Apple launched its 45th Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote that unveiled major software updates including iOS 26, iPad OS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and visionOS 26. The star of the show is a sleek redesign inspired by VisionOS alongside practical AI enhancements for AirPods and developer tools. With no hardware reveals confirmed the focus was on software innovation setting the stage for Apple’s 2026 device lineup.
iOS 26 Steals the Spotlight with “Liquid Glass” Design
Apple confirmed a major shift dropping the iOS 19 name for iOS 26 aligning with a year-based naming system for 2026. The update introduces a “Liquid Glass” interface with translucent menus floating elements and a VisionOS-inspired aesthetic that unifies iPhone iPad and Mac visuals. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman called it a precursor to the 20th-anniversary iPhone in 2027 with early demos showing smoother animations and revamped app icons for Safari and Phone. iOS 26 also adds a rumored desktop mode for iPhones letting users connect to external displays for a Mac-like experience a first for Apple’s mobile OS.
While a full Siri overhaul was absent Apple teased Apple Intelligence 2.0 with developer-focused AI tools like enhanced code completion in Xcode. AirPods got a standout upgrade with real-time translation for conversations and a fall-asleep detection feature that pauses audio automatically. These updates won’t hit devices until fall 2025 likely after the iPhone 17 launch in September but developers can test betas starting today. Social media buzzed with excitement one fan posting “iOS 26 looks like a sci-fi movie interface it’s unreal.”
Other OS Updates and Developer Wins
iPadOS 26 revamps Stage Manager for better multitasking based on leaks from tipster Majin Bu with cleaner window management and third-party widget support in Control Center. macOS 26 dubbed Tahoe brings AI-powered battery optimization and a refreshed UI to match iOS 26’s glassy look. watchOS 26 adds minor health tracking tweaks but skips rumored blood pressure monitoring due to delays. visionOS 26 enhances Vision Pro’s augmented reality with new developer APIs for immersive apps fueling speculation about a cheaper Vision headset in 2026.
Apple also addressed its AI lag compared to rivals like Google and OpenAI. While a “super-smart Siri” didn’t appear the keynote emphasized privacy-focused AI with on-device processing for tasks like live AirPods translation. Analyst Francisco Jeronimo of IDC praised the practical approach saying “Apple’s playing the long game with AI that users can actually trust.” The absence of hardware like the rumored iPhone 17 Air or smart home tablet disappointed some but the software focus signals big changes for Apple’s ecosystem.
This year’s WWDC comes as Apple faces pressure to reclaim its AI edge after delays with Apple Intelligence and competition from ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. The iOS 26 redesign and year-based naming shift show Apple’s betting on a cohesive futuristic ecosystem. Posts online reflect mixed reactions with some fans hyped for the “gorgeous” UI while others wanted bolder AI reveals. The focus on developer tools and practical features like AirPods translation suggests Apple’s prioritizing usability over flashy promises.