San Francisco, California — Apple unveiled significant updates to its operating systems during the WWDC 2025 keynote, offering a glimpse into new features designed to enhance user experience across its devices. The company introduced a distinctive design language—termed “Liquid Glass”—that will refresh interfaces for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, along with a host of productivity and artificial intelligence enhancements.

The Liquid Glass design aims to modernize all of Apple’s major operating systems, bringing a semi-translucent aesthetic that includes redesigned widgets and notifications. Promising a more dynamic experience, the new look is intended to unify the visual elements of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS while maintaining familiarity for longtime users.

With these updates, Apple is shifting the naming convention of its software versions. Instead of the traditional number sequences, updates will now be labeled with year indicators, starting with iOS 26 set to launch this fall. This marks a notable change, as Apple adapts its software branding to reflect a more straightforward approach to versioning.

The new iOS 26 introduces several subtle design changes that collectively create a cleaner and more modern interface. Users will notice updated app icons and translucent visual elements, making key applications such as Phone and Messages easier to identify while offering a fresh appearance. One of the standout changes in the revamped Phone app is a greater emphasis on scrolling functionality, enabling users to navigate through contacts and voicemails more efficiently. A new “Hold Assist” feature aims to make call waiting less frustrating by muting background hold music while keeping the call active.

Messaging has also undergone upgrades with new capabilities, including customizable backgrounds for group chats and a screening feature for spam messages. Notably, iOS 26 will integrate artificial intelligence through a feature called Genmoji, allowing users to create unique emojis by combining existing ones or even generating them via ChatGPT.

The Apple Maps app now promises enhanced route suggestions based on user habits, and a new “visited places” feature will provide quick access to locations of interest. In addition, Apple’s Wallet app will support Digital IDs for identity verification, streamlining the process of accessing boarding passes and other important documents.

Furthermore, Apple’s focus on gaming includes the introduction of a dedicated Games app in iOS 26. This new feature will consolidate downloaded games and enhance interactivity through challenges, allowing users to compete with friends on supported titles. Visual intelligence capabilities will also allow users to search for similar products using images found on their screens, offering a new way to discover items online.

For watchOS 26, Apple plans to introduce a feature called Workout Buddy, offering real-time exercise analytics through an audio coach that guides users based on their fitness history. The Smart Stack feature will adapt to prioritize relevant information as users engage in different activities, enhancing usability during workouts.

Apple is also refreshing its macOS with a new version called macOS Tahoe, which will feature the same Liquid Glass design. Users can expect to have new customization options, including personalized desktop backgrounds and folder colors. The Phone app will be integrated within macOS, allowing seamless interaction across devices.

The iPad will gain additional multitasking features with iPadOS 26, improving the user interface and enabling a windowing system similar to macOS, a much-anticipated enhancement for professionals using tablets for rigorous tasks. New apps will support advanced file management, bringing a significant leap in functionality.

VisionOS will receive updates geared towards spatial computing experiences. New widgets and AI-driven features promise to elevate user interaction, with enhancements that include eye-scrolling capabilities and integrations for third-party controllers, particularly for gaming.

Finally, tvOS 26 will debut with the Liquid Glass design, enriching the viewing experience on Apple TV with personalized profiles and karaoke features integrated with Apple Music, making home entertainment even more engaging.

As Apple continues to innovate, these operating system updates aim to streamline user experiences while introducing exciting new features across its entire ecosystem of devices.