Apple's WWDC showcased a range of exciting updates and features coming to its various platforms, from iOS to VisionOS. The presentation highlighted improvements in design, functionality, and user experience.
Liquid Glass and Design Enhancements
Apple is introducing a new design aesthetic centered around "liquid glass." This material aims to blend the optical properties of glass with a fluid, dynamic response to user interaction and content.
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Liquid glass dynamically reacts to movement with specular highlights, bringing a new level of vitality to every interaction.
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Elements are redesigned to fit concentrically with the rounded corners of the hardware. This harmonization between software and hardware creates a thoughtfully considered group of controls.
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App icons are crafted from liquid glass, giving them a fresh feel while maintaining instant identifiability and adaptability to different modes, like dark mode and the all-clear look.
iOS 26 and CarPlay Updates
iOS 26 brings a variety of updates, including improvements to wallpapers, driving features, and group communication.
Dynamic Wallpapers and Driving Features
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Wallpapers are made more dynamic, with the time adapting fluidly to the available space.
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CarPlay receives a compact design for incoming calls, allowing users to see directions while staying connected. Tap backs and pinned conversations are also added to messages.
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Widgets and Live Activities in CarPlay offer quick and glanceable information while driving. CarPlay Ultra allows users to customize the layout and design of information, as well as control vehicle features.
Enhanced Group Communication
Apple is providing new ways to add personality to shared spaces.
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Users can select dynamic backgrounds or use their own photos. With Apple Intelligence, backgrounds can be generated in Image Playground.
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Messages introduces a delightful way to visualize preferences with polls. Apple Intelligence can even suggest polls based on the conversation context.
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The ability for anyone in the group to contribute new ideas and watch votes roll in live is also being added.
Live Translation
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Messages will feature live translation that can automatically translate text as you type, delivering it in the recipient's preferred language. Responses are also instantly translated.
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FaceTime will allow for translated live captions, and phone calls will offer real-time translation that is spoken aloud for the recipients.
SmartStack and Apple Watch Improvements
The SmartStack on Apple devices is becoming more intelligent and proactive, and Apple Watch is receiving enhancements to notifications.
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The SmartStack improves its prediction algorithm by fusing on-device data and daily routine trends, offering immediately useful features like workout widgets at the gym.
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Apple Watch can detect when you're in a remote location with no connectivity and suggest starting Backtrack.
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Apple Watch can now interpret ambient noise and automatically adjust the volume of incoming calls and notifications.
Apple TV+ and Mac Updates
Apple TV+ and Mac are receiving design updates and enhanced functionality.
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Playback controls on Apple TV+ now refract the content underneath, complementing the action without distraction. Control Center has been updated with the same aesthetic.
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Browsing on Apple TV+ now features a bold new look with cinematic poster art.
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Live Activities are coming to Mac, allowing users to take action directly from iPhone mirroring. The phone app is also coming to Mac, enabling access to contacts, voicemail, and call features like hold assist and live translation.
Spotlight Enhancements
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Spotlight is becoming the fastest way to browse content on Mac, offering intelligent suggestions and access to apps, including those only on iPhone through mirroring.
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System and app actions are being introduced in Spotlight, allowing users to perform tasks like creating events or starting audio recordings. Users can even fill out parameters for actions, such as composing an email.
VisionOS Spatial Experiences
VisionOS is receiving updates to its spatial experiences, focusing on widgets and window management.
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Widgets are becoming spatial, seamlessly integrating into the user's space and remaining persistent. They are also customizable in terms of frame width, color, and depth.
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New widgets include Clock with distinctive face designs, Weather that adapts to the forecast, Music for quick access, and Photos that can transform panoramas into windows to another time or place.
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Resizing apps is more fluid, and apps will reopen in the same size and position. A more precise and responsive pointer has been added, with familiar controls expanding when hovered over.
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Windows can be arranged with tiling by flicking them towards the edges.
Release Information
The new OS releases will be available as developer betas today, with a public beta coming next month, and available to all users this fall.