Apple kicked off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference Monday, unveiling a sweeping new design philosophy called “Liquid Glass” that will inform the next decade of its software. The new aesthetic headlined a presentation packed with major updates across the ecosystem, including the feature-rich iOS 26, a transformative iPadOS 26 that brings the tablet closer to a Mac than ever before, and a supercharged macOS Tahoe.
The keynote signaled a clear direction for Apple, focusing on a unified and fluid design language, deeper intelligence, and seamless integration between devices.
iOS 26: A Stunning New Look and Smarter Features
The iPhone receives its most significant visual and functional update in years with iOS 26. The new “Liquid Glass” design brings a fresh, translucent, and animated feel to the entire operating system. It’s complemented by a new “Clear Look” display option, offering a variation alongside the traditional Light and Dark modes.
Headlining the new features is a system-wide Live Translation capability built directly into the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps, allowing for real-time conversation translation. The Phone app itself sees a major overhaul, promising a modernized interface and new functionality.
Other key iOS 26 announcements include:
- ‘Games’ App: A new, centralized hub for the App Store, your game library, and Apple Arcade.
- Visual Intelligence: The system can now intelligently search content directly on your screen.
- ChatGPT Integration: Apple’s Image Playground will incorporate ChatGPT to expand generative AI capabilities.
- Enhanced Battery Settings: A new “Adaptive Power” mode aims to intelligently extend battery life, and the OS will now tell you how long it will take for your battery to fully charge.
- Messages & Music Tweaks: The Messages app receives new features, and Apple Music will now allow users to pin favorite playlists, albums, and artists.
iOS 26 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and all subsequent models. This does mean those with the iPhone XR and XS will move toward receiving critical security updates beginning this fall rather than major updates going forward. Impressive stuff for seven-year-old hardware!
iPadOS 26: The iPad Gets a Mac-Sized Upgrade
The iPad takes a monumental leap in productivity with iPadOS 26. In a move that power users have long awaited, the update introduces true windowing, a dedicated menu bar, and enhanced pointer support, effectively blurring the lines between the tablet and a traditional laptop.
The experience is further bolstered by a revamped Files app and the inclusion of the new Phone app, complete with Call Screening and Hold Assist features. These 20+ new features collectively transform the iPad into a more versatile and capable machine for complex workflows.
macOS Tahoe: A Smarter Mac with a Fresh Coat of Paint
The Mac adopts the new “Liquid Glass” design with macOS Tahoe, creating visual harmony with its mobile counterparts. The most significant functional upgrade comes to Spotlight, which has been “supercharged” with “Quick Keys” and other enhancements to make finding files and launching applications faster and more intuitive.
After its debut on the iPhone, the Journal app is officially coming to the Mac and iPad. In a landmark announcement, Apple confirmed that macOS Tahoe will be the final version to support Intel-based Macs, marking the definitive end of an era and completing the transition to Apple Silicon.
watchOS, CarPlay, and More
- watchOS 26: The Apple Watch also gets the “Liquid Glass” treatment and introduces an AI-powered “Workout Buddy” for real-time fitness coaching. The Notes app also makes its debut on the wrist.
- CarPlay: The in-car interface gets more dynamic with the addition of widgets and Live Activities.
- visionOS 26: Apple’s spatial computing platform will be updated with Spatial Widgets, enhanced Personas, and new shared experiences.
- tvOS 26: The Apple TV receives the new design on newer models and a fun feature that turns your iPhone into a karaoke microphone for Apple Music Sing.
While the event was dense with software news, Apple noted that more advanced and personalized Siri features are still in development and were not ready to be unveiled. With how far behind Siri has gotten in the world of AI, this is not a big surprise yet of course still somewhat of a disappointment. The launch of “Apple Intelligence” continues to be a bit of surprise with how many flaws have been pointed out.
Release Schedule
The first developer betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and watchOS 26 were released to developers today. Apple plans to launch public betas for broader testing in July, with the official, free software updates scheduled for a full public release this September.
Overall an onslaught of reveals and updates to the surprise of no one coming out of WWDC, and for many Apple fans a lot to enjoy besides those with soon-to-be-obsolete hardware. I continue to hope however one day, iPod makes some sort of return in some capacity. I always loved the iPod Touch growing up, and its legacy I hope is not forgotten anytime soon.
