPods. These updates are designed to enhance usability, integration, and functionality, offering users a more connected and intuitive experience. The video below from AppleTrack gives yus more details on what to expect from WWDC 2025. Apple is redefining its software ecosystem with a consistent design language that spans all platforms. The new aesthetic emphasizes frosted glass visuals, smoother animations, and a cohesive visual identity. This approach not only modernizes the overall look and feel of Apple's software but also simplifies navigation, making it more intuitive for users. To complement this design overhaul, Apple is introducing a streamlined naming convention. Software versions will now align with their release year, such as iOS 26 and macOS 26 for 2025. This change eliminates confusion, making it easier for users to identify the latest updates and stay current with Apple's software offerings. iOS 26 introduces a host of enhancements aimed at improving daily interactions with Apple devices. These updates focus on making the operating system more functional, user-friendly, and engaging: These updates aim to make iOS 26 an indispensable part of everyday life, blending practicality with innovation. Apple Watch users can expect significant upgrades with watchOS 26, focusing on performance, customization, and convenience. AI-powered Siri enhancements will now offload processing to the cloud, delivering faster and more accurate responses. This improvement ensures that interactions with Siri are seamless and efficient. Additionally, the Control Center now supports third-party widgets, offering users greater flexibility to tailor their Apple Watch experience. These updates reinforce the Apple Watch's role as a vital tool for productivity, health tracking, and everyday convenience, making it an even more indispensable companion. AirPods are evolving with a range of new features that cater to both casual users and professionals. These updates expand their functionality, making them more versatile than ever: These features demonstrate Apple's commitment to enhancing the AirPods experience for a wide range of users, from casual listeners to professionals. The latest macOS update, named macOS Tahoe, signals Apple's growing focus on gaming. A new dedicated gaming app will support titles from both the App Store and external sources, bridging the gap between casual and professional gaming. This development positions macOS as a serious contender in the gaming space, appealing to a broader audience of gamers. Beyond gaming, macOS Tahoe also includes performance optimizations and improved compatibility with third-party software, ensuring a smoother and more versatile user experience. These updates highlight Apple's ambition to expand the capabilities of macOS while addressing the needs of diverse user groups. VisionOS 26 introduces innovative advancements that push the boundaries of augmented and virtual reality at WWDC 2025. The inclusion of advanced eye-tracking technology enables hands-free scrolling, offering a more intuitive and immersive user experience. This feature enhances accessibility and opens up new possibilities for interaction within the VisionOS ecosystem. Apple is also exploring compatibility with PlayStation VR controllers, which could transform VisionOS into a versatile platform for immersive gaming and other applications. These updates underscore Apple's commitment to innovation in the AR and VR space, positioning VisionOS as a leader in the field. WWDC 2025 highlights Apple's dedication to innovation and user-centric design. By unifying its software ecosystem and integrating advanced technologies such as AI, eye-tracking, and enhanced privacy measures, Apple is paving the way for a more connected and intuitive future. Whether you are a developer, a gamer, or a casual user, these updates are designed to enhance your interaction with Apple's ecosystem, making it more practical, engaging, and versatile. Find more information on Unified design language by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials.

