Apple WWDC 2025 recap: iOS 26, new Liquid Glass design, massive iPad update, and more – as it happened
'Dub Dub' 25 was a biggie, with every major Apple OS getting an update
Well, hello there...
Bonjour, Apple fans!Today's the day: Dub Dub is about to hit. I'm here to guide you through what to expect, from the rumours to the realities, right up to the event's closing remarks at around 20:00 this evening.
What's in a number?
The latest iPhone handsets have iOS 18 on board, so you'd think the next logical step is iOS 19? Possibly not!
The rumours suggest that iOS 26 will be the name/number, aligning Apple's operating system with the year for which it's destined, rather than the iteration.
It's also suggested that this leap from iOS 19 to 26 will be represented visually, too, with a huge design language change expected – in what's dubbed 'Liquid Glass' design.
The reason for the name? Everything is going to be translucent, almost to the point of transparent, so we'll look forward to getting a closer view of that later today, when WWDC kicks off proper.
Walking on Air?
Now, I'm not totally convinced that the rumoured iPhone 17 Air – the super-slim handset expected from Apple, hot on the heels of Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge – will show face at WWDC.
It's just not really the forum for it, with software being the main focus. However, as Samsung has already showed its hand, there is greater incentive for Apple to try and one-up its opponent.
I would love to see the popcorn fly, so if Apple was to tease the apparent 17 Air later this evening, I'd be so here for it. But I, for one, don't expect it to happen just yet...
iOS 26: a summary of predicitons
- 'Liquid Glass' new visual design language
- Apple Intelligence updates:
- Summarisation
- Live Translation
- Genmoji enhancements
- Battery life improvements
- New Camera app
- Desktop mode?
So just what might the so-called iOS 26 software bring to the table?
Well, in addition to this new 'Liquid Glass' design language, there has to be a focus on Apple Intelligence. It's a no-brainer, right? Especially with Google having gone big with Gemini at its I/O showcase in May.
Apple is playing catch-up here, though, with expected summaries, live translation, and writing assist tools already part of many makers' Google Android software suites. It's time for iOS to up its game here, though, so I'd expect all of the above to be part of September 2025's anticipated software rollout.
The recently introduced Genmoji animations are also expected to gain enhancements, also tied to Apple Intelligence, with new options and features.
Otherwise, there's speculation about a new 'desktop mode' via USB-C, plus a change to the Camera app's appearance, again tying it closer to this 'Liquid Glass' Vision Pro-like aesthetic.
Happy birthday!
But right now, let's take a trip down memory lane. Can you believe that the original iPhone is about to celebrate its 18th birthday? The first-ever iPhone launched on 29 June in 2007.
Back then, iOS didn't exist, as such, with the original device launch on iPhone OS 1. It was in 2010 when iOS 4 launch, as a precursor to the arrival of the first iPad.
Why's all this important? Well, iOS 26, if that's what it's to be called, is lining up for big birthday celebrations – and doing so in style. Well, re-styling, with new design visions.
There's a lot of talk about the iPhone's 20th birthday, too, which is only a couple of years away now – some way off, in 2027. What big iOS plans will Apple have for then, I wonder? And will there be a much-rumoured 'Anniversary Edition' iPhone? We'll have to wait and see...
A new Apple Arcade?
There's also been increasing rumours that Apple Arcade, which is currently cooked into iOS, with games added through the App Store, may be separated out and given its own prominence.
By which, I mean an Apple Arcade Store style of operation, much like Apple TV+ is its own entity from which to stream on subscription and download movies and shows.
I think that makes a lot of sense, as Apple Arcade has struggled to really hit the mark with as wide an audience as perhaps expected. Sure, there are a couple of million subscribers, but there's scope for the service to hit much bigger – and a simple yet effective change such as this could be the start of a new life for it.
On The Road Again
It's not only iOS that's likely to get an update as part of this WWDC, though, with Apple CarPlay expected to also gain a redesign.
