Apple Debuts ‘Liquid Glass’ Interface at WWDC Event 2025

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Synopsis

Apple’s WWDC 2025 event centers on the debut of the ‘Liquid Glass’ interface, renaming OS versions to ‘26’, and offering incremental AI features—but will it impress investors?

Key takeaways:

• Apple launches ‘Liquid Glass’, a universal interface across iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26.
• AI features expand, but real breakthroughs won’t arrive until 2026.
• MacOS 26, dubbed ‘Tahoe’, and Vision Pro’s new PlayStation VR support aim to lure power users.
• Investors remain skeptical, with Apple shares dipping 1.9% during the event.

Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass’ interface

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple Inc. unveiled the striking new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface—a sweeping design update that applies seamlessly across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches.

Executive Alan Dye called it “the company’s broadest design update ever,” signaling a visual overhaul rather than a technical leap. This consistent design language may delight design aficionados but leaves questions around real innovation for now.

New naming system: iOS 26 and beyond

In a significant move, Apple has renamed its entire OS lineup based on years rather than version numbers.

This change covers iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26—a nod to the future of annual, predictable software refreshes.

macOS 26, named ‘Tahoe,’ adds a transparent menu bar with customizable controls and deeper integration with iPhone’s Phone app, blending aesthetics and functionality in a subtle evolution.

Breakthroughs await in 2026

While AI took a backseat to design at WWDC, Apple confirmed it’s opening its AI models to outside developers, enabling third-party apps to tap into Apple’s machine-learning potential.

However, despite last year’s unveiling of the Apple Intelligence platform, Apple’s AI remains behind its peers.

Bloomberg News reports the real AI breakthroughs won’t arrive until 2026, with today’s announcements seen more as incremental progress than a game-changer.

Apple is shoring up its AI gaps by collaborating with OpenAI, integrating new image-generation features, and adding live-translation capabilities and mapping tools that adapt to users’ routines.

It’s also debuting a new dedicated gaming app, underscoring Apple’s ambition to keep gamers in its ecosystem.

Vision Pro and Mac updates seek broader appeal

Apple’s Vision Pro headset — a premium AR/VR offering — now supports Sony’s PlayStation VR controllers, a play to capture the gaming audience’s attention.

The new visionOS update also introduces more lifelike Persona avatars, enhancing virtual meetings with realism and personality.

The Apple Watch’s updated Workout app features an AI-powered “Buddy” tool designed to keep fitness fans motivated.

Meanwhile, iPadOS 26 promises to turn iPads into office-friendly workhorses, adding a new top menu bar and refined multitasking for a more Mac-like experience.

Despite the design glitz, Apple’s stock slid by as much as 1.9% during the event, extending this year’s 19% decline that has cost Apple its crown as the world’s most valuable company.

Investors appeared wary, noting that while design matters, these tweaks didn’t amount to the “breakthroughs” that drive valuation and market excitement.

The road ahead

Tim Cook confirmed that developer beta versions of the new software are available immediately, with a public beta set to roll out in July. Consumers can expect to see the full launch in the fall, likely alongside the annual iPhone unveiling in September.

This release cadence aims to incentivize device upgrades and justify possible price increases, especially as Apple grapples with tariffs and shifting its US-bound iPhone production to India.

As always, WWDC sets the tone for Apple’s future, but this year’s focus on visual updates over technical leaps may not fully satisfy investors or AI-hungry developers.

Will 2026 be the year of true AI transformation? Stay tuned.

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