In 2024, WWDC brought the debut of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s long-teased suite of on-device AI features. iOS 18, macOS Sequoia and friends were all about making Siri smarter, introducing ChatGPT handling under the hood, and unveiling tools for developers to leverage generative models across apps—alongside no new hardware, just sleek software elevation. Unlike the fireworks of years past, the focus was on privacy-first AI integration and incremental evolution rather than bombshell innovation. It set a steady baseline—and undoubtedly raised expectations for this year’s pivot into the next generation of Apple’s tech narrative.

Fast-forward to WWDC25 on 9–13 June 2025, and the vibe shifted. Apple unveiled Liquid Glass, an all-encompassing translucent UI across iOS 26 (yes, we're changing the number scheme), macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. But that’s not the only buzz: a protester stormed the stage brandishing a keffiyeh and claiming to work at Apple, momentarily disrupting Craig Federighi’s keynote. Investors, meanwhile, were unimpressed—Apple stock slid between 1.2 % and 2.5 % as the company admitted Siri’s massive AI revamp would be delayed again. 

Finally, the split on Liquid Glass is impossible to ignore. Praise has come from unexpected corners, with Elon Musk tweeting “Cool” and Carl Pei admitting it “kinda love[s] it”. Yet designers and users alike aren’t sold. Wired’s design tribe called it “beautiful” but worry about legibility , while critics on X/X argue it’s a Vista‑era revival—“Aero déjà vu” isn’t the reaction you want from Apple’s home turf. In short: WWDC25 has set the stage—not without a few hiccups—for one of Apple’s most visually ambitious software turns yet. Here's what was unveiled at the event:

Welcome to the Age of Liquid Glass

Apple’s latest UI facelift across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS is built around Liquid Glass—a translucent, layered aesthetic that’s smoother, more unified, content-aware and just futuristic enough to remind you that yes, your UI  is cooler than your friend’s Android. It also means version numbers finally align across devices, ending that slightly maddening inconsistency. Let's just hope we get transparency sliders—it does make the screen look a bit busy with all the layers.

Apple Intelligence Grows Up

This year, Apple doubles down on AI—sorry, Apple Intelligence. New tools like Live Translation, screen-aware Visual Intelligence, and tighter ChatGPT integration bring Siri out of its awkward teenage phase. You can now ask questions about what’s on your screen and get product matches, instant image suggestions, or just straight-up Google it—without switching tabs.

iOS 26 Makes the Phone App… Useful Again?

Apart from 3D updates to your lock screen, CarPlay and a revamped camera app, Phone and Messages get smart updates like call screening, message filters for unknown senders, and new ways to customise chats (yes, even polls). Plus, you can now take calls on your Mac using a redesigned Phone app and get iPhone Live Activities directly on your desktop. Continuity just got even more seamless.

macOS Tahoe 26: iPhone Energy, Desktop DNA

macOS Tahoe mirrors much of iOS 26’s visual refresh, but with a desktop spin. That means fluid Liquid Glass theming, smarter widgets, and tighter Continuity features—like receiving iPhone calls and notifications straight on your Mac. There's also a renewed focus on gaming and shortcuts—which I personally love. In short, Apple’s trying to blur the lines even further between its devices, and Tahoe makes the most compelling case yet.

iPad Gets One Step Closer to Being a Laptop

Window resizing, custom folder icons, and a revamped Files app—iPadOS 26 nudges the iPad closer to laptop territory. Still no full-fledged desktop mode, but for creative pros and multitaskers, it’s the most flexible the platform’s ever been.

watchOS 26 Gets Personal

Apart from visual changes like There’s now a Workout Buddy that cheers you on (literally) with personalised Apple Intelligence motivation. Smart Stack gets smarter, the new wrist-flick gesture helps with one-handed use, and yes—the Notes app is finally on your wrist.

visionOS 26 Steps Deeper Into the Matrix

For (the handful of) Apple Vision Pro users, widgets go spatial, shared experiences get better, and Personas look less like wax dolls. It’s still niche, but getting more compelling if you’re living in the Vision Proverse.

AirPods, Now With Podcast-Ready Sound

With new studio-grade audio recording and voice isolation on the go, AirPods just became a legit tool for creators. Bonus: you can use the stem to remotely control your iPhone camera. TikTokers, take note.

tvOS 26 Turns Your iPhone into a Karaoke Mic

The latest Apple TV update adds a splash of fun and a pinch of personalisation. tvOS 26 now auto-switches profiles when Apple TV wakes up, helping you jump straight back into your own playlists and watchlists. But the real party trick? Singmode in Apple Music now lets your iPhone double as a handheld mic, voice amplification and all—karaoke night just got a lot more theatrical (and possibly louder than your neighbours would like).

Developers, Rejoice (Or Panic)

Apple’s developer tools get a major upgrade too, with new frameworks, APIs, and creative tools designed to bring all this shiny stuff to life. If you build apps, it’s time to catch up—or get left behind.