As Apple's CarPlay Ultra is already official and in some cars, it makes sense to show off the version that most people will get (i.e. not Ultra, which is only available in the US and very select vehicles at the moment).
Whether the interface will ape the new Liquid Glass look, however, is up for debate – CarPlay Ultra does require iOS version 18.45 on an iPhone 12 or newer, however, so it may be a similar span of handsets with iOS 26 compatibility that are able to run the in-car system.
Which iPhones will be compatible?
Speaking of compatibility, it's also thought that iOS 26 will only come to a given number of iPhone models. It's rumoured that the iPhone 11 may have had its last support, with the iPhone 12 now the likely cut-off in terms of hardware supported.
Keep in mind, however, that Apple Intelligence was only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and any iPhone that's launched since then. So older hardware won't have the AI aspects available in full, which may cause something of a divide.
In short: if you want iOS 26 and you want it at its best, you'll want an iPhone 17 come September time. Anything pre-iPhone 15 Pro isn't going to deliver the full experience.
MacOS may cut out Intel
Putting iOS aside for one moment, the other major software expected to get an update is, of course, MacOS for the best MacBooks.
Rumour has it here that Intel may be cut from compatibility, with older MacBook models on such ineligible for a MacOS 26 upgrade.
That'll be to support Apple's own silicon, the M chipsets, of course, and promote upgrading of hardware for those still using less than the latest.
Heading home?
It's Mat Gallagher here, taking over to allow Mike to grab some food. I have to say, I'm very excited about tonight's (if you're in the UK) WWDC keynote.
I do hope we're going to see these big design changes that are rumoured, but most of all, I hope we see something on the home side. The Apple TV OS is now looking pretty good, and thanks to the FaceTime integration, it does function as a bit of a home hub. However, there has been talk of a dedicated Apple home hub for years and now could be the perfect time to launch it.
Of course, a home hub would need its own OS, which though similar to either the Apple TV or iPad, would be slightly different. While WWDC isn't traditionally about product, it wouldn't be the first time we'd seen something at least teased here.
So could we see a home hub, or even a new Apple TV design? After all, the Apple TV has remained physically unchanged for a few years now.
A vision of the future
Another area I'm interested to hear more from today is Vision OS. The operating system currently only supports one device – the Vision Pro – though a second headset is expected to be coming sometime soon (ish).
It sounds like the design of Vision OS is going to influence to new-look iOS and iPadOS, but I suspect we will see some progress for the headset design too. With the likes of Meta and Google producing more day-to-day wearable glasses, maybe we will see some options for a lite version of Vision OS that could one day find itself in a pair of sunglasses or spectacles.
Apple Intelligence 2.0
This time last year, we learned all about Apple Intelligence, its own AI system that presented a practical human side to AI. Roll out was a little slower than expected though and in recent months we have seen Google's offering steaming ahead.
With Google Gemini now available on the iPhone, we're expecting to see the ability to use Gemini as an alternative to ChatGPT in the Apple ecosystem. But will we see any further advances in its AI offerings?
It's been suggested that this won't be a big year for Apple Intelligence. However, I expect we will see further integrations of AI into Apple services. One that's expected is in Apple Music. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that there will be AI-created playlists and even an AI DJ offering.
What is liquid glass?
Hi, news editor Rik Henderson now taking over for a bit as we build up to the big keynote (there's around three-and-a-half hours to go), and I'm most looking forward to seeing exactly what the new "liquid glass" design will look like.
We've certainly had a tease, as not only is it "inspired" by the Vision Pro experience, Apple has hidden it intentions in plain sight – just look at the logo released as part of the invite (above).
The big question is just how much of the iOS experience with take its queue from a more transparent, glass-like aesthetic – will all app icons appear with see-through backgrounds, for example?
And what of tvOS? Will that have a more subtle look to it going forward?
It's certainly going to make existing devices look different and fresh. I cannot wait.
New Apple TV box?
While we're not exactly expecting new hardware today, there have been a fair few rumours in recent times that Apple is preparing a new version of its TV box.
