Eight game-changing announcements by Apple unveiled in WWDC

Apple has unveiled a series of changes into its annual Worldwide Developer Conference keynote. During the event, the tech giant showed off new designs for its operating systems, as well as new features for its range of products: iPhone, Mac, AirPods, and more. 

Here is a breakdown of the updates coming as of late 2025.

1. Apple’s operating systems are now numbered by year

Apple has given each of its operating systems new version numbers that align with the year they were released, rather than the version number. The new names coming are iOS26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. They will be entering the market in late 2025, but its still easier than remembering Sierra, Monetary, MacOS16 etc.

2. Fresh designs for Camera, Safari, Phone apps 

Apple will unleash new looks for its core apps in iOS 26. Safari for example, will take up your entire screen, and the Camera app will be simplified to photo and video – with other options like Slow-Mo and Cinematic in a tool bar. 

3. iPadOS26 will look more like Mac 

IPadOS 26 will make multitasking easier, allowing you to display more than one window at once. IPad users will also get a Preview app to annotate and view images and files. 

4. Apple Intelligence can search what’s on your screen 

The new system allows you to call upon an AI assistant with the same button you would take a screenshot. It will be able to read what’s on your screen and allow you to ask questions. 

5. watchOS 26 will have a “wrist flick” gesture

You can physically dismiss notifications by flicking your wrist, and the new watch will have an AI-powered workout buddy which will give you personalised advice and encouragement. 

6. Live translation to calls and text messages

Apple is building AI-powered live translation into the Messages, FaceTime and Phone apps. You can use the integration to automatically translate texts in the Messages app, while you’ll hear speech translated aloud on the Phone app. In FaceTime, Apple will display translated live captions while you listen to your conversation partner.

7. AirPods to have camera controls 

Users will be able to take photos with their iPhone or iPad by tapping the stem of their AirPods. Another new feature will allow you to record “studio-quality” vocals in noisy areas with voice isolation. The features will come to the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Pro 2.

8. Liquid glass 

Apple is revamping the design across its operating systems. Now they will have a new Liquid Glass theme that adds more transparency to buttons, switches, sliders, text, and media controls throughout their interfaces.

The date, time, notification previews on iOS 26’s lockscreen will also adopt the new look, allowing you to get a clear view of your wallpaper behind all the text.

While these updates refine the user experience, many are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, aligning with Apple’s pattern of steady iteration rather than radical innovation. The announcements suggest a continued focus on ecosystem cohesion and AI enhancements, though whether these changes will significantly differentiate Apple from competitors remains to be seen.