New design, smarter features, and your iPad might finally replace your laptop.
Apple just gave its software a full makeover. At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025), the tech giant revealed updates coming to the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and more. Apple is about to roll out smoother design, better multitasking, and smarter tools across the board.
Here’s what’s coming soon:
New name, new look
This year, Apple is keeping things simple. Instead of version numbers that make you guess what’s current, all operating systems now follow the year. So: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and so on.
Apple also introduced a new design language called Liquid Glass. It’s sleek, soft, and semi-transparent, letting your wallpaper shine through buttons, sliders, and even menus. Scroll through apps and you’ll notice smooth, almost fluid animations. Tab bars adjust as you move. System elements no longer just sit there, they respond. It’s Apple’s first full design overhaul in years.
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Big upgrades for iPad users
The iPad is finally catching up to the Mac. With iPadOS 26, you’ll be able to resize and move app windows freely. There’s also a new menu bar, a smarter mouse pointer, and better multitasking tools—making the iPad feel more like a real computer.
The iPad is also getting four new apps: Journal (now with Apple Pencil support), Apple Games (a hub for all your Arcade titles), Preview (borrowed from macOS so you can view and edit PDFs), and the Phone app. (Yes, so you can get actual calls on your iPad.) There’s also a better Calculator with 3D graphing, and Notes now supports markdown and audio recording with auto-transcription. It’s a big leap that finally makes the iPad feel like a proper desktop alternative.
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What’s new on the iPhone?
In iOS 26, the Camera app is easier to use with just two main options: Photo and Video. You can swipe to access other modes. Safari now takes up the full screen for a cleaner look. The Phone app combines your favorites, recent calls, and voicemails in one simple view.
The Messages app is getting more fun too because you can set custom chat backgrounds, create polls in group chats, and block unknown senders into a separate folder.
There’s also a new Apple Intelligence tool. Just press the screenshot buttons to bring up an AI helper that can answer questions about what’s on your screen or help you search for similar things online.
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Mac upgrades you’ll actually use
MacOS Tahoe 26 makes Spotlight search much more useful. You’ll get more accurate results and be able to take actions, like starting a message or creating a note without leaving the search bar. The new Games and Phone apps are also coming to Mac, along with support for iPhone’s Live Activities, which let you see things like timers and deliveries on your desktop.
Design-wise, the Mac gets the same Liquid Glass treatment as the iPhone and iPad, including a more transparent Dock, refined icons, and better widget support. Your screen will feel more open, but still familiar.
Small changes that make a difference
There are also a few smaller updates that quietly make everyday use better. On the Apple Watch, watchOS 26 introduces a new wrist flick gesture to quickly dismiss notifications, along with an AI-powered workout coach that gives real-time tips during exercise.
AirPods are getting smarter too. You’ll soon be able to tap the stem to snap a photo with your iPhone or record clearer audio thanks to improved voice isolation. Apple is also rolling out live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, letting you translate chats and calls instantly.
Support for PlayStation VR2 controllers is coming on the Vision Pro headset too, along with new ways to scroll through apps and view widgets that float right in your space.
When is it all coming out?
All these updates are now available in developer beta, with public releases set for later this year. If you don’t like early bugs, it’s best to wait until the official launch in late 2025.
