The commencement of the much-anticipated Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC 2025) took place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on June 9th. Apple made groundbreaking announcements, including its largest software redesign in over a decade and a significant expansion of its on-device AI platform. These developments signify a pivotal moment as Apple emphasizes design coherence and developer integration with artificial intelligence.

Liquid Glass: A “Clear” Step toward UI Revolution

Apple’s “Liquid Glass” introduces a striking yet fluidly minimal UI design model applied across its operating systems: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26. This innovative design language features a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, transforming navigation across the Home Screen and Lock Screen. Enhanced floating tab bars and visually elegant icons in visionOS exemplify this design evolution.

New Features Across Operating Systems

iOS 26 embraces this new design, introducing an adaptive lock screen clock, animated wallpapers, a revamped camera, and interactive tab bars for Messages, Music, FaceTime, and Podcasts.

iPadOS 26 showcases multi-window workflows, enabling convenient window resizing and an integrated “drag-handle UI” for improved precision. The updated Files app enhances document visibility with collapsible folders and a customizable list view.

In macOS Tahoe, the Liquid Glass UI extends to the desktop, featuring Live Activities in the menu bar, a smarter Spotlight, and an integrated iPhone app for seamless call management.

On the wearables front, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26 introduce a Notes app, automatic volume adjustments, and a wrist-flick gesture. tvOS 26 features a refined Apple TV+ interface and allows AirPlay speakers to serve as permanent audio outputs.

Apple Intelligence: A Core Innovation

At the heart of these announcements is Apple Intelligence, the on-device AI platform. Despite criticisms claiming it doesn’t match AI models like GPT, Apple has rolled out full on-device translation of phone calls, FaceTime captions, and messages, promoting multilingual interactions while maintaining user privacy.

Visual Intelligence

The new Visual Intelligence feature extends the iPhone’s capabilities, allowing users to search and interact with visual elements seen through the camera or Photos app. This function enables quick learning about nearby objects and places, streamlining the search process.

The feature also allows users to search across various apps such as Google, Etsy, and ChatGPT, driven by user preferences. Time management becomes easier with features that highlight dates or event details for reminders.

Image Playground: Unleashing Creativity

Apple introduces “Image Playground,” enabling users to mix elements of multiple emojis and descriptions to create new personalized images, moving beyond the existing text-to-Genmoji feature. Users can also adjust facial expressions and hairstyles to match family members or friends in their creations.

Collaboration with ChatGPT enhances the creative process, allowing users to explore styles like oil painting or vector art. Importantly, users maintain control over what information is shared, ensuring privacy throughout the creative process.

Apple Watch and the Workout Buddy

Apple Intelligence has introduced a “Workout Buddy” feature, analyzing users’ workout data to provide personalized insights. This includes real-time heart rate, pace, and distance metrics, aiming to motivate users during workouts. The data is processed securely, preserving user privacy.

The Foundation Models Framework

The new Foundation Models framework enables app developers to harness Apple Intelligence for offline, privacy-focused experiences that are cost-free. For instance, educational apps like Kahoot can create personalized quizzes from user notes without incurring cloud API fees.

Intelligent Shortcuts

Shortcuts now possess enhanced intelligence, allowing users to implement sophisticated actions. For example, a student can create a shortcut that compares an audio transcription of a class lecture to their notes, efficiently adding any missed key points.

Conclusion

With the launch of “Liquid Glass,” Apple redefines visual aesthetics across its ecosystem, while Apple Intelligence signifies a bold step into a privacy-centric, on-device AI. From innovative tools like Image Playground to intelligent productivity features and live workout insights, WWDC 2025 highlights Apple’s commitment to making technology personal and beautiful while respecting user privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Liquid Glass?

Liquid Glass is Apple’s new UI design model that applies a translucent material across all its operating systems, enhancing user navigation and visual aesthetics.

2. How does Apple Intelligence function?

Apple Intelligence is an on-device AI platform that performs tasks such as translation and visual recognition while ensuring user data remains private and secure.

3. What features are new in iOS 26?

New features include an adaptive lock screen clock, animated wallpapers, a revamped camera, and interactive tab bars for various applications.

4. How does the Image Playground enhance creativity?

The Image Playground allows users to mix emojis and descriptions to create new images with customizable features, promoting creative expression.

5. What is the role of the Workout Buddy feature?

The Workout Buddy analyzes fitness data to provide real-time motivational insights during workouts, ensuring data privacy while enhancing the user experience.