iOS 26 takes center stage: The 10 most exciting Apple OS features from WWDC

Cupertino: Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has once again delivered a glimpse into the future of its operating systems, with iOS 26 leading the charge as the most anticipated update for iPhone users.

The event, held in Cupertino, California, showcased a range of groundbreaking features to redefine how users interact with their devices, from a visually stunning new design to powerful new AI capabilities.

Here are 10 of the most exciting updates announced by Apple, set to arrive this fall:

The "Liquid Glass" design revolution

iOS 26 introduces an entirely new design language dubbed "Liquid Glass." This translucent material will redefine the look of app icons, widgets, and controls across the system. It's crafted to dynamically reflect and refract surroundings, creating a visually rich and responsive experience that still feels instantly familiar. This new aesthetic will extend to the Lock and Home Screen, making them more personal and expressive.

watchOS 26

Apple’s preview of watchOS 26 is set to bring a stunning new look and smarter features to the Apple Watch. A fresh design, utilising what Apple calls "Liquid Glass," will make elements like the Smart Stack and Control Center more expressive while keeping the familiar feel of watchOS. According to Apple, " Workout Buddy " will boost the fitness experience," offering personalised, spoken motivation. The Workout app will get a new layout, and music suggestions will be tailored to a user's tastes and workout type.

Apple also said that everyday interactions will be made easier with new Smart Stack hints, updated Messages features, and a convenient one-handed wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications.

Dedicated Apple Games app

For the first time, Apple will introduce a dedicated "Apple Games" app, creating a centralised destination for all gaming activities.

This app will help players discover new titles, jump back into favourites, and connect with friends, acting as a hub for App Store games and Apple Arcade.

Live translation

Breaking down language barriers, Live Translation will be integrated directly into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app. This feature will translate text and audio on the fly, allowing users to communicate effortlessly across different languages and focusing on on-device processing for privacy.

Visual Intelligence for on-screen action

Apple Intelligence will extend to a user's iPhone screen, enabling them to search and act on anything they view across apps.

Users can ask questions about on-screen content (even with ChatGPT integration), find similar images or products, and have events automatically suggested for calendar additions.

macOS Tahoe 26

Apple provided a first look at MacOS Tahoe 26, the latest major update for its Mac computers, promising a stunning new design and powerful capabilities.

Connectivity between Apple devices has also significantly improved, with the phone app now arriving on Mac, allowing users to access familiar iPhone features and new ones like call screening directly from their desktop. Live Activities from the iPhone will also keep Mac users updated on real-time events.

Spotlight is receiving its biggest update, allowing users to execute hundreds of actions directly and find content faster. Apple Intelligence is expanding with powerful features, including Live Translation, new creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground, and more powerful Shortcuts designed to elevate the Mac experience while prioritising privacy.

visionOS 26

With visionOS 26, widgets will become spatial, anchoring directly in a user's physical space. Personas (digital representations of users) will appear more expressive and realistic. The update also introduces shared spatial experiences, allowing multiple Vision Pro users in the same room to interact within a shared virtual environment.

New enterprise APIs will allow organisations to create unique spatial experiences tailored for visionOS. Additionally, visionOS 26 will support 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view content from cameras like Insta360, GoPro, and Canon. Gamers will also benefit from support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, opening up new gaming possibilities on Apple Vision Pro.

AirPods

AirPods will become more versatile, with new features for various models. Building on existing capabilities, users can soon record studio-quality audio directly from their AirPods when creating content on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. A new "camera remote" feature will allow users to press and hold the AirPods stem to take photos or start/stop video recordings on their connected devices.

iPadOS 26

iPads are set to become even more powerful with iPadOS 26. Apple has introduced a significantly enhanced multitasking system, allowing users to resize app windows and place them precisely where needed fluidly. This update also introduces new window controls, gestures, and an "Exposé" view to quickly see all open windows, aiming to bridge the gap between tablet and traditional computing.

Image playground

Apple has announced a significant enhancement to its Image Playground tool for iOS 26, integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT assistant. This upgrade will allow users to transform contact posters into various styles for calls and text chats. Users will describe their desired style, and ChatGPT will process the image accordingly.