Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-introduces-a-delightful-and-elegant-new-software-design/
Apple just hosted their Worldwide Developers Conference for 2025 and announced a ton of new software updates for their entire operating system catalogue. (Now called “26” to match the current year for macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, visionOS and iPadOS)
Liquid Glass
iOS and most of Apples design language has been mostly flat and minimal ever since iOS 7 (During Jonny Ives influence.) and before that it was skeuomorphism (Steve Jobs influence.). This is the first time in over a decade we get to see the post Jonny Ive design era from Apple.
Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-introduces-a-delightful-and-elegant-new-software-design/
Overall the new glass aesthetic looks visually striking. I will be curious to try out the all new “Clear Icons” mode with abstract color wallpapers to see how to refracts the color.
visionOS Updates
Apple announced many updates for visionOS 26
Support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers.
“Players will be able to enjoy a new class of games on Apple Vision Pro with support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers.”
This was one critique for when the Apple Vision Pro first came out was the reliance on only figure gestures (Even though the accuracy was quite accurate). Support for more input options is always welcomed. Interesting that they decided to partner with Sony vs design their own. I guess why not re-invent the wheel when Sony already has?
Spatially Pinned Widgets
Widgets are coming to Vision Pro with the ability to spatially pin them to a wall within your home. This way your could have a virtual calendar by the fridge or a panoramic window showing the view of your last vacation.
Big updates to macOS Spotlight
macOS Tahoe brings updates to Spotlight Search:
Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/macos-tahoe-26-makes-the-mac-more-capable-productive-and-intelligent-than-ever/
Spotlight now has more built in functions such as hotkeys applications can build off of. Apple Shortcuts can also be invoked by Spotlight now as well which has new ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence integrations. As a Shortcuts fan since the beginning this is really exciting to see. This brings Spotlight closer to the terminal while also remining user friendly. I am excited to try it soon!
iPadOS gets even more versatile!
From full screen apps to Split View and Slide Over, Stage Manager to now “An Entirely New Powerful and Intuitive Windowing System”
iPadOS now supports full multiple floating window support now (Very similar to macOS with the traffic lights but in a very iPad way). The age old question gets asked again: “Are the iPads and Mac merging?” I think not, as the Mac will always be a mouse input first device and the iPad remains a touch input first device there will always be that distinction.
Wrap Up
Overall This was an interesting year for WWDC. With Apples new design language and uniformity across their product catalogue. I will be excited to the betas in action and try out the full releases this fall!