iOS 26: Apple's Grand Vision for the Future of iPhone

Apple's iOS 26 introduces a groundbreaking update that combines a visually stunning redesign with advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. The new operating system enhances the iPhone experience by offering a more expressive interface, seamless functionality, and smarter tools to help users stay connected and productive. With features like Liquid Glass design, Live Translation, and enhanced app integrations, iOS 26 is set to redefine how users interact with their devices. The update builds upon the success of previous iOS versions, bringing a fresh perspective to the familiar iPhone interface. By leveraging the power of Apple's innovative hardware and software advancements, iOS 26 delivers a more intuitive and personalized user experience. The redesigned apps, widgets, and navigation elements not only look visually appealing but also improve usability and efficiency. One of the standout features of iOS 26 is its Liquid Glass design, which brings a translucent, dynamic aesthetic to the iPhone interface. This innovative material reflects and refracts surroundings, creating a vibrant and immersive experience across app icons, widgets, and navigation. The Lock Screen and Home Screen are now more customizable, with 3D spatial effects and adaptive time displays that make wallpapers come alive. Additionally, apps like Safari, Photos, and Camera have been redesigned for a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. The Liquid Glass design adds depth and dimensionality to the iPhone's interface, making it feel more tactile and responsive. The translucent effect allows users to see a hint of their wallpaper or background through the app icons and widgets, creating a cohesive and visually striking appearance. The redesigned apps also feature more intuitive layouts and gestures, making it easier for users to navigate and access their favorite features. iOS 26 takes intelligence to the next level with features like Live Translation, which enables real-time text and audio translations directly within Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. Visual intelligence allows users to interact with content on their screen, such as searching for similar images or adding events to their calendar with a single tap. The new Genmoji and Image Playground tools also provide creative ways to personalize conversations and content. These advancements are powered by on-device AI models, ensuring privacy and offline functionality. Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 leverages the company's expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence to deliver more proactive and context-aware features. Live Translation, for example, breaks down language barriers by providing instant translations during conversations or while browsing the web. The visual intelligence capabilities make it easier for users to find and interact with relevant information, saving time and effort. iOS 26 further strengthens the integration between Apple's apps and services, creating a more seamless and interconnected ecosystem. The update introduces deeper integration with iCloud, allowing users to access their files, photos, and documents across all their Apple devices with ease. The new SharePlay feature in FaceTime enables users to watch movies, listen to music, or share their screens with friends and family in real-time. The update also brings improvements to popular apps like Apple Music, with personalized playlists and recommendations based on user preferences. The Apple Maps app receives an upgrade with more detailed maps, indoor navigation, and AR walking directions. These enhancements demonstrate Apple's commitment to creating a cohesive and user-centric ecosystem that simplifies and enriches the iPhone experience. iOS 26 will be available as a free software update for compatible iPhone models later this year. Users can check their device compatibility through Apple's official website or the Settings app on their iPhone. Developers can already access the updated APIs to integrate Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence features into their apps, ensuring a seamless transition for users. The free availability of iOS 26 ensures that a wide range of iPhone users can benefit from the latest features and improvements. By providing developers with early access to the updated APIs, Apple encourages the creation of innovative and engaging apps that leverage the capabilities of iOS 26, further expanding the iPhone's functionality and appeal. Beyond the core updates, iOS 26 introduces enhancements to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, making everyday tasks more convenient and enjoyable. For gamers, the new Apple Games app offers a centralized hub for discovering and playing games. Additionally, advanced accessibility features and parental controls ensure that iOS 26 caters to a wide range of users. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual user, iOS 26 has something to elevate your iPhone experience. The update also brings improvements to Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, with more natural language processing and contextual understanding. Siri can now provide more personalized recommendations and suggestions based on user behavior and preferences. The enhanced Spotlight search functionality makes it easier to find apps, contacts, documents, and more across the device. iOS 26 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Apple's mobile operating system. By combining a stunning visual redesign with intelligent features and enhanced app integrations, Apple aims to deliver a smarter, more intuitive, and more engaging iPhone experience. As users explore the new features and capabilities of iOS 26, they will discover a more personalized and efficient way to interact with their devices, making the iPhone an even more indispensable tool in their daily lives.

iOS 26 CONFIRMED! Get Ready for the AI & Design Overhaul

Apple is reportedly preparing a significant update to its mobile operating system, potentially rebranded as "iOS 26" to align with release years. This potential rebranding reflects a shift in strategy, aiming to simplify version tracking while modernizing Apple's branding approach. Alongside this, the update is expected to introduce a redesigned interface, advanced AI-powered features, and enhanced system stability. However, these rumored changes have sparked discussions and debates within the tech community, reflecting both excitement and skepticism. The video below from GregsGadgets gives us more details on what Apple has planned. Rebranding: A New Naming Convention Apple may transition from its traditional sequential numbering system to a naming scheme tied directly to release years. For instance, the version released in 2026 could be called "iOS 26." This approach aligns Apple with industry trends, as other tech giants have adopted similar strategies to make software versions more intuitive for users. By linking the name to the release year, Apple could make it easier for users to identify the latest version without confusion. However, this shift could pose challenges for Apple's established branding. Long-time users accustomed to the current naming system may find the change unfamiliar, raising questions about how well this new convention will resonate. While the move could simplify version tracking for new users, Apple must balance modernization with maintaining its brand identity. Design Overhaul: Vision OS Inspiration The rumored redesign, code-named "Project Carellarium," suggests Apple is drawing inspiration from Vision OS, its operating system for augmented reality devices. This redesign may introduce a glassy, transparent aesthetic that emphasizes depth and interactivity, creating a more immersive user experience. Motion sensors could play a pivotal role, allowing dynamic lighting and depth effects that respond to user interactions. Subtle changes to menus, keyboards, and buttons are also anticipated, aiming to refine the overall interface. Redesigned app icons, potentially adopting rounded or circular shapes, have been rumored as part of this overhaul. While these changes could modernize the aesthetic, they have sparked debate among users. Some welcome the fresh look, while others worry it may stray too far from Apple's iconic design language. Whether this redesign will strike the right balance between innovation and familiarity remains uncertain. AI-Powered Features: Smarter and More Efficient Artificial intelligence is expected to play a central role in the upcoming update, with Apple reportedly focusing on features that enhance usability and efficiency. One of the most anticipated advancements is AI-powered battery management. This feature could adapt to individual usage patterns, potentially extending battery life and improving device longevity. Siri is also rumored to receive significant upgrades, including improved context awareness, deeper integration with apps, and enhanced on-screen information delivery. These improvements aim to make Siri more intuitive and capable of handling complex tasks seamlessly. Another exciting possibility is real-time language translation for AirPods, which could enable users to engage in multilingual conversations without barriers. This feature, if realized, would represent a significant step forward in communication technology. Additionally, improved synchronization of public Wi-Fi settings across devices is expected, simplifying connectivity for users who frequently switch between Apple products. Focus on Stability and Performance Apple appears to be prioritizing system stability and performance in the iOS 26 update, addressing long-standing user concerns about bugs and reliability. Efforts to enhance system performance could result in a smoother, more consistent user experience across devices. A rumored Siri-powered chatbot, potentially designed to compete with tools like ChatGPT, highlights Apple's growing focus on AI-driven innovation. This chatbot could offer advanced conversational capabilities, further integrating AI into the iOS ecosystem. However, skepticism persists about Apple's ability to deliver on these ambitious promises, particularly given its history of delays in rolling out advanced features. Mixed Reactions to Rumored Changes The rumored iOS 26 updates have elicited a range of reactions from the tech community. For example, the potential redesign of app icons has been met with mixed opinions. While some users appreciate the modernized aesthetic, others express concern that it could deviate too far from Apple's established design principles. Similarly, doubts remain about Apple's ability to fully realize its ambitious AI features. Competing in a landscape dominated by other tech giants, Apple faces pressure to deliver innovations that not only match but surpass existing technologies. Whether these updates will meet user expectations or face resistance remains to be seen. What Lies Ahead As anticipation builds for the first beta release, Apple's rumored updates signal a bold vision for the future of iOS. By integrating Vision OS-inspired design elements, enhancing AI functionalities, and focusing on system stability, Apple aims to redefine the user experience. These changes reflect a blend of innovation and user-centric design, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetics. In the coming months, more details are likely to emerge, offering greater clarity on Apple's plans. The success of these updates will ultimately depend on their execution and the value they bring to users. Whether these changes will be embraced as a step forward or face resistance from long-time users, they represent a significant evolution in Apple's approach to its mobile operating system. Enhance your knowledge on AI-powered functionalities by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject.