After all, the current Apple TV 4K box was released way back in 2022, and three years is a long time in tech. In addition, the existing box runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is not capable of working with Apple Intelligence features, so it stands to reason that the company will look to update it at some point.
Whether that happens today is debatable. Instead, we're likely to see a new version of tvOS – with the "liquid glass" redesign coming to other Apple operating systems – and a new box will follow later this year. It could launch when tvOS 26 rolls out, in fact.
Games, games, games
We said earlier that Apple could be planning to separate Apple Arcade away from the App Store, and there's new evidence that could be the case.
It has been discovered that a new domain has been created online – games.apple.com – which could be the web home for the new service.
It doesn't currently show anything when you visit, but that includes a domain error code, so there's clearly something afoot. The page just looks blank, seemingly waiting for an official announcement to go live.
How to watch the WWDC 25 keynote
As per usual, Apple will stream its WWDC keynote live and we're hosting it right here on T3.
The event kicks off 18:00 BST (13:00 EDT, 10:00 PDT) and will take place in Apple Park, Cupertino.
It's usually a bit longer than other Apple events, so make sure you grab a drink and snack before it starts.
See you soon WWDC
Tim Cook has posted an early morning pic from Apple Park on his X account. By now the crowds will be pouring in and taking their seats for the event, which kicks off in just over 30 mins.
It's coming Home
Mike here again, strapped in for the main event. But while I count down the minutes to that – all 21 of them! – I'm musing over the whole Apple Home ecosystem.
And, y'know, that there's always talk of it getting a big, new, exciting update. And then – pfft – nowt happens.
Could this be the WWDC to change that? I'm not exactly convinced, but I feel that Home needs more love, more integration and more Apple Intelligence crossover.
If that also comes with a major Siri overhaul then all the better for it, as conversational models from Microsoft, Google and more are really amping up the competition in this voice control space right now.
The badges hold some clues...
With Future Publishing colleagues at the Cupertino event in California, it appears guests are being dished out some cute pin-badges – as is the case every year.
But these aren't any ol' pin badges. Nope! They're secret coded pin badges which relate to the events about to unfold at WWDC. Here's what I make of the above:
Hypocycloid: Yes, the mathematical shape is also the Apple Intelligence logo. So, no doubt, we'll have some next-gen updates incoming...
Octopus: Did you know an octopus has nine brains? And lots of brain power means multi-tasking. Why's the octopus on a keyboard, you ask? Well... this could allude to the 'desktop mode' that's rumoured as part of iOS 26, and the resulting multi-tasking capabilities.
M: That right there is the Metal logo – Apple's hardware-accelerated graphics system. It's looking very shiny and polished, as if to say the next-gen iPhones are going to get a mega update when it comes to gaming. And/or that Apple Arcade, as rumoured, will separate out of the App Store and become its own independent focus.
California: The three poppies here are representative of what you'd find in Tahoe. Which just so happens to be the name of the forthcoming macOS update. So there you have it.
hellllllo: Okay, fine, so this one I can't exactly work out. It might just be Apple being extra friendly. My completely far-fetched answer? There are two grey letters, followed by six colourful 'l's, then one final grey letter – as if to say 26.0, the first version of the next and renamed iOS?
Mmm, nice!
Ah, the jazzy music pre-roll has kicked off. Oh, hang on, now we're into 4/4 with vocoded beats. Either way: Apple's medley of music is spinning ahead of WWDC proper kicking off.
Which is literally in a few minutes from now. So adsorb those final moments of colourful waves and wonderment, before we get to the meat of the main event. I suspect there's going to be a lot of information – so stay switched on!
And we're off...
I hear an F1 car. No surprise, as Apple TV+'s big new movie, F1: The Movie, arrives on 25 June in cinemas (in the UK anyway) – with the service to follow.
It stars Brad Pitt, though, despite Tim Cook and Craig Federighi riffing on the idea that the latter is now a pro driver.
Apple Intelligence
It's a year old, so what's been happening? In addition to the Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, Clean Up in Photos, Visual Intelligence, Natural language in Photos, Create a memory movie, and more, in 2025 Apple Intelligence will be available in more languages.
