Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 unveiled a significant shift in the company’s software and AI strategy. The event highlighted a major visual overhaul with iOS 26, the introduction of ‘Liquid Glass’ technology, and a deeper integration of AI across its ecosystem, signaling Apple’s commitment to an immersive and unified user experience.
A Glimpse into the Future: iOS 26 and Liquid Glass
Apple showcased iOS 26, a groundbreaking visual redesign marking the most dramatic interface change in over a decade. This new operating system, set to launch in the autumn, introduces a ‘Liquid Glass’ interface, characterized by a glossy, translucent design. This aesthetic departure from the flat minimalism of iOS 7 aims to create a more fluid and immersive user experience, preparing users for future hardware innovations like the rumored ‘Glasswing’ device, expected in 2027.
Unifying the Ecosystem: Version 26 Across All Platforms
In a strategic move to streamline its diverse product line, Apple announced that all its operating systems will now share the version number 26. This includes iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, and tvOS. This unification hints at deeper integration and a more cohesive experience across Apple devices, aligning with the company’s broader ambitions in areas like spatial computing and automotive technology.
Apple Intelligence and Developer Empowerment
WWDC 2025 also saw the unveiling of Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence framework. While some analysts suggest Apple is playing catch-up in the AI race, the company emphasized opening its foundational AI models to third-party developers. Key AI-driven features include:
- Call Screening: Automatically answers unknown calls and transcribes the caller’s purpose.
- Live Translation: Provides real-time translation for phone calls, even with non-iPhone users.
- Enhanced Visual Intelligence: Extends to analyzing on-screen items and linking with installed apps.
Apple also announced enhancements to its developer tools, including the Foundation Models framework for on-device intelligence and Xcode 26, which leverages large language models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for coding assistance. This move aims to empower developers to create more intelligent and engaging app experiences across all Apple platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Major Visual Overhaul: iOS 26 introduces the ‘Liquid Glass’ interface, a significant design shift.
- Unified Versioning: All Apple operating systems will now share version number 26 for greater ecosystem cohesion.
- AI Integration: Apple Intelligence and new developer tools aim to enhance app experiences with advanced AI capabilities.
- Future-Proofing: The design changes and AI advancements are seen as foundational steps for future hardware, such as the ‘Glasswing’ device.
Sources
- WWDC 2025: iOS 26, Liquid Glass technology and what all to expect at Apple’s developers conference, Mint.
- WWDC: Apple to open up underlying AI technology to developers, Reuters.
- Apple supercharges its tools and technologies for developers, Apple.