iOS 26 Officially Announced With A Brand-New 'Liquid Glass' Design, Apple Intelligence Upgrades, Refreshed System Apps, and a Smarter, More Unified Experience on iPhone

Today, Apple has officially announced iOS 26, which marks a dramatic shift in design and functionality. The update is set to launch alongside iPadOS 26 later this year, and both updates will share the general design language inspired by visionOS. The new "Liquid Glass" interface introduces a clean, transparent aesthetic that looks different and behaves differently. From redesigned app icons to floating toolbars and translucent layers, iOS 26 delivers a modern, unified look across the system. iOS 26 is not just about visuals but also pushes forward with Apple Intelligence in some areas, which will enhance productivity for the end user. While Siri has not received the ChatGPT treatment that we were hoping for, the company compensated with on-device AI that does more than ever. Apple's stock apps have been refreshed across the board with a clean interface and unified tabs. The iPhone apps now feature a unified tab for recent calls, favorites, and voicemail. The Messages app gets support for custom chat backgrounds that sync across participants, built-in polls, and new formatting tools. The Camera app, which has been more or less the same for years, has been simplified to separate photo and video controls into cleaner interfaces for quick access. iOS 26 also comes with a new Games app which replaces the Game Center entirely. The app now acts as a hub for Apple Arcade, multiplayer functionality, and a dedicated storefront, making the gaming experience more organized.

