WWDC 2025: Apple Unveils iOS 26 with ‘Liquid Glass’ Design, Dedicated Games App, and More

Apple’s WWDC 2025 commenced with a strong focus on software innovations and emerging technologies. A significant announcement was the unveiling of iOS 26, the latest iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, promising a dramatic shift in user experience.

This year’s WWDC carried heightened expectations for Apple to solidify its advancements and mend relationships with developers, especially given its ongoing navigation of AI development and App Store-related legal challenges.

The Liquid Glass interface dynamically adapts to content and ambient lighting conditions. Alerts originate from touchpoints, and context menus expand upon scrolling and tapping, enhancing interactivity.

The Lock Screen and Home Screen have been updated to align with Liquid Glass’s overall aesthetic.

Apple is adopting a new naming scheme, using the year in the OS name. The new operating systems will be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.

Apple introduced a dedicated gaming app to centralize the gaming experience across Apple devices. The app will serve as a launcher for games, allowing users to track achievements and view leaderboards.

Social features include a “Play Together” tab, allowing users to see what friends are playing, compare scores, and send invites. “Challenges” offers new ways to compete with friends in score-based showdowns.

watchOS 26 features a redesigned interface based on Liquid Glass, a wrist-flick gesture, and an Apple Intelligence-powered Workout Buddy fitness feature.

Apple TV receives a Liquid Glass aesthetic and profile switching. It will present profile options upon waking from sleep and introduce a karaoke feature.

macOS 26, called Tahoe, gains the Liquid Glass aesthetic and an AI-powered Shortcuts app.

iPad OS is designed to feel more like a Mac with a new Preview feature that offers tools including markup and AutoFill, and exporting images in different formats.

Vision Pro AR/VR headset gains Logitech Muse stylus and PlayStation’s VR2 Sense controller compatibility through visionOS updates.

AirPods will receive studio-quality audio recording and camera remote capabilities.

CarPlay updates include widgets, live activities, and the ability to choose a “tapback” response to incoming messages, plus pinning favorite conversations.

Additional features include travel-friendly features for Apple Wallet, polls in iMessages, lyrics translation and pronunciation features in Apple Music, and commute learning in Maps.