Live translation in calls and messages and a new operating system design: Apple introduced a major software update
Apple introduced a number of software updates for its gadgets at its annual WWDC 2025 (Worldwide Developers Conference) event.
Apple introduced a number of software updates for its gadgets at its annual WWDC 2025 (Worldwide Developers Conference) event.
According to The Verge, the event showcased design updates to operating systems, as well as a number of new features for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, etc.
Apple’s operating systems are now named after the years
One of the changes Apple has made is giving each of its operating systems new version numbers, which now correspond to the year after their release. The new names are iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. All of them will be released in late 2025. The operating systems are available as developer betas starting today and will be available to all users this fall.
Design update called Liquid Glass on iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and other devices
Apple is updating the design of all of its operating systems: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and CarPlay will now feature a new Liquid Glass theme, which adds more transparency to buttons, toggles, sliders, text, and media controls across the interface. The date, time, and notification previews on the iOS 26 lock screen will also feature this design, allowing you to clearly see the wallpaper behind all the text.
New look for Camera, Safari, and Phone apps
As part of a broader redesign, Apple has introduced updates to some of its core apps in iOS 26. Web pages in Safari will now take up the entire screen.
The Camera app also has a simplified layout that shows two main modes: photo and video. You can also swipe across the toolbar to reveal other modes, such as Time Lapse and Cinematic.
The Phone app will also receive an update: it will now have a layout that combines favorites, recent messages, and voicemails into one panel, while «calls,» «contacts,» and «keyboard» will remain at the bottom of the app.
iPadOS 26 will have improved windowing features
Apple has released a major update to iPadOS 26 that should make multitasking easier. New windowing features will let you resize app windows, arrange them across the screen, and open more windows at once. There’s also a more precise mouse pointer and a new menu bar that lets you swipe down on an app to see different options and commands. iPadOS 26 will also get a version of Preview for Mac for viewing and annotating images and files.
Messages will get custom backgrounds and new group chat features
Along with all of the above, Apple is updating the Messages app to let you change the background of chats and create polls in group conversations. Some other updates include typing indicators for group chats and the ability to filter messages from unknown senders, which will appear in a separate folder instead of the main list.
New game center
Among other things, Apple introduced a new Games app that will allow you to access all of Apple Arcade games and discover new games in one place. In particular, you can use the Play Together option to challenge friends.
Apple Intelligence can search what’s on your screen
iOS 26 introduces a new Apple Intelligence feature that allows you to use the same buttons as for taking a screenshot to summon an AI assistant.
From there, you can ask additional questions about what you see on the screen using ChatGPT or search for a specific item on Google or Etsy to find similar images.
Live translation in calls and text messages
Apple is building AI-powered live translation into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. You can use this integration to automatically translate text in Messages, while you hear the translated speech spoken aloud in the Phone app. In FaceTime, Apple will display translated subtitles in real time while you listen to the person you’re talking to.
And a little more functionality
In addition to all of the above, watchOS 26 adds a new «wrist wave» gesture that can be used to dismiss notifications, and the Apple Watch will also have a new AI-powered «workout buddy» that will generate personalized advice and encouragement.
The next macOS software update will introduce Spotlight, which will make search results more relevant with personalization and filtering options. It will help you find specific files, folders, apps, and messages. It will also add the ability to perform actions like sending an email or creating a note.
In turn, Apple Vision Pro will support PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers in visionOS 26, allowing you to play a wider range of virtual reality games.
The company is also working on a new feature that will allow users to record «studio-quality» vocals in noisy places: these features will be available in AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
We previously reported that Apple is preparing three interesting gadgets that could be released as early as next year.
At the same time, we wrote about preparations for the rebranding of Apple’s operating systems at the end of May.
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