The 10 Coolest iOS 26 Features: From 'Liquid Glass' to Smarter Everything

Apple's iOS 26 introduces a suite of features designed to enhance your device's functionality, improve privacy, and streamline everyday tasks. Whether you're an iPhone or iPad user, this update brings meaningful advancements that redefine how you interact with your device. Below, we explore the ten most noteworthy features, showcasing how iOS 26 improves the user experience. The video below from iReviews gives us more details. Privacy remains a cornerstone of Apple's philosophy, and iOS 26 takes it to the next level with robust tools to protect your personal data. The new Privacy Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of how apps access sensitive information, such as your location, microphone, and camera. Real-time alerts notify you whenever an app uses this data, offering greater transparency and control. Additionally, enhanced app permissions allow you to grant temporary access to specific features, making sure your data stays secure. These updates empower you to make informed decisions about your privacy, keeping your information firmly in your hands. Multitasking becomes more intuitive and efficient in iOS 26, particularly for iPad users. Enhanced Split View and Slide Over functionalities enable you to run multiple apps side by side with ease, while a new floating app dock provides instant access to frequently used apps without disrupting your workflow. The Quick Notes feature allows you to jot down ideas or reminders directly from any app, making sure you never lose track of important details. Whether you're working, studying, or browsing, these improvements streamline your tasks and boost productivity. The user interface in iOS 26 has been thoughtfully redesigned to offer a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Refined icons, smoother animations, and an optimized layout make navigation more intuitive than ever. The updated Control Center now includes customizable shortcuts, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences for quicker access to essential settings. These changes not only enhance the visual appeal of your device but also improve its overall functionality, making every interaction seamless and efficient. Personalization takes center stage with iOS 26, offering new ways to make your device truly your own. You can now resize app icons, organize custom folders, and create interactive widgets that display real-time updates, such as weather forecasts, calendar events, or fitness stats. The Focus Mode feature allows you to customize home screen layouts based on your activities, such as work, relaxation, or travel, making sure that the most relevant apps and widgets are always at your fingertips. These enhancements provide a home screen experience tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. Communication becomes more dynamic and engaging with iOS 26's upgraded messaging tools. Features like inline replies and message pinning make group chats easier to manage, while new emoji reactions and voice message transcription add versatility to your conversations. The SharePlay feature allows you to watch videos, listen to music, or share your screen with friends during FaceTime calls, creating more interactive and enjoyable experiences. These updates ensure that staying connected is both convenient and fun. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in iOS 26, delivering smarter and more personalized interactions. Siri now offers context-aware suggestions, such as recommending apps based on your usage patterns or providing shortcuts for routine tasks. The expanded Shortcuts app introduces additional triggers and actions, allowing you to automate complex workflows with minimal effort. For instance, you can create a shortcut to adjust your device settings, send a message, and open a specific app with a single command. These AI-driven features save time and simplify your daily routines. iOS 26 strengthens its ecosystem by enhancing compatibility with third-party apps and devices. Developers can now use new APIs to create apps that integrate seamlessly with features like widgets, automation tools, and Focus Mode. This expanded support ensures that even non-Apple products work harmoniously with your device, offering greater flexibility without compromising functionality. Whether you're using smart home devices or productivity tools, iOS 26 ensures a cohesive and efficient experience. Performance optimizations in iOS 26 deliver noticeable improvements in speed, battery life, and system responsiveness. Apps load faster, multitasking feels smoother, and energy-efficient algorithms help extend your device's battery life. These enhancements are particularly beneficial for resource-intensive activities like gaming, video editing, or streaming, making sure your device keeps up with your demands. With iOS 26, you can expect a faster, more reliable performance across the board. Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with a range of new accessibility features in iOS 26. Tools like Voice Control, Live Captions, and customizable text sizes make devices more user-friendly for individuals with diverse needs. The AssistiveTouch feature has been expanded to include more gestures and actions, while the Magnifier app now offers advanced options for visually impaired users. These updates ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can interact with their devices comfortably and effectively. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the significant upgrades to the camera and photo editing tools in iOS 26. New shooting modes, such as Cinematic Mode, enable you to capture professional-quality videos with depth and focus effects. Improved low-light performance ensures clearer photos in challenging conditions, while AI-powered editing tools like object removal and smart filters allow you to refine images with precision. These enhancements make it easier than ever to create stunning photos and videos, whether you're a casual user or a professional. Unlock more potential in iOS 26 features by reading the previous articles we have written.

Liquid Glass to iOS 26: Apple's WWDC25 reveals include new interface, AI, design overhaul

