New Features Unveiled in iOS 26 at WWDC 2025
Apple took the tech world by storm at WWDC 2025 with the announcement of iOS 26, showcasing a range of exciting new features that had been the subject of numerous rumors leading up to the event. From a fresh naming strategy to a dedicated gaming app and a virtual health coach, here are the key highlights that were confirmed during the keynote presentation.
New Name: iOS 26
One of the most significant changes introduced by Apple is the renaming of its operating systems to align with the release year, a departure from traditional version numbering. This means that iOS 19 has now become iOS 26, a move reminiscent of how car model years are designated. The renaming convention extends to other software updates like iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Major Design Overhaul: Liquid Glass Interface
Apple revealed a complete visual overhaul for iOS 26, described as the most significant design change since iOS 7. The new interface, inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro headset, features translucent panels for navigation and circular app icons, creating a sleek and modern look. This design overhaul, dubbed “Liquid Glass,” will be implemented across Apple’s ecosystem, including CarPlay, to ensure a cohesive user experience.
Notable updates were also made to key apps like the Phone, Camera, and Safari, with enhancements such as a consolidated view in the Phone app for favorite contacts and recent calls, as well as visual tweaks like a transparent address bar in Safari.
Dedicated Gaming App
Apple introduced a dedicated gaming app that integrates Apple Arcade and the App Store’s game offerings, providing a central hub for achievements, leaderboards, and accessing game content. This move follows Apple’s acquisition of game studio RAC7, signaling a deeper commitment to the gaming industry.
Virtual Health Coach: Workout Buddy
Workout Buddy, an AI-powered virtual health coach, was unveiled by Apple to motivate users during workouts in real-time. The chatbot gathers data from the Health app, such as pace and distance covered, to provide personalized fitness guidance. While previous reports suggested a food-tracking feature in the Health app, this was not mentioned during the event.
AI Translation for Messages and Other Updates
The Messages app now features Apple Intelligence-powered translation capabilities, enabling automatic message translation upon receipt. Additionally, a new polling feature powered by AI allows users in group chats to vote and receive poll suggestions. Users can now set background images in Messages, similar to popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
Preview App for iPad Users
iPad users can now enjoy the Preview app, previously exclusive to macOS, allowing them to annotate and edit PDFs directly on their devices. This feature enhances productivity and document management on the iPad platform.
Missing Features and Rumors
Despite the exciting announcements, some rumored features were notably absent from the keynote, including AI-powered battery management and reverse wireless charging. The delayed Siri capabilities highlighted in a previous presentation and the rumored Genmoji feature were also missing from the lineup, leaving room for speculation about future updates.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, iOS 26 promises a dynamic user experience with a host of new features and enhancements. Stay tuned for further updates and developments from the tech giant.
This article was originally published on June 3 and has been updated to reflect the confirmed rumors at WWDC 2025.
