Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 26 Vows Major Overhaul After ‘Worst AI’ Criticism in Silicon Valley
Apple Unveils iOS 26 at WWDC 2025: Major Redesign and AI Upgrades
By Chris Melore, Assistant Science Editor for DailyMail.com
Updated: 20:20 BST, 9 June 2025
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 kicked off with groundbreaking announcements, led by CEO Tim Cook and software chief Craig Federighi. The star of the show was iOS 26, the iPhone’s new operating system, hailed as Apple’s biggest redesign since iOS 7.
Revolutionary "Liquid Glass" Design
iOS 26 introduces a sleek “liquid glass” aesthetic, inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This design gives apps and photos a futuristic 3D appearance, with dynamic, translucent elements on the home and lock screens. The update extends to iPads, Macs (via macOS Tahoe), and Apple Watches, featuring transparent menu bars and customizable interfaces.
Smarter Apple Intelligence
Despite criticism of its AI capabilities, Apple doubled down on Apple Intelligence, integrating advanced features:
- Real-time translation for calls, texts, and FaceTime.
- Workout Buddy on Apple Watch, offering AI-generated encouragement.
- Call Screening and voicemail summaries, rivaling Google’s features.
- Expanded language support and a developer-friendly “Foundation Models” framework for AI customization.
iPad Overhaul and Mac Updates
The iPad receives a windowed display system, allowing resizable apps and improved multitasking. Federighi called it a “mind-blowing release,” emphasizing streamlined workflows. Meanwhile, macOS Tahoe enhances personalization with customizable folders and widgets.
Apple Wallet & Camera Upgrades
- Wallet now tracks purchases, stores digital IDs, and simplifies airport check-ins.
- Camera app redesigned with 3D photo viewing and intuitive menus.
Beta Testing & Availability
Developers gained access to iOS 26 immediately after the keynote, while a public beta launches in July. The official release arrives this fall, alongside updates for iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
Protest Interruption
Federighi’s presentation was briefly disrupted by a protester, echoing recent tech event tensions. Details of their message remain unclear.
Cook closed the event by heralding iOS 26 as a “new era” for Apple, blending cutting-edge design with smarter AI tools. Stay tuned for the public beta rollout next month.
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