Images: Apple At its much-anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference 2025 (WWDC 2025), Apple previewed a sweeping vision of the future -- one powered by privacy-first artificial intelligence (AI), immersive spatial computing, and its boldest design refresh in years. From the launch of a sleek new interface to AI innovations integrated across iOS, macOS, and visionOS, Apple is positioning itself at the centre of enterprise-grade productivity and consumer experience. Here's a closer look at the most significant announcements and what they mean for the business and tech landscape. Liquid Glass: Introducing a design 'revolution' Apple unveiled its most extensive software redesign ever, baptising a fresh visual language as 'Liquid Glass'. This translucent, adaptable interface applies across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, orchestrating a unified and expressive aesthetic. The translucent material reflects and refracts its surroundings, bringing greater focus to content, and freshness across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more. Liquid Glass also brings new customisation options to app icons and widgets, including a stunning clear look. Programmers can leverage updated APIs in SwiftUI, UIKit and AppKit to adopt this design, enabling greater visual cohesion and user delight. iOS 26: Smarter, more expressive, privacy-centric Apple previewed iOS 26, complete with the Liquid Glass interface and AI enhancements rooted in the Apple Intelligence framework. New capabilities include: In-line live translation using on-device models Genmoji emoji combinations Enhanced visuals and contextual tools in messages, phone, camera, Safari Expanded Apple Music features like lyrics translation, karaoke mic support macOS Tahoe 26: Continuity and productivity revamped The latest macOS Tahoe 26 marries the Liquid Glass visual style with new enhancements in continuity across Apple devices: Deeper integration of the Phone app and Live Activities The most significant Spotlight overhaul to date Broader deployment of Apple Intelligence across system-level workflows visionOS 26: Spatial AI in action visionOS 26 for Apple Vision Pro brings spatial enhancements like: Anchored spatial widgets and lifelike 'Personas' 180°/360° content support (for example from Insta360, GoPro, Canon) Integration with PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers New enterprise APIs enabling immersive experiences and collaborative spatial apps Apple deepened on-device AI capabilities across platforms, offering developers access to foundational models -- including live translation, visual intelligence for screen content, Genmoji, and Shortcut integration. Available this fall, these tools emphasise performance, privacy, and offline functionality. watchOS 26 offers a more personalised experience Apple also previewed watchOS 26, showcasing a new design and smarter features aimed at delivering a more personalised user experience. With a refreshed interface featuring Liquid Glass, elements like the Smart Stack, Control Center, Photos watch face, and in-app navigation now feel more fluid and expressive -- while still retaining the familiar ease of use Apple Watch users know and love. Apple Intelligence further elevates the fitness experience through Workout Buddy, which offers personalised, spoken motivation during workouts. The Workout app has been redesigned with a new layout and now suggests music tailored to a user's preferences and workout type. Other enhancements include smarter interactions with Smart Stack hints, updates to Messages, and a convenient new one-handed wrist flick gesture to quickly dismiss notifications. Apple unveils iPadOS 26 Apple also previewed iPadOS 26, featuring the new Liquid Glass design cohesively across all platforms. This update introduces a macOS-style interface, including a menu bar accessed by swiping down, alongside enhanced window management with tiling options -- while fully supporting Stage Manager on both M-series and A-series iPads. New productivity tools include a native Journal app optimised for Apple Pencil, allowing users to capture ideas intuitively in handwriting or sketch form apple.com. Accessibility also received attention with features like Accessibility Reader, improved Braille Access, and shared settings for temporary simplicity. Powered by Apple Intelligence, the update offers refined live translation, smarter visual intelligence, and new Genmoji and Image Playground capabilities. Additionally, external display support has expanded to several iPad Pro and iPad Air models, enhancing the iPad's capability as a productivity and creativity hub. Awards and developer experience Apple recognised 12 stand-out apps and games in its 2025 Apple Design Awards, reinforcing its commitment to innovative and user-centric design. The keynote also set the stage for over 100 technical sessions, labs, and one-on-one developer forums -- supporting seamless adoption of the new frameworks.

WWDC 2025: iOS 19 to launch next week and here are 10 features we are expecting

Apple is gearing up to host its annual developer meet, WWDC, next week. During the conference, the Cupertino-based tech giant will most likely announce the successor to iOS 18. However, it is not going to be iOS 19. Rumour mills suggest that Apple can skip iOS 19 and jump straight up to iOS 26. We will have to wait for Apple to confirm that but one thing we can say for sure is that this time too, a major focus will remain on AI. Here are some new changes that can come with iOS 26. Let's talk about that. iOS 26 will be able to analyse users' daily usage patterns and help optimise battery. It will do so by reducing unnecessary background activity and adjusting power draw intelligently. So, you get longer screen time without micromanaging settings or performance. Okay, this one's interesting. AirPods might be able to translate calls in real-time with the help of your iPhone. It will work by listening to speech in another language, translating it, and playing it back in your ear. If this is true, it is expected to be Apple's most powerful translation experience to date. Last year, Apple had promised us that its voice assistant Siri would get a big AI upgrade, but that didn't really happen. But hopefully we'll get to see that with iOS 26. So you can expect Siri to be smarter, faster, and more context-aware. Expect deeper AI integration across apps like Photos, Safari, and Notes. Plus, features like Genmoji and Image Playground are expanding across the OS. Some changes are also expected in the Messages app. With iOS 26, it might be able to translate incoming and outgoing texts automatically. Furthermore, you'll also be able to create in-chat polls. Poll suggestions may even be auto-generated from chat context. With the iOS 26 update, we can get to see Apple Music's animated album covers on the Lock Screen in full-screen glory. Now Playing can dynamically tint and animate the interface while music is playing. We might get to see a new Games App with iOS 26. It is expected to house all the games from one place, so you won't have to look for the App Store when trying to look out for games. This will take over the previous Game Centre and allow for more cool things like communicating with fellow gamers. With iOS 26, CarPlay is also expected to get a redesign. We can expect cleaner layouts, more intuitive controls, and refreshed UI elements. Even regular CarPlay users (not just "Ultra") will benefit from this update. Rumours also suggest that Apple might bring a desktop-like mode for iPhones with USB-C, similar to iPad Stage Manager. You will be able to connect your iPhone to an external display and multitask. Finally, with iOS 26, you may be able to export Apple Notes in Markdown format. Markdown export has existed in third-party apps for years. But the option will make it a lot easier to share the Notes directly.

