WWDC 2025 — A Bold New Era for Apple

Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote kicked off with a high-octane intro and never slowed down, delivering one of the most transformative events in recent memory. This wasn't just another showcase of new features — it was a bold statement on the future of computing. From a revolutionary new design language to private, on-device artificial intelligence, Apple is fundamentally reshaping how we interact with our technology.

Liquid Glass — A New Visual Identity

The most immediately striking reveal was Liquid Glass, Apple's most ambitious interface redesign since iOS 7. This new cross-platform design language brings fluid, translucent layers and motion-aware depth to the user experience. App icons, widgets, and menus feel alive, responding to light and interaction with a liquid-like flow.

What makes Liquid Glass significant is its universal implementation. For the first time, every Apple platform — from the iPhone in your pocket to the Mac on your desk — shares a single, cohesive visual identity.

Apple Intelligence — AI, the Apple Way

The centerpiece of the event was Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI capabilities that takes a decidedly different path from its competitors. By operating entirely on-device, Apple ensures personal data and context remain private and secure.

Key capabilities include:

• Creative tools — Genmoji and Image Playground directly within Messages and Notes
• Smarter communication — intelligent Mail replies, real-time translation, and one-tap summarization
• Visual intelligence — point your camera at an object or text for instant, context-aware information
• Developer access — a new Foundation Models API for third-party apps without compromising privacy

The Leap to Version 26

In a surprising but logical move, Apple aligned its software with a year-based naming convention, jumping all operating systems forward to version 26 — signaling a unified new beginning for the entire product line.

Platform Highlights

• iOS 26 — Liquid Glass aesthetic across Lock Screen, Camera, and Photos, combined with system-wide Apple Intelligence
• macOS Tahoe — enhanced continuity with a Phone app for call screening, and a powerhouse Spotlight
• iPadOS 26 — Mac-like multitasking, persistent Menu Bar, revamped Files app, and full background task support
• watchOS 26 — Workout Buddy AI coaching, refreshed Smart Stack, and a new wrist-flick gesture
• tvOS 26 — real-time emoji reactions and Apple Music Sing via iPhone microphone
• visionOS 26 — persistent widgets, shared spatial experiences, and PlayStation VR2 controller support

Empowering Developers

This new era is powered by new tools. Xcode 16 now includes a built-in AI assistant, while the Foundation Models framework and new SwiftUI APIs make it easier to integrate Apple Intelligence and the Liquid Glass aesthetic into apps.

Developer betas for all version 26 operating systems are available now, with public betas scheduled for July and the official release planned for fall.

Key Takeaways

There were a lot of announcements across the Keynote and Platform State of the Union. Here are the ones I feel matter most:

Foundation Models & On-Device Apple Intelligence

• Private and on-device by design — no cloud dependencies
• No app size impact — the model is embedded in the OS
• Cross-platform support across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and visionOS
• Generable annotations for strongly typed Swift output without manual parsing
• Guide macro for fine-grained control over model output
• Tool calling for real-world integration (e.g. MapKit fetches)
• Live prompt experimentation in Xcode Playgrounds
• Streaming via PartiallyGenerated types for better perceived performance
• Foundation Models profiler in Instruments
• Latency reduction via prewarming and IncludeSchemaInPrompt = false

Apple Wallet

• Upcoming Events support for multi-event tickets with customizable detail screens
• Upgraded boarding passes with live flight data, Live Activities, and Maps integration
• Background pass addition via PKPassLibrary with one-time authorization

UI Automation with Xcode

• Record → replay → review workflow across iOS, macOS, visionOS, tvOS, and watchOS
• Accessibility identifiers drive stable automation
• Test plans for multi-locale, multi-device runs with Xcode Cloud integration

WWDC 2025 pics

I was fortunate to receive an invite from Apple to attend the event person.

June 8

June 9 - Keynote

The Bigger Picture

WWDC 2025 was more than a list of updates — it was the unveiling of a clear, unified vision for the next decade of personal computing. By integrating powerful AI that respects privacy and deploying a bold design language that unifies every device, Apple is betting on a future where technology feels less like a tool and more like an extension of you.

I feel Apple is getting us ready for transparent displays — perhaps smart glasses are closer than we think.