Key Highlights of WWDC 2025 and iOS 26 Rumors

Key Highlights of WWDC 2025 and iOS 26 Rumors

What made WWDC 2025 such a landmark event for Apple?

Apple's 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) was not just another yearly update event. It marked a shift in how the company views software design, artificial intelligence, and user experience. Apple decided to not disclose any hardware at WWDC 2025 and instead focus exclusively on software since they save hardware reveals for the more traditional September event. The keynote unveiled sweeping changes across all major platforms, with the other big reveal being the newly minted iOS 26 and all on display in a new design language called "Liquid Glass."

What Is the New Liquid Glass Design and How Will It Change Apple Devices?

Probably the most talked about announcement made at WWDC 2025 was the introduction of “Liquid Glass,” a digital material that redefines Apple's design language, similar to how visionOS is redefining the way we think and interact in spatial computing. Liquid Glass provides a translucent, lifelike appearance to the Apple ecosystem, spanning iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. While this may just look cool, moreover, it's light and dark contextually adaptable, allows dynamically rendered and realistic reflections, acting as a realistic mirror, while also responding to user interactions in real time.

Liquid Glass represents more than just a change in aesthetics, but redefined the way user interfaces are engaged with on Apple's devices. Controls, navigation bars, widgets, and even the lock screen all have the immersive glass appearance providing clarity and depth across the interface. The goal is to provide a resultant tactile and intuitive experience to digital engagements, and develop the platform of Apple's software for many years to come.

Why Did Apple Change Its Operating System Naming Strategy?

In a major break from tradition, Apple announced that all their operating systems would be named after the year of the release. What would have been iOS 19 is now, iOS 26, and iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 are perfectly aligned. This naming convention is analogous to how automobiles are named, and will make it easier for users and developers to follow along with version updating. Also, this suggests a more comprehensive strategy for Apple’s ecosystem by focusing on simultaneous innovation across the various operating systems.

What Are the Biggest New Features in iOS 26?

iOS 26 is being promoted as the largest visual overhaul since iOS 7. The Liquid Glass finish will reportedly envelop every square inch of iOS, resulting in the level of clarity and immersive experience Apple says is to be expected over the next decade. However, this update goes beyond the aesthetic of iOS.

Overhauled Native Apps: Many of the built-in apps have been completely redesigned, including Camera, Phone, and Safari. For instance, the Phone app now combines favorites, recent calls, and voicemails in the form of a single scrollable panel. While Safari uses the entire screen of the iPhone and iPad for browsing the web.

Improved Messaging: Users now have enhanced capabilities for customizing chat backgrounds, setting up polls in group chats, and filtering unknown senders into a separate folder for more personalized and organized messaging experiences.

Apple Intelligence: The Apple AI platform is built deeply into iOS 26, enabling smarter system features across the system, from intelligent notifications to improved battery control and privacy controls.

Apple Games App: Users can now track, play, and manage all their games in one place for the first time with the Apple Games app.

How Is Apple Intelligence Growing in iOS 26?

The Apple Intelligence, the company's exclusive AI set of tools, is often a center stage of user experience in iOS 26. Although developments that many of us are excited about—such as an overhauled Siri—will not be available until 2026, iOS 26 has a few enhancements to discuss:

More Intelligent Notifications & Call Screening: AI can help users direct unwanted calls and messages, allowing them to focus on who they need and want to connect with.

Access to Apple Intelligence Foundation Models for Developers: Soon, third-party developers could have access to the same fundamental models that are driving Apple Intelligence, leading to smarter, more personalized applications.

Battery Optimization: AI-fueled battery management is learning about user habits and attempting to extend battery use, a feature that will widely adopted by power users.

What Are the Most Exciting iOS 26 Rumors?

Although Apple has already confirmed many features espoused in iOSelope's recent release of iOS 26 overrinder CMA2, there are many rumors floating around, officially setting the stage for the new official release date:

AI-Enhanced Health and Fitness: Future iOS updates that take advantage of "Apple Intelligence" will soon enable personalized health coaching and even better workout tracking, potentially following earlier groundwork established in iOS 26.

HomePod with Display: There are long-standing rumors that they are working on a third HomePod that includes a display and is for teh laterst apple AI features.

Third-Party AI Integrations: Now that Apple is allowing developers to use their AI models, you will ansi s are comign - and these could include anything from new creative tools to productivity enhancments and integrations.
Which Devices Will Get iOS 26?
iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and newer models, including the second-generation iPhone SE and all subsequent releases. Older devices like the iPhone XR and XS will not receive the update, though they will continue to get security patches for a limited time.
When Will iOS 26 Be Released?
Developer Beta: Released June 9, 2025, immediately following the WWDC keynote.
Public Beta: Expected later this summer.
Official Release: Scheduled for September 2025, likely alongside the launch of the iPhone 17.
Frequently Asked Questions About WWDC 2025 and iOS 26 Rumors
What is the Liquid Glass design and why does it matter?
Liquid Glass is Apple’s new digital design material that brings lifelike translucency and depth to device interfaces. It adapts to your environment and provides a more immersive, visually comfortable experience across all Apple devices.
Why did Apple skip from iOS 18 to iOS 26?
Apple adopted a year-based naming convention for its operating systems, making it easier to identify when each version was released and aligning updates across all platforms.
What are the biggest app changes in iOS 26?
Native apps like Camera, Safari, and Phone have been redesigned for clarity and ease of use. Messages now offer more customization and better spam filtering, and a new Apple Games app centralizes gaming on iOS.
Is iOS 26 focused more on design or on AI?
iOS 26 is a balance of both—a major visual overhaul with Liquid Glass and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence for smarter, more personalized features.
Will older iPhones get iOS 26?
Only iPhone 11 and newer models will support iOS 26. Older devices will remain on iOS 18 with continued security updates.
What’s next for Apple Intelligence and Siri?
While a full Siri overhaul is delayed until 2026, iOS 26 lays the groundwork with smarter notifications, call screening, and developer access to AI models.
How Will These Changes Impact Apple Users and Developers?
The updates announced at WWDC 2025 and the iOS 26 rumors represent Apple’s most ambitious software shift in years. For users, the Liquid Glass design and AI-driven features promise a more beautiful, intuitive, and helpful experience. For developers, access to Apple’s foundational AI models opens up new possibilities for app innovation and personalization.
As Apple continues to refine its approach to design and intelligence, the next generation of devices and software will likely be even more integrated, adaptive, and user-focused.