Apple debuts Liquid Glass interface at design-focused WWDC event

Apple Inc. unveiled a brand new working system interface referred to as Liquid Glass at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention, an occasion that targeted closely on aesthetics and design components quite than software program breakthroughs.

For the primary time, the identical interface will work throughout the corporate’s merchandise, govt Alan Dye mentioned Monday throughout a video presentation from Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. He described it as the corporate’s broadest design replace ever.

Apple additionally confirmed plans to open up its AI fashions to exterior builders—a transfer that lets app creators weave the expertise into their software program.

The substitute intelligence market has been a weak spot for Apple. After unveiling its Apple Intelligence platform ultimately 12 months’s WWDC, the corporate was gradual to roll out new options—and its expertise has paled subsequent to that of Silicon Valley friends. This 12 months’s convention is not anticipated to show issues round, however Apple is planning to showcase greater AI breakthroughs in 2026, Bloomberg Information has reported.

As a part of the adjustments, Apple is renaming its OS lineup to consult with the 12 months quite than model numbers. The subsequent technology of software program for the flagship iPhone might be generally known as iOS 26. The opposite new releases embrace watchOS 26, macOS 26 and iPadOS 26.

The occasion, higher generally known as WWDC, is Apple’s yearly showcase of upcoming software program and options. Although the corporate launched some new AI capabilities as a part of the convention, the main focus was extra on working system adjustments and design components—the form of enhancements which will excite Apple followers however do not usually impress traders.

Bloomberg Information reported on the adjustments previous to the occasion, which held few surprises. Apple shares slid as a lot as 1.9% throughout the presentation earlier than starting to rebound. Already, the inventory was down 19% this 12 months by way of the top of final week, costing the corporate its crown because the world’s most useful enterprise.

The corporate has crammed some gaps in its AI lineup by teaming up with OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. That relationship, first introduced final 12 months, will embrace new image-creation capabilities, Apple mentioned on Monday. The corporate additionally highlighted live-translation capabilities and mapping options that study from customers’ routines. And there is a new devoted gaming app that ties collectively options and lets gamers problem their mates.

Apple mentioned that its Imaginative and prescient Professional headset will now work with Sony Group Corp.’s PlayStation VR controllers, one other try to entice extra players. The product’s software program, visionOS, additionally options extra reasonable Persona digital avatars for videoconferencing.

For the Apple Watch, a brand new Exercise app will embrace an AI-infused “Buddy” characteristic that helps customers keep match. The MacOS software program, in the meantime, has a clear menu bar with extra customizable controls and may now use the iPhone’s Telephone app. It is going to be generally known as MacOS 26 Tahoe, named for the well-known lake that straddles the California-Nevada border.

Apple is bettering the multitasking capabilities of the iPad and including a menu bar to the highest, making it extra just like the Mac. The adjustments are anticipated to assist customers be extra productive and switch the iPad right into a simpler instrument for workplace work.

Chief Govt Officer Tim Cook dinner mentioned that beta variations of the software program might be obtainable to builders instantly. In July, it is going to go right into a public beta—a stage the place extra customers can check out the software program—earlier than launching to all shoppers within the fall.

The hope is to offer clients extra causes to improve their gadgets—at a time when costs are prone to rise. Apple has been contending with Trump administration tariffs, prompting it to shift manufacturing of U.S.-bound iPhones to India. Even with the adjustments, the corporate is more and more prone to improve costs. Apple usually unveils new gadgets in September.

2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content material Company, LLC.