Apple officially kicks off the first day of WWDC 2025 on a high note on June 10, announcing the most-awaited major software updates and changes in their overall creative direction moving forward, starting with iOS 26. Â
It may come as a surprise to tech enthusiasts that Apple’s decision to revamp its software numbering bypasses iOS 19 altogether. However, this is not the first time that they have made such a bold move.
It is worth noting that Apple scrapped the supposed “iPhone 9” when the iPhone 8 and iPhone X were released simultaneously in 2017, with the latter commemorating the flagship device’s 10th anniversary on its namesake. This time around, Apple has uniformly rebranded all software cycles from here on, naming them after the year of their release.
iOS 26 is said to be Apple’s most significant redesign of its UI since the release of iOS 7 nearly 12 years ago.
The “Liquid Glass” serves as the centerpiece of the refreshed software design, which features glass morphism elements seamlessly integrated into iOS devices’ lock screens, application icons, and its entire interface—a polar opposite and marks the departure from the minimalist and flat iconography Apple has been known for over the past decade.
It is reminiscent of Frutiger Aero, a popular aesthetic design that emerged in the early 2000s, found on various products, packaging, and even gadgets, characterized by the juxtaposition of aquatic nature themes.
During the keynote, Apple introduced new features in the upcoming software updates, but not limited to the following:
- Liquid Glass design
- Phone and Camera – redesigned controls
- Safari – new edge-to-edge webpage design and tab bar placement
- Messages – backgrounds, and in-app group chat polls
- Apple Music – lyrics translation/pronunciation, music pins, and AutoMix
- Apple Intelligence improvements and new features – Writing Tools, GenMoji, Image Playground, Clean Up in Photos, Application Summaries/Transcription, and Visual Intelligence
For those who are eager to get their hands on the newest software, beta updates for iOS 26 are now available to the public. Compatible devices start from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd generation). These features will also be available on iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
While an exact release date for iOS 26 remains unofficial, a recurring pattern suggests it is likely around September, coinciding with the launch of the upcoming iPhone 17 and new Apple devices. Further information is expected throughout the five-day event, concluding on June 14.
You can watch the stream of WWDC Day 1 on Apple’s website and its official YouTube channel.