Apple will hold WWDC25 (Worldwide Developers Conference) at 1 a.m. on June 10, 2025, Taiwan time, and will change the tail numbers of its operating system versions to be named after years, adjusting them to “26” to correspond to the upcoming 2026. The new version of the operating system is expected to begin providing a public beta version in July, and all system updates will be launched with the new iPhone 17 in the fall.
What are the main functions and features of version 26 operating system released at WWDC25? The following is a summary and explanation:
1. The operating system version is named after the year:
In order to simplify version identification, Apple announced at WWDC25 that future operating system version numbers will be named after years, making it easier for users to determine whether the operating system version is new or old. The next generation versions of the operating systems will be named iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and vision 26.
2. Apple Intelligence function enhancement and launch of Traditional Chinese version before the end of the year:
WWDC25 announced that Apple Intelligence will launch a Traditional Chinese version before the end of the year, and the new “Live Translation” will help cross-language communication; Genmoji and “Image Paradise” have also been updated, and the visual intelligence function has been extended to the iPhone screen to facilitate searching in different apps and operating based on content. Users can query information about screen content through ChatGPT, or search for similar images and products on supporting apps such as Google and Etsy.
3. Adopt the new “Liquid Glass” visual design language:
Apple has released a new visual design called “Liquid Glass”, which features a translucent texture and will be applied to all next versions of its operating systems (iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26) to achieve a unified style design across all platforms. “Liquid Glass” allows the operating interface to present a transparent and glossy texture that is superimposed like transparent glass. It replaces the past with a more rounded design, making the graphics more dynamic, improving the visual effect of the system, and allowing users to focus more on the content. The control, browsing, app icons and widgets on the interface have also been adjusted, and the operating styles on different platforms are more consistent.
4. New features and supported models of iOS 26:
In addition to adopting a new “Liquid Glass” visual design operating interface, iOS 26 also introduces a new “smart multitasking card” design that can preview content in real time and support quick replies and shortcut suggestions. It also enhances many AI functions that have already appeared in the Android operating system, including real-time translation of messages, generative retouching tools added to the photo app, AI-driven health functions and battery management. In addition, AirPods will support real-time translation, and Siri will also integrate AI upgrades to become more intelligent and support spam text message detection and call screening functions.. In addition, RCS supports end-to-end encryption, memos support Markdown export, the music playback interface will have richer visual effects, the process of transferring eSIM to Android devices will be simplified, a new privacy control center…
iOS26 will support iPhone 11 series and above (including iPhone SE second generation). Compared with iOS18,It will be excluded that older models equipped with A12 bionic chips such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max cannot be upgraded.
5.New features of iPasOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26:
A.iPadOS 26:
iPadOS 26Make the tablet more like a Mac computer, with adjustable windows, PDF preview, and a stronger file management window system. In addition to adopting the “Liquid Glass” new visual design operating interface, iPadOS 26 allows for flexible adjustment of window size and position, and the ability to open multiple windows at the same time. The updated Files app offers a new List display that supports dragging and dropping folders into the Dock and tagging them with colors, images, and emojis.
This iPadOS 26 update is quite significant and will support iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and above), iPad Pro 11-inch (all series), iPad Air (M2 version and above), iPad Air (3rd generation and above), iPad (A16 version), iPad (8th generation and above), iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (5th generation and above) and other models.
B.macOS Tahoe 26:
macOS Tahoe 26In addition to adopting a new “Liquid Glass” visual design, it also has the most updated Spotlight search in history, a dedicated Apple Games application, a “Connectivity” experience with the “Phone” app and “Live Feed”, and a wider range of Apple Intelligence functions.
macOS Tahoe 26 will support MacBook Pro (2019), iMac (2020), Mac Pro (2019), Mac mini/MacBook Air (limited to M1 chip and later), Mac Studio and other Mac models.
C.WatchOS 26:
watchOS 26In addition to the new visual design of “Liquid Glass”, the new “Smart Stack” and “Messages” app updates have improved the daily use experience, including support for “Live Translation”, a one-handed wrist flip gesture to quickly dismiss notifications, and the “Notes” app will also support Apple Watch.The AI fitness coach “Workout Buddy” feature uses Apple Intelligence to provide personalized voice encouragement.
watchOS 26 is available for Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and all Apple Watch Ultra models. It needs to be paired with iPhone 11 or later models running iOS 26.
D.tvOS 26:
tvOS 26 In addition to adopting the new visual design of “Liquid Glass”,Add the “Apple Music Instant Sing” function to transform it into a karaoke function. tvOS 26 emphasizes the “content first” design concept. When users set fast forward, rewind, sleep timers or open the “Control Center”, the video being played will continue to be displayed on the screen. The system will also automatically display the corresponding profile when the Apple TV wakes up.
tvOS26 will support Apple TV HD (2015), Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021), Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022) and other Apple TV models.
E.visionOS 26:
In addition to the new “Liquid Glass” new visual design, visionOS 26 can seamlessly integrate Widgets into the user’s real space. The new version of visionOS also adds “Spatial Scenes” to make space photos look more in-depth.Users can share the space experience with other Apple Vision Pro users in the same room. Apple Intelligence feature updates have also been added, and more languages are supported. Vision Pro also brings APIs specifically designed for enterprises, “Team Device Sharing” functionality, and support for Logitech Muse for precise input.
visionOS 26 is suitable for Apple Vision Pro, adding support for 180-degree, 360-degree and wide-angle content captured by Insta360, GoPro and Canon, as well as support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller.
6. AirPods adds camera remote control and “studio-quality recording” functions:
AirPods 4, AirPods 4 Noise Canceling Edition, AirPods Pro2 WillAdded camera remote control and “studio-quality recording” functions. After updating to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe or compatible third-party applications, users can control the camera on the device by pressing and holding the handle of the AirPods earphones; recording through the H2 chip, beamforming microphone and computational audio technology in the earphones, combined with the voice isolation function, toImproved headset calling and FaceTime.
7. CarPlay improves visual appearance and ease of use:
CarPlay In addition to a simpler interface, it also adds an incoming call interface, a pinned conversation in the Messages app, and a “tap to respond” function. It also supports gadgets and “real-time updates” on the iPhone for the first time, making it easier to stay connected and pay attention to traffic conditions, making it easier for drivers to keep track of the latest developments.
In addition, the advanced version of Car Play Ultra featured in some new Aston Martin models will also receive these new enhanced support, which will provide more complete dashboard integration, more sophisticated animation effects, and even completely replace the car manufacturer’s own system interface.
The following is a list of all 26 new OS models announced by WWDC25:
Source: KOCPC Chinese