Craig Federighi, SVP of Software Engineering at Apple, says that we'll see Apple Intelligence enhancements "throughout today's presentation". And there's something new that's "pretty big": Apple Intelligence will be opening up access for any app to tap directly into the large language model (LLM) at the core of Apple Intelligence, using the Foundation Models Network.
New design: Liquid Glass
The last major redesign was in iOS 7 – which was launched all the way back in 2013. It's been 12-years, people!
So, here it is, the new design language of iOS 26 (if that's what it's to be called – still awaiting confirmation on that).
Alan Dye, VP of Human Interface Design at Apple, takes to the screen to big-up Apple's silicon and what that makes possible in this new design.
He's describing it as a "beautiful new design that's more personal and brings joy". And, for the first time, it'll be standard across Apple's platforms.
That makes sense: VisionOS, iOS, iPadOS, etcetera, will all feel like one larger ecosystem.
Liquid Glass is "translucent and performs just like glass in the real world" in a visual way. It will "transform depending on your context or content," responding "in real-time to content and your input, creating a more lively experience."
Elements for rectangular panels have been redesigned to fit curved edges, as represented by the latest iPhone handsets.
There's also a distinct 'function layer' that sits above, ready to be called upon.
And here's that name confirmation: '26' it is. That's true across all of Apple's systems, from iOS 26 to iPadOS 26, and so forth.
New Lock Screen
The new Lock Screen embodies the Liquid Glass design, but there's more.
There are dynamic wallpapers, with widgets adapting in real-time based on the content of a wallpaper.
Craig Federighi is demonstrating how the time, for example, will stretch and adjust as you change a wallpaper, or fill less of the sky in an image as new notifications come into the Lock Screen.
I think it looks pretty smart – as wacky as it could sometimes get, I'm sure.
New Camera app
The other rumour was true, then, with the iOS 26 Camera app also getting a simplified redesign.
The updated Photos app will also bring in new three-dimensional spatial animations for your stills.
Apple CarPlay update too
No stone unturned here, iOS 26 is bringing more to Apple CarPlay.
It brings widgets to the system, and live activities, so you can glance at what's important to you – without taking your eyes off the road.
The ultimate CarPlay experience, CarPlay Ultra, which brings new ways to interact with features of your car – such as dials behind the driver's wheel – will also gain this new design language and features.
Ring, ring
There's a redesign to Calls, too.
Voice Note summaries will be available thanks to Apple Intelligence, helping you to glance through what you've missed.
Call Screening helps you quickly assess whether it's just another spam call or something more worthwhile. Suspected spam calls will ask for caller name and reason for calling – which is then presented as a summary via Apple Intelligence before you decide whethe to pick up.
Hold Assist can keep your spot in line, whilst you wait for a live agent. That'll be a nice time-saver.
Messages will also adds Polls to Group Chats, while Apple Cash integration and typing indicators are all being added. The same spam screening as in Calls also takes place.
Live Translation
To help you communicate across languages, Apple Intelligence will introduce Live Translation into iOS 26.
Live Translation can automatically translate incoming and outgoing messages, including for calls – with Apple Intelligence translating into spoken language to.
This one's not a surprise and was widely expected. It's been offered by Samsung for some time, for example, so Apple had to make its moves.
Apple Music
Apple Music is going to add AutoMix to blend from tracks like an actual DJ. It will also offer Live Translation features, as applicable to what you're listening to.
Maps
Apple Intelligence comes to Apple Maps too. If your commute is going to be delayed, Maps will know your typical behaviour and warn you, while planning alternatives to help you out.
Visited Places is new and being added – easy to share, or easy to delete, as applicable.
New Games app
As rumoured: "We're creating a new destination to help you get more from your games".
Introducing the new Games app.
There's a dedicated tab for Apple Arcade. So not quite the full separation as expected, as titles will still be pulled from the App Store.
