Key Points
- Apple introduced a new visual language called Liquid Glass, its first major design shift in over a decade.
- The update focuses on glass-like transparency, rounded UI elements, and smooth animations.
- AI updates include deeper integration with ChatGPT and real-time phone call translations using on-device processing.
- Apple will now name software updates by release year, starting with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and others.
At its annual WWDC developer conference on Monday, Apple introduced a major visual overhaul for all its devices despite lacking a headline-grabbing product launch. The central announcement was Liquid Glass, a new unified design language that will roll out across iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets later this year.
Liquid Glass marks Apple’s first significant iOS redesign since iOS 7, released in 2013. The interface emphasizes transparency, with glass-like lock screens, rounded corners, and fluid animations. Buttons will now resemble sliding glass pills, creating a more seamless, tactile experience. The update was inspired by Apple’s VisionOS and made possible by the increased power of Apple Silicon chips.
While visually impressive, the announcement left some investors disappointed. Apple’s stock dipped 1.2% amid concerns that the company is not advancing fast enough in artificial intelligence. Critics noted that Apple’s AI updates were modest compared to competitors like Google and OpenAI.
Apple has expanded its integration with ChatGPT, enabling features such as screenshot analysis and text summarization. A new real-time language translation tool also grabbed attention. During phone calls, the iPhone can translate spoken phrases into another language using an on-device AI-generated voice, all without needing internet connectivity.
One notable change for Apple fans was the company’s new naming convention for its operating systems. Instead of version numbers like iOS 18, the upcoming release will be called iOS 26, aligning all platforms—iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26—under the year they become widely available. Apple believes this simplification will make it easier for users to identify the latest software.
While the Liquid Glass aesthetic split opinions online, ranging from excitement to comparisons with Windows Vista, Apple emphasized that this update is about creating software that feels modern, immersive, and delightful.
