Apple’s WWDC 2025 marked a landmark shift in both design philosophy and user experience, introducing sweeping visual and functional updates across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. With a unified design language known as Liquid Glass, Apple is delivering its most cohesive, modern, and intelligent software experience in over a decade. Here’s a concise breakdown of what’s new across the platforms:
💻 macOS Tahoe
-
Liquid Glass UI: Translucent, fluid interface with a transparent menu bar and overhauled Dock, toolbars, and sidebars.
-
Customization: App icons and folders can now include emojis, symbols, and color accents.
-
Supercharged Spotlight: Now performs actions like sending emails or creating notes directly.
-
Live Activities from iPhone: See real-time updates (e.g., Uber rides) on your Mac.
-
Phone App on Mac: Full iPhone call functionality — recents, voicemails, call screening — now on macOS.
-
AI-boosted Shortcuts: Automate tasks like live translation or summarizing conversations.
-
Gaming Upgrades: New Apple Games app, Metal 4, and Game Overlay for improved desktop gaming.
📱 iPadOS 26
-
Redesigned Interface: Full Liquid Glass treatment brings elegance and depth to the entire UI.
-
All-New Windowing System: Resize, move, tile windows freely. A new menu bar aids navigation, while Expos shows all windows at a glance.
-
Improved Files App: Drag-and-drop, enhanced list view, custom folders, and better Dock integration.
-
Preview App Arrives: Mark up PDFs, fill forms, sketch with Apple Pencil — just like on Mac.
-
Pro Features:
-
Live Translation
-
Background tasks
-
Audio input/output control
-
Local audio/video capture
-
⌚ watchOS 26
-
Subtle Visual Revamp: Smoother transitions, layered UI, refreshed Smart Stack and Control Centre.
-
Smart Context Awareness:
-
Suggestions to start workouts or share location in remote areas
-
Real-time translation in Messages
-
-
Fitness Improvements:
-
Workout Buddy offers audio motivation
-
Smarter Workout app with adaptive settings and content suggestions
-
New wrist flick gesture to dismiss alerts
-
Auto volume adjustment based on surroundings
-
📺 tvOS 26
-
Liquid Glass Interface: Sleeker overlays and playback controls that stay minimal until needed.
-
Enhanced Personalization:
-
Faster profile switching
-
Auto-resume from where you left off
-
-
Apple Music Sing Upgrade: Use your iPhone as a karaoke mic, complete with on-screen effects and real-time lyrics.
-
FaceTime Enhancements: Sharper visuals, improved captions, better layout for video calls.
-
New Screensavers: Aerial views now include India’s landscapes, expanding the global collection.
🌟 Unifying Theme
Across all platforms, Apple is embracing:
-
Design clarity through Liquid Glass
-
Intelligence-first features powered by Apple Intelligence
-
Customization and context — from rearranging Control Centres to seeing dynamic widgets, suggestions, and real-time updates.
This is not just a visual upgrade; it’s a strategic reset that aligns Apple’s software ecosystem with fluid, contextual, and intelligent experiences — ensuring all devices feel not only consistent but smarter and more personal.
