WWDC 2025: iOS 26, macOS Tahoe and Apple's new visual world
On June 9th, Apple opened a new chapter in the history of technology: the 2025 WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) kicked off, where the company unveiled its latest operating systems and new look. Although the conference is primarily for developers, the new features announced are relevant to all Apple users - whether iPhone, Mac or even AirPods.
In this article we summarise the most important new features and show you why you should be excited about the autumn updates now.
What is WWDC and why is it important?
The WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is one of Apple's most important annual events, where the company showcases its new operating systems, device developments and software innovations. Although it's called a developer conference, the keynote - or opening presentation - always attracts millions of people around the world. It's also where the first iOS, FaceTime, Apple Silicon and last year Vision Pro made their debuts.
This year's event brought a new direction: Apple switched to year-based naming (e.g. iOS 26) and introduced a new visual language, the Liquid Glass design.
iOS 26 - Cleaner iPhone, stronger intelligence
One of the most striking new features of iOS 26 is Apple's new design direction, Liquid Glass: translucent elements, subtle shadows, floating buttons and smooth animations. The user experience is more modern and streamlined than ever.
In terms of features:
- The Safari and Camera apps have been redesigned.
- In Messages, group votes and spectacular background patterns have been added.
- Apple Intelligence (AI) enhancements enable devices to give more personal and smarter answers - like translating when you're on a call or helping you organise your photos.
macOS 26 - or "Tahoe" brings fresh air to the Mac
The new system for Mac computers is codenamed "Tahoe", and the visual update dominates here too. The menu bar floats like glass at the top of the display, the Dock is translucent, and the icons have been redrawn to blend harmoniously with the new design.
Functional novelties:
- The Spotlight search engine is much smarter: you can filter results by category, and even perform actions on the results right away.
- There's also a new Names and Phones app that works in closer sync with our iPhone.
watchOS 26 - artificial intelligence on your wrist
watchOS 26 has also benefited from the Liquid Glass visual update, but perhaps most exciting is the new AI coach, which helps you to maintain an active lifestyle through personalised motivation and goal setting.
In addition:
- With a flick of the wrist, you can dismiss or mute a notification.
- The Fitness app introduces a new goal system that gives you real-time feedback on your progress.
AirPods and Vision Pro - new horizons in the ecosystem
AirPods are no longer just for listening to music. Thanks to a new update:
- They can also act as remote controls - for example, to take a photo.
- Touch to automatically activate noise cancelling or talk mode.
And Vision Pro gets all-new control options, including support for PlayStation VR2 controllers and redesigned spatial widgets.
Apple Intelligence - opening up to the world
Apple's own AI solution may appear not only inside devices, but also in third-party applications in the future. This means developers will have access to machine learning capabilities, even offline, so their apps can become even smarter.
When will all this arrive?
Development betas of the new systems are now available, and public versions are available Autumn 2025, are expected to appear around September-October.
Apple's WWDC this year brought a real transformation: unified design language, stronger artificial intelligence, and a functional advance for all devices. Your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch and AirPods will be easier, cleaner and smarter to use - just like you'd expect from a premium technology brand.
If you want to stay up to date with updates, it's a good idea to get your devices ready now - and of course, it's also a good idea to make sure they're properly protected. At XPRO, we're already preparing for the next generation of accessories. 😊
