WWDC 2025: A Big Software Reveal
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 started on June 9, 2025, with a keynote at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (11:30 PM India Time) from Apple Park. The event runs until June 13, offering online sessions for app developers through the Apple Developer app and website. This year’s focus is on new software for iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and Vision Pro, with iOS 26 stealing the show. You can watch the keynote on Apple’s website, YouTube, or Apple TV app.
iOS 26: A New Name for iPhone Software
Apple has changed how it names its software, skipping iOS 19 to call it iOS 26, based on the year 2026 when it’ll be used most. Other devices get similar names: iPadOS 26, macOS 26 (possibly macOS Tahoe), watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. These updates will likely roll out in September 2025. The new naming makes it easier to know which software works across Apple devices, similar to how Samsung named its Galaxy S20.
Liquid Glass: A Fresh, Modern Design
iOS 26 introduces “Liquid Glass,” a stunning new look inspired by the Vision Pro’s see-through style. It’s Apple’s biggest design change since 2013, with menus and buttons that look like glass and seem to float on your screen. This style is on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more, with a cool new iOS 26 lock screen and updated widgets. App icons won’t turn round, keeping the familiar grid. Fans on X love the futuristic vibe, but some worry the transparent look might be hard to read on small screens. This design sets the stage for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
iOS 26: Exciting New Features
iOS 26 makes your iPhone more fun and useful with these new features:
- Messages Upgrades: Add polls to group chats for decisions like movie nights and set custom background images for chats.
- Simpler Phone App: The Phone app has a cleaner, easier-to-use design for calls.
- Improved Camera and Photos: The Camera app is simpler to navigate, and the Photos app has new editing tools.
- Games App: A new app collects all your games, including Apple Arcade and leaderboards.
- Preview App: View PDFs easily on your iPhone or iPad with a new app.
- Real-Time Translation: Talk or text in different languages instantly, even on calls or with AirPods.
- Smarter Siri: Siri understands what’s on your screen, like scheduling from an email you’re reading.
- Battery Saver: AI learns your habits to make your battery last longer, great for all iPhones, including the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
- Custom Shortcuts and Emojis: Create your own app actions with Shortcuts and mix emojis to make new Genmoji.
- Wi-Fi Sync: Log into public Wi-Fi once, and all your Apple devices remember it.
- Spam Protection: On-device spam detection keeps unwanted texts out of Messages.
- Accessibility Boosts: New features include Nutrition Labels on the App Store to show accessibility options, a Braille note-taker, and vibrations for sounds like baby cries or sirens.
- Health Tracking: Log meals, get nutrition tips, and track calories in the Health app.
- Multitasking on Displays: Use USB-C iPhones with external screens for a desktop-like experience.
- Easier eSIM Switching: Move your eSIM to a new device more easily.
Apple Intelligence: Smarter and More Flexible
Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI system, gets practical updates in iOS 26 after some delays from 2024. It powers real-time translation, a smarter Siri that works with what’s on your screen, and battery-saving features. You can also choose other AI systems like Google Gemini for some tasks. Plus, Shortcuts and Genmoji let you create custom actions and emojis, making your iPhone feel more personal.
Which iPhones Can Run iOS 26?
iOS 26 will work on many iPhones, but older models may miss out. Based on reliable reports, here’s the list of compatible iPhones:
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020; 3rd generation, 2022)
Older models like the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and earlier won’t support iOS 26 due to hardware limits, but they’ll still get security updates. Some features, like Apple Intelligence, need newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro or later.
Other Software Updates
iPadOS 26 makes iPads act more like Macs when using a keyboard or trackpad, perfect for work. macOS 26, possibly called Tahoe, gets the Liquid Glass look and a better Safari browser. watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 also get small updates to match the new design, keeping all Apple devices looking and working together.
No Big Hardware Announcements
WWDC 2025 focuses on software, not new gadgets. There might be smarter AirPods for translation and hints of a future smart home device with “HomeOS,” but no major devices were shown. Apple’s saving new hardware, like the iPhone 17, for a fall 2025 event.
What People Think
On X, people are buzzing about the Liquid Glass design, calling it sleek and futuristic. But some worry it might be tricky to read on smaller screens. Apple’s focus on practical AI features is seen as a smart move to fix past delays. News sites like The Verge and MacRumors are sharing live updates, and developers are already testing iOS 26.
Looking Ahead
WWDC 2025 shows Apple’s vision for a stylish, smart 2026. iOS 26’s new look and features make iPhones more exciting, and wide device support means most users can enjoy it. Check Apple’s site for more details as the event continues.
Last Updated on: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:39 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Monday, June 9, 2025 11:39 pm | News Categories: Technology
About The Author