Apple introduces iOS 26 and here is every new feature you will get

AirPods Pro 2 get studio-quality recording and camera control via iOS 26. Apple drew attention at its annual WWDC 2025 developer conference. Among the most notable announcements was iOS 26. The new iPhone software update will include a refreshed design, expanded AI integration through Apple Intelligence, and functional upgrades to core apps and services. The Liquid Glass design will give users a new look, smarter tools in the Messages and Phone apps, and deeper integration of AI-powered features such as Live Translation and Genmoji. CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and AirPods have also received significant improvements. Here are all of the features that Apple has announced for iOS 26. The iOS 26 gets a new visual material dubbed as Liquid Glass. The new design will get a translucent and dynamic look all over the Apple ecosystem with redesigned but similar looking icons, widgets, navigation, and control elements. The Home Screen and Lock Screen now support advanced customisation, including spatially aware wallpapers and adaptive lock screen clock positioning. The company has also announced that Apple Intelligence is more deeply integrated with iOS 26. It includes Visual Intelligence, using which the users can perform contextual actions based on the content on screen, such as translating text, summarizing information, or searching within supported apps. It also brings Live Translation which is built into Phone, FaceTime and Messages. The feature will allow users real-time audio and text translation entirely on-device. The Genmoji and Image Playground also gets the ability to create news visuals by mixing emojis and descriptors using generative AI. The Smart Summaries are now automated and will be handled locally on the device. This means that the Order tracking, email summaries, and in-line content parsing (like extracting event details from messages) are now safe. As reported earlier, Apple has also given the API access of Apple's on-device foundation model to the Developers. iOS 26 also includes Call Screening, which automatically screens unknown calls with transcriptions before the user answers the phone. It also includes Hold Assist, which detects when a support agent joins a call on hold. The company has also introduced Message Screening, which allows you to screen messages from unknown senders. READ: How to install iOS 26 on your iPhone: Eligible devices, new features, and more It also includes Polls, custom backgrounds, and Apple Cash in Messages. Apple has also made significant updates to CarPlay, both functionally and visually. It provides a compact incoming call view, allowing for continuous navigation during calls. It also receives pinned conversations and tapbacks, indicating that full messaging functionality has finally arrived in CarPlay. It also includes Live Activities and Widgets, which provide real-time updates and glanceable content on the screen of your car's infotainment system. Last but not the least, CarPlay Ultra, a new version is here. This version offers complete integration with vehicle systems across different screens, including climate and vehicle controls. The company has announced several significant updates to its native apps. Apple Music now includes lyrics translation and pronunciation, as well as AutoMix DJ-style transitions. Apple Maps now includes new Visited Places with private, end-to-end encrypted location history and smarter route suggestions, thanks to on-device learning. Apple also added installment payment options for Apple Pay, real-time flight tracking through Live Activities, and integrated travel tools. The company has also launched a new Apple Games app, which will serve as a centralised dashboard for managing installed titles, accessing Apple Arcade content, and discovering new games. The app will also help users keep track of in-game events and updates. AirPods (4th generation and Pro 2) gain two new features, including Studio-Quality Recording, which provides higher-fidelity audio capture for voice memos and calls. It also includes camera remote control, which can be activated with a long press on the AirPods stem, triggering photo or video capture on a connected device. READ: Apple WWDC 2025: AirPods to get studio quality recording and Camera Control with upcoming update The new iOS 26 includes streamlined tools for managing Child Accounts including contact request approvals, content blurring in FaceTime and shared albums along with exceptions for downloading apps with higher age ratings, subject to parent approval. Safari now includes enhanced fingerprinting protection by default across all browsing sessions. The company has also introduced new accessibility tools including accessibility reader, which offers a customizable, systemwide reading interface. It also includes Braille Access, a dedicated interface for braille display for users. The company has also expanded updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds and Personal voice. If this seems interesting to you, you can download the iOS 26 developer beta. The public rollout and other details remain unknown.

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 may bring these features to your iPhones, iPads and AirPods

