Highlights
- Liquid Glass UI: Translucent, dynamic interface with 3D effects.
- Apple Intelligence 2.0: Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, AI shortcuts.
- iPhone 16 Exclusive: Apple Intelligence requires iPhone 16 series or 15 Pro.
- Revamped Apps: Unified Phone, Messages screening, Apple Games hub.
- CarPlay & AirPods: Compact call view, AirPods as camera remote.
WWDC 2025: iOS 26’s Grand Debut
At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iOS 26 – a transformative update blending aesthetic innovation with cutting-edge AI. Featuring the groundbreaking Liquid Glass UI, enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, and app overhauls, this release redefines the iPhone experience. Here’s your complete guide to Apple’s vision for the future.
iOS 26 Compatibility
WWDC 2025 confirmed iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and later. However, Apple Intelligence features demand more power:
Apple Intelligence-Ready Models: iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro only.
Beta Access:
- Developers: Test iOS 26 now.
- Public Beta: July 2025 via Apple Beta Software Program.
Liquid Glass UI: Visual Revolution
Craig Federighi introduced Liquid Glass at WWDC 2025 – a translucent design language reflecting ambient elements. Key upgrades:
- Dynamic Icons/Widgets: Glass-like aesthetics with 3D motion effects.
- Adaptive Lock Screen: Time widget auto-resizes around images.
- Streamlined Apps: Floating tab bars in Music/News, flowing Safari pages.
- Camera/Photos: Simplified layout + split Library/Collections views.
Apple Intelligence: Smarter Than Ever
WWDC 2025 expanded Apple’s on-device AI ecosystem:
- Live Translation: Real-time text/audio conversion in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone (supports 8+ languages).
- Visual Intelligence: ChatGPT-powered screen queries + event detection (e.g., auto-add calendar invites).
- Writing Tools/Image Playground: AI-generated shortcuts, emoji mashups (“Genmojis”), and invoice summaries.
- Foundation Models: Developer access to Apple’s on-device AI core.
App Transformations
Phone
- Unified Favorites/Recents/Voicemail tabs.
- Call Screening: Live Voicemail filters spam.
- Hold Assist: Alerts when agents answer.
Messages
- Unknown Sender Screening: Silenced folder for spam.
- AI Chat Backgrounds: Generate custom backdrops.
- Typing Indicators: See replies in progress for group chats.
Apple Music
- Lyrics Translation/Pronunciation: Learn songs in real-time.
- AutoMix AI: Beat-matched transitions between tracks.
New! Apple Games
Centralized hub for game launches, events, and activity tracking.
CarPlay & AirPods Upgrades
CarPlay (iOS 26)
- Compact Call View: Incoming calls won’t hide navigation.
- Pinned Conversations: Access key chats faster.
- Live Activities: Real-time alerts (e.g., sports scores).
AirPods
- Studio-Quality Recording: Enhanced clarity for calls/creators (AirPods 4/Pro 2 only).
- Camera Shutter Remote: Press stem to capture photos/videos.
WWDC 2025: iOS 26 FAQs
When will iOS 26 release?
Public rollout expected September 2025.
Which iPhones support Apple Intelligence?
iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models only.
What is Liquid Glass UI?
A translucent, adaptive design with 3D motion effects.
Can AirPods 3 use the camera remote?
No. Only AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
Is Live Translation offline?
Yes! On-device AI processes translations privately.
WWDC 2025 cemented Apple’s AI ambitions with iOS 26, while rivals like OPPO and Vivo chase hardware milestones. Liquid Glass’s elegance and Apple Intelligence’s utility set new standards – but only flagship iPhones reap the full benefits.
