Apple has launched iOS 26, macOS 26, and iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, featuring a transparent Liquid Glass design across all platforms. The updates introduce new features like unified naming, enhanced app redesigns, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Despite the visual updates, Apple’s AI features have drawn criticism for being behind competitors.
The new software versions, labeled with the year ’26’ instead of traditional version numbers, are set to arrive in late 2025. This naming change is meant to give users a clearer understanding of what each update entails. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 bring a fresh look, with the Liquid Glass design using translucent materials and subtle animations to create a sense of depth and clarity. This visual effect is reminiscent of the old Windows Vista, but with a modern twist.
Across all devices, Apple has introduced a series of design improvements aimed at enhancing user experience. These include updated interfaces for core apps such as the Camera, Safari, and Messages. The iPadOS 26 update, in particular, makes the iPad more Mac-like by introducing new windowing capabilities and a more precise mouse pointer. Additionally, macOS Tahoe 26 brings the Liquid Glass design to Macs, giving the Dock, toolbars, and system colors a translucent, glass-like look.
Apple’s integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its ecosystem is a pivotal update, allowing users to access the AI assistant within various apps like Mail and Notes. This integration is opt-in and comes with privacy protections, ensuring users must grant permission before any data is sent to ChatGPT. The partnership marks the first time GPT-4o has been embedded into Apple’s ecosystem for backup AI tasks, but the feature remains a limited part of Apple’s broader AI strategy.
Despite these updates, Apple’s AI innovations have come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the company’s AI features, including the new Siri, are falling behind competitors who have been rolling out more frequent AI advancements. The introduction of features like live translation and Workout Buddy is seen as less groundbreaking compared to similar offerings from Google and Microsoft. This perceived gap highlights Apple’s slow progress in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The company’s approach to AI is also evident in its cautious handling of the integration. By emphasizing privacy protections and user opt-in controls, Apple seeks to balance innovation with security. However, the lack of major updates to Siri, a key area of focus for the company, has raised concerns among users and analysts. The current version of Siri is only available in limited beta, indicating that significant advancements may not be imminent.
Overall, Apple’s WWDC 2025 has provided a mix of enhancements and strategic moves. While the new design and software updates are appreciated, the company’s AI developments have been met with mixed reactions. The challenge for Apple appears to be balancing innovation with user privacy while competing against more agile market players in the AI space.