iPadOS 26 could bring a Mac-style menu bar, Stage Manager 2.0, and a glass-inspired redesign. Apple WWDC 2025 keynote will take place on June 9. Tim Cook and the company are expected to announce the much anticipated iOS 26 with a lot of new features. As per the latest reports, the iOS 26 could bring new features for AirPods, and built-in apps like Messages and Notes. The details, first reported by 9to5Mac, suggest that Apple's next big software update could be one of its most feature-packed and transformational yet after iOS 7. Here's everything we know about the iOS 19 aka iOS 26, iPadOS 26 features, release timeline, and other details. The iOS 26 is said to bring five new AirPods features which include automatic pausing when the user falls asleep and the ability to snap iPhone photos using AirPods stems. The other updates also include a new studio-quality mic mode, additional head gestures, and smarter shared iPad pairing, making the AirPods more advanced and context-aware. Apple is expected to make some big changes to its core apps. The Messages application could get polls inside group chats and offer inline translation while the Music application may get to introduce full-screen animated album art on the Lock Screen. The Notes application may now support exporting in Markdown format. Additionally, a revamped Shortcuts app is also said to be under development and could see integration with Apple Intelligence. Also read: Will AI take your job? Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai says it is an accelerator, not a threat As per the reports, Apple may introduce a Mac-style menu bar that will appear while using Magic Keyboard with an aim to enhance productivity. The company is also reportedly working on Stage Manager 2.0, which will be a reworked multitasking interface that will fix the clunky experience of its first version. The iPad users may also get to see Siri upgrade with AI enhancements like onscreen awareness and more contextual actions across apps. Last but not least, the iPadOS 26 is said to get a visual design change. It may bring a glass-like design, inspired by visionOS. The iPadOS 26 and iOS 26 are expected to be released weeks after the iPhone 17 series launch. However, the exact release timeline remains unconfirmed.

WWDC 2025: iOS 26 announced with new Liquid Glass design, AI features and more capabilities

Users can now create digital IDs in Apple Wallet and track orders using Apple Intelligence. Apple officially announced iOS 26 as the next major software update for iPhones at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025). The iOS 26 is inspired by visionOS and has received a significant design overhaul under the new "Liquid Glass" visual language. Breaking away from the traditional numbering sequence, Apple has decided to name future iOS versions after the year they were announced. So, if you've been hoping for iOS 19, you won't get it. Apple is introducing a slew of UI improvements with iOS 26. The lockscreen clock now spans the entire display, Safari now supports edge-to-edge browsing with a floating tab bar, and the Camera app has a cleaner, more streamlined interface with fewer on-screen controls. Speaking of features, the update will include a number of new add-ons, such as the ability for the phone app to support call screening, which enables the device to answer calls or put users on hold. Upgrades to the Messages app include the ability to view typing indicators, create polls in group chats, and add custom or AI-generated backgrounds. Additionally, the company is improving Genmoji by adding features like the ability to combine two emoji to create a new one. Additionally, the company unveiled Live Translation, a brand-new function driven by Apple Intelligence models on-device. It makes it possible to translate languages in real time while having a conversation via FaceTime, phone calls, or messages. Additionally, developers will be able to use an API to incorporate Live Translation into apps developed by third parties. Apple Maps can now identify users' favourite routes and proactively notify them of traffic or delays. Additionally, users will be able to easily share locations with friends by revisiting previous destinations. Apple's Visual Intelligence features in iOS 26 will allow users to interact with what is on their screen using on-device AI. The users will be able to take the screenshot and identify items like clothes, add events or ask ChatGPT for details. Users will be able to create a digital ID in Apple Wallet. Additionally, Apple Pay will now use Apple Intelligence to track orders placed even outside of the Apple Pay ecosystem, and boarding passes will be updated to include access to indoor airport maps. However, Apple has confirmed that the advanced Siri capabilities will be delayed and we will have to wait for a few more months to get our hands on the on-screen awareness and more.

How to install iOS 26 on your iPhone: Eligible devices, new features, and more

HIGHLIGHTS iOS 26 introduces a brand-new design style called Liquid Glass. New AI-powered features include live translation. You can try iOS 26 early by installing the free developer beta. Last night, Apple hosted its much-awaited Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 and finally unveiled iOS 26 -- the next software update for iPhones. Inspired by visionOS, this update brings a fresh new design and a few surprises. In a major change, Apple is now naming iOS updates after the year they launch. So, instead of iOS 19, we're jumping straight to iOS 26 in 2025. Wondering what's new, whether your iPhone is eligible, and how to get the update before everyone else? Here's a simple guide to help you out. iOS 26 introduces a brand-new design style called Liquid Glass, which gives your iPhone a more modern look with 3D-like wallpapers, see-through widgets and more. Here's key features of iOS 26: Also read: WWDC 2025: iOS 26 announced with new Liquid Glass design, AI features and more capabilities Not all iPhones will get iOS 26. Here's the list of supported models: The upcoming iPhone 17 series will come with iOS 26 pre-installed. Also read: Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe and all the big announcements made at the annual developer event If you want to try iOS 26 early, you can install the developer beta. To install the beta, simply sign in with your Apple ID through the Apple Developer Program, which is free to join. Once enrolled go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates > iOS 26 Developer Beta. Don't forget to back up your iPhone before installing, as beta versions can be buggy.

Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe and all the big announcements made at the annual developer event

Apple's WWDC 2025 didn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it did finally fixed things that needed fixing. iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 are all here. And while most of it looks... well, like Apple always has, this year's changes feel more practical. And that's a good thing. The most visible update is a new design language that now runs across all Apple devices called Liquid Glass. It uses a translucent, fluid-like material that reflects its surroundings and responds to movement. It's subtle, not showy, but it does give everything a more unified and polished feel. Icons, buttons, sliders, notifications, they all look and behave a bit more alive now. The good part is that this isn't just surface-level. Navigation has been rethought, too. Toolbars shrink when you scroll, controls adapt to what you're doing, and the interface gets out of your way when you're focused on something. Apps feel less like containers and more like extensions of what you're doing. On the iPhone, there are quality-of-life improvements everywhere. The Phone app merges favourites, recents, and voicemail into one view. Call screening and hold assist let you avoid spam and wait on hold without losing your mind. Messages now separate unknown senders and let you create polls or custom backgrounds in chats. Even the lock screen adapts to your wallpaper now, so your widgets and the time fit around the subject instead of covering it up. There's a new level of Visual Intelligence baked in. You can highlight anything on your screen and ask ChatGPT for more info, whether it's a product, a date, or a phrase you don't recognise. You can also take quick actions like adding events to your calendar or translating conversations instantly, and all are processed locally on your device. The biggest news here isn't design, it's the new windowing system that makes things more desktop-like. You can open multiple windows, resize them freely, and position them exactly how you want. There's even a new Exposé view that shows everything open. The Files app now supports folder colour customisation, shortcuts to the dock, and column views with collapsible sections. It's still iPad, still touch-first, but now, it's finally usable for actual multitasking. The Preview app comes to the iPad, letting you mark up PDFs or fill out forms directly with the Pencil. There's support for background tasks, meaning heavy processing jobs can now run without keeping apps open. It's the kind of power user upgrade that brings the iPad closer to being a real laptop replacement. Mac users get the prettiest version of this Liquid Glass design, and it looks cleaner, lighter, and more responsive. The menu bar is now fully transparent. You can customise folders with colours, icons, emojis, and app icons adapt to light or dark mode. The Dock looks cleaner. The Control Centre is more flexible. And with the same design language trickling in from other devices, everything looks far more coherent. Spotlight gets the biggest bump. It can now take direct actions, like sending an email, creating a note, or launching an app, without needing to open anything. It also ranks search results better and gives you "quick keys" so you can act fast. You'll actually want to use Spotlight now, not just as a search tool, but as a launcher, and it finally earns its place on your keyboard. The Mac also benefits from tighter integration with your iPhone. You'll see more iPhone continuity, real-time updates like flight info or ride tracking straight on your Mac's menu bar. And you can now make and receive phone calls directly, complete with screening and hold assistance. If you game on Mac, Metal 4 adds smoother graphics and better ray tracing, while a new Apple Games app gives you a place to manage titles, access Arcade, and track friends. On the Watch, the new Liquid Glass look matches everything else. The interface feels smoother, with more context-aware widgets and hints. There's a new workout companion called Workout Buddy that gives spoken feedback based on your fitness history. It tracks progress, offers encouragement, and wraps things up at the end like a personalised coach. It speaks with a voice trained on actual Fitness+ coaches, which is a nice touch. New gestures, like a wrist flick, let you dismiss notifications without touching the screen. Useful when your hands are full, or you just want to keep moving. visionOS continues to exist in this weird "sci-fi-but-not-quite-mainstream" space. But updates here are mostly about making it feel less isolating. The headset platform gets widget updates, which become spatial and stay where you placed them in your room. Spatial scenes use generative AI to make your 2D photos feel layered and immersive. Shared experiences let you watch or play with others in the same room. And there's support for external controllers like PlayStation VR2 and immersive video formats, which alone could give Apple's spatial platform its first real gaming boost. The Apple Vision Pro is still a niche device, but the software is slowly catching up to the hardware. Apple also rolled out more system-level intelligence: live translation baked into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls, emoji generation from descriptions, visual understanding, smart suggestions, and shortcut automation. Most of it works on-device and offline, which is the part that matters most. You're not trading convenience for privacy here. And now, with the Foundation Models Framework, developers can plug these AI tools directly into third-party apps, even without sending anything to the cloud. And yeah, other stuff got better too. Safari is snappier and faster than Chrome (Apple says so, at least), AirPods can start video recordings with a tap, and the Games app gives players a central hub for tracking and managing everything. The calculator app now supports 3D graphing, and the Journal app is now everywhere. The tvOS 26 now lets you use your iPhone as a karaoke mic using the Sing mode. Accessibility features get a serious upgrade across all platforms, from Braille access to audio enhancements and improved on-screen reading. This wasn't a fireworks show. There's nothing here that's going to dominate headlines. It was Apple picking up the to-do list it's been ignoring and quietly checking things off. But when you actually start using these updates, it's obvious: this year's focus was usability. Making things smoother. Smarter. Less annoying. And that might be the most meaningful upgrade Apple's done in a while.