In June, Apple hosted its annual virtual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), unveiling a wide range of updates and innovations. The keynote address highlighted the latest developments in Apple’s software ecosystem. Following the keynote, developers were invited to attend numerous sessions and collaborate directly with Apple engineers.
Apple introduced a new visual design language called Liquid Glass, which unifies the look and feel of apps across the Apple ecosystem and gives the interface the appearance of real glass. Primary elements appear translucent and glasslike, allowing underlying content to remain partially visible. Movement of the device subtly shifts these elements, enhancing the illusion of depth and transparency. Apple even manufactured physical glass during the design process to ensure the interface was as visually accurate and realistic as possible.
In a significant change, Apple is standardizing version numbers across its upcoming operating systems. For instance, while the current iPhone OS is iOS 18.5, the next version will jump to iOS 26. Another major announcement: developers will now have access to Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features.
iOS 26
Camera
The Camera app has been redesigned with a cleaner, more streamlined layout. Upon opening, the default options are Photo and Video, while additional features can be accessed with a simple swipe. In the Photos app, content will be organized under two tabs: Library and Collections.
Safari
Safari now displays web pages edge to edge. The tab bar has also received a modern redesign.
FaceTime
During FaceTime calls, the most essential controls have been repositioned to the bottom-right corner for easier access.
Phone
The Phone app will now be available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Favorites are pinned to the main screen, while Recents and Voicemail are combined into a single, intuitive list. Voicemail messages can be automatically summarized, and Contacts and the Keypad are just one tap away.
A new Call Screening feature helps manage calls from unknown numbers. When enabled, your device answers the call, prompts the caller to state their name and reason, and then alerts you with a ring. You can then choose to accept or reject the call.
Hold Assist is another time-saving addition. When your call is placed on hold, the phone detects hold music and offers to wait on your behalf. The app doesn’t need to stay open. Once a human answers, your phone alerts you and notifies the agent that you'll be back shortly.
Messages
These enhancements are also available on iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
You can now add custom backgrounds to your messages using Apple’s designs, your own photos, or creations from Image Playground. In group chats, users can create polls to gather opinions. Apple Cash transfers are now supported directly in chat. A new typing indicator shows when someone is composing a message.
A new spam filter detects unwanted messages. Unknown senders appear in a separate area, where you can mark the number as known, request more information, or delete the message. If ignored, further messages will be silenced and excluded from Notifications.
Live Translation can translate both spoken and typed messages in real time. For instance, a message sent in English can be automatically translated into Spanish for the recipient, and vice versa. All translations occur entirely on-device.
Apple Music
A new lyrics translation feature makes it easier to understand songs in other languages, while lyrics pronunciation supports sing-alongs. AutoMix enables smooth transitions between songs. With Music Pins, you can pin favorite artists, albums, or playlists to the top of your Library for quick access.
Maps
Your iPhone can now learn your usual travel routes and display them in Maps, adapting to changes automatically. The Maps widget shows your commute time, and if delays occur, alternate routes will be suggested via notifications.
Maps also keeps a history of visited locations, which can be deleted at any time. All data remains encrypted on your device.
Wallet
U.S. passport holders can now use their passport to create a digital ID?though this does not replace the physical document.
At airports, your boarding pass can display terminal maps, locate baggage, and share flight information.
Wallet now supports order tracking beyond Apple Pay, including email confirmations, tracking updates, and related links.
Games App
Apple has launched a new Games app. The Home tab provides updates and personalized recommendations. The Apple Arcade tab gives access to the full game library, including new releases. The Library tab organizes all downloaded games. The Play Together tab shows what your friends are playing and allows you to invite them.
Visual Intelligence Update
Visual Intelligence now supports screenshots. After capturing a screenshot, action buttons appear at the bottom of the screen. Options include: Ask ChatGPT about the screenshot, Add the event to your calendar, and Find the product shown.
watchOS 26
Workout Buddy
For real-time motivation and insights, Workout Buddy provides heart rate tracking, workout comparisons, and more. Voices from Apple Fitness+ trainers are available, so you can select one that suits you. Note: This feature requires an iPhone with Apple Intelligence support.
Workout App
The Workout app has a refreshed layout, making it easier to create custom workouts and race routes.
Apple Music subscribers can listen to their preferred tracks while exercising. By default, music selected for your workout will play, but you can choose a different playlist or accept Apple’s suggestions.
Smart Stack
Smart Stack now uses a new on-device algorithm informed by your habits and routines. This allows it to surface the most relevant widgets and tools at the right time.
Notifications
Your watch will now dynamically adjust volume based on ambient noise levels for notifications and calls.
Features from iOS, such as the Notes app, are also being added to the Apple Watch.
tvOS 26
User profiles now load automatically when Apple TV wakes from sleep mode.
With an Apple Music subscription, you can use Apple Music Sing to sing along to songs. Your iPhone becomes a microphone, and your voice is amplified through the Apple TV.
macOS 26 “Tahoe”
Many features introduced in iOS 26 will also appear on Mac, including Live Translation and the Phone app.
Menu Bar and Control Center
Both the menu bar and Control Center are now more customizable, with additional controls available.
Live Activities
When you initiate a Live Activity, it appears in the menu bar. Selecting it opens the activity via iPhone mirroring on your Mac.
Phone
The new Phone app on Mac syncs seamlessly with your iPhone, giving you access to Contacts, Recents, and Voicemails. Features such as Call Screening, Hold Assist, and Live Translation are fully supported.
Spotlight
Spotlight receives its most powerful update yet. It prioritizes your most relevant files and provides intelligent suggestions based on your recent activity and habits.
Shortcuts
Shortcuts can now run automatically, and the new Intelligent Actions feature makes them even more robust by integrating with Apple Intelligence.
System and App Actions
You can now perform tasks like starting a recording, creating calendar events, or playing podcasts directly from Spotlight without leaving your current app. Users can define custom parameters for these actions.
Quick Keys
A new feature, Quick Keys, lets you trigger actions using specific character strings. Some Quick Keys will be preloaded in macOS Tahoe.
iPadOS 26
iPad will receive all core features of iOS 26, along with additional functionality tailored to its form factor. Key additions include:
- Window Manager
- Preview
- Journal App
- Improved Files App
- Menu Bar
Public betas for these operating systems are expected this month, with full releases planned for the fall.
