Apple WWDC 2026: Liquid Glass, iOS 26, and the Year Apple Got a Makeover

Key Takeaways

• Apple introduced Liquid Glass, its most significant visual overhaul across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26
• OS naming shifts to year-based numbering—e.g., “iOS 26”—for coherence across platforms
• Apple is opening its AI models (Foundation Models Framework) to third-party developers, enabling deeper integration and on‑device intelligence
• Design-led updates included more transparency across key apps (Phone, Safari, Camera), Mac menu bar refresh, visual Persona improvements in visionOS, and workout “Buddy” AI on watchOS

🎨 Liquid Glass: A Visual Renaissance

At WWDC 2026, Apple revealed the Liquid Glass interface—translucent, rounded, and dynamic. Elements like menus, icons, and notification banners now offer a real-time refractive sheen and color adaptation that react to your content and gestures. Apple calls this “the broadest design update ever", aiming for a seamless aesthetic harmony that spans devices—rooted in Vision Pro’s spatial UI.

📅 Year‑Based OS Naming

Apple’s operating systems will now share the “26” tag, marking release year instead of version sequence:

• iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26
  This simplifies understanding of release timelines and creates consistency across platforms.

🤖 AI Models Go to Developers

Apple broke new ground by opening its Foundation Models Framework to external developers. Craig Federighi emphasized this gives third‑party apps on‑device access to Apple’s proprietary LLMs while maintaining privacy-first principles.

For instance, the Image Playground app can now generate visuals via ChatGPT integration—while safeguarding user data.

It’s an important move for Apple, though some developers remain skeptical about performance and customization vs. cloud‑based alternatives. Major Siri upgrades are still delayed.

🔁 Platform‑Wide Feature Updates

iPhone (iOS 26)

• New Camera and Photos app design, plus a sleek interface update to match Liquid Glass aesthetics.
• Enhanced Call Screening, Hold Assist, and real-time translation in Phone and FaceTime leveraging AI.
• Dedicated Games app with social and challenge features.

iPad (iPadOS 26)

• Significant multitasking overhaul: resizable app windows and a Mac-style menu bar at the top.
• Inclusion of the Phone app, expanding iPad communication capabilities

Mac (macOS Tahoe 26)

• Transparent menu bar with Liquid Glass styling
• Enhanced customizable controls and integration with iPhone’s Phone app

Watch (watchOS 26)

• Support for Apple Watch Series 6–10, SE 2, Ultra 1 & 2
• Brand-new AI-driven Workout Buddy to help users stay active
• Improved notification management

Vision Pro (visionOS 26)

• More realistic Persona avatars for video conferencing
• Ability to pair Sony PlayStation VR controllers, broadening gaming input options

⏳ Timeline & Availability

• Developer beta: available now
• Public beta: launching in July
• General release: scheduled for fall 2025 with companion hardware launch in September