The Games app adds Challenges – a way to challenge your friends in certain games. Single player games can get in on this action too, making anything competitive.
Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence "builds on Apple Intelligence to explore your surroundings".
This is going to be added to your iPhone screen as part of iOS 26.
It works automatically with any app. Similar to Google's Circle to Search, you can now screengrab on iOS and utilise various markup, search or query functions.
If you have a question about something on screen, the 'ask' button uses ChatGPT to locate your queries – as based on what's on your screen, without the need to exit any given app.
watchOS and Workout Buddy
Apple Watch gets its due update too: watchOS 26 will bring enhancements to many everyday features. The Liquid Glass design experience will also come to your Apple Watch.
Workout Buddy is being introduced – a way to motivate you in a new way, based on the data from your previous workouts history.
This introduces a virtual coach, providing summaries during your workouts – such as best effort in a given section – and a final summary at the end.
There's a new 'wrist flick' gesture control, too, which can be used to hide notifications, for example, with the literal rotating flick of your wrist.
It's on the telly box!
Apple's tvOS will get the update, too, with Liquid Glass being introduced here too. This means controls won't 'block' what you're watching quite so much – with translucent tiles refracting the content that's behind them realistically.
Apple TV+ has heaps of great original content too. A sneak peek gave us a rundown of what's coming, with news shows every week: Chief of War with Jason Mamoa, Foundation S3, Slow Horses S5, Loot S3, Highest 2 Lowest, The Morning Show S4, The Lost Bus, Invasion S3, The Studio S2, and The Savant. There's a whole lot coming!
MacOS Tahoe
The one to skip the '26' naming rule. It's not macOS 26, it's macOS Tahoe – as was rumoured.
It includes many of the features we heard about in iOS 26.
The new design brings the Liquid Glass visual aesthetic, without changing the familiar Dock, Widgets and Desktop layout. There are new ways to personalise too: change folder colours, add symbols or emoji to them too.
Continuity cross-platform brings two new features: Live Activities and Phone (as synched from iPhone). The Phone app on Mac brings the same Live Translation and iOS 26 features.
Shortcuts for pro users. Intelligent actions let you create more powerful shortcuts.
Spotlight is getting a major update too. It puts your most relevant files within easy reach – you can even access apps via Spotlight search.
VisionOS update
Apple's Vision Pro is also in line for an update, with visionOS 26.
Personas will get an update, which has been a long time coming, delivering a more lifelike visual of your virtual avatar.
Otherwise, it's all about adding depth, with Spatial Widgets permitting personalisation of their depth, while Spatial Scenes adds AI-enhanced three-dimensional effects to photographs (as per iOS 26).
iPad is up
Craig Federighi is back for iPadOS 26, which he calls a "giant" update.
Much like the iPhone's iOS 26 incoming update, iPadOS 26 takes those visual features and bring it to the iPad form.
So what else is new and exclusive to iPad in the new software?
Improving multitasking is coming. "This is what you've all been waiting for – a new windowing system for iPad".
A grab handle in the bottom right allows you to freely resize apps into windows of any scale. So apps won't open full-screen once adjusted.
You can close and minimise individual apps, or 'flick' apps towards an edge to take advantage of the Tiling function, where apps will auto-resize and stick to the relevant side/corner.
A new Menu Bar is also coming, which is always available from the top of the screen.
Files folders can also be dragged into the Dock, giving a quick and easy way to see what's in a folder.
Preview is also coming to iPadOS 26, apeing the familiar system on Mac.
Ultimately, the latest iPads will be much closer to the first touchscreen laptop that Apple has made – a feature that lacks in MacBooks (and, based on this evidence, will perhaps never entertain).
Just one more thing? Nope, no more things...
Well, that's a wrap. No hardware teaser here. WWDC 2025 has stuck true to its roots, being all about software updates across the board, from iOS 26 to macOS 26 Tahoe, iPadOS 26, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
There's a lot of exciting stuff incoming, though, from Liquid Glass visuals across the board, to major iPad developments.
That's a wrap, y'all...