Apple WWDC 2024: AI Disappoints, iOS 18 & macOS Sequoia Shine
Apple Unveils ‘Liquid Glass’ Redesign at WWDC 2025
apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) showcased a importent software update, introducing a new design language called Liquid Glass. This overhaul aims to refresh the look of Apple’s major devices, from iPhones to Mac laptops and Vision Pro headsets.
The Apple Intelligence enhancements and the Liquid Glass design mark the first major iPhone operating system redesign since 2013. The new interface features transparent buttons, fluid animations, and curved corners, creating a glass-like appearance.
Despite the unveiling, Wall Street reacted tepidly, with Apple’s stock dipping 1.2%. Investors are eager for Apple to demonstrate significant advancements in its artificial intelligence strategy to compete with rivals like Google and OpenAI.
many of the AI features announced were more incremental in our view,and already available through competitor applications.
David Vogt, UBS analyst
Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, acknowledged the delay of certain AI features, stating that “This work needed more time to meet our high quality bar.” He reaffirmed the company’s timeline for release within the coming year.
CEO Tim Cook emphasized that Apple’s focus at WWDC was on delivering “delightful” new features and animations across its software. The Liquid Glass design is heavily reliant on transparent elements, which users will notice upon upgrading to the new iOS, available for beta testing this summer.
Apple attributes the update’s feasibility to the increased power of its computers and chips, drawing inspiration from the look of VisionOS, the software for Vision Pro. Federighi noted that “Apple Silicon has become dramatically more powerful — enabling software, materials and experiences we once could only dream of.”
In addition to the design changes,Apple is expanding its integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT,incorporating image generation capabilities into its apps. A new feature allows users to send screenshots to ChatGPT for summarization or deciphering.
Another significant advancement is in language translation.During phone calls, the app can translate sentences in real-time using an AI-generated voice, processed directly on the iPhone without requiring a server connection.
Apple is also changing how it names its operating systems. Instead of sequential numbers like iOS 18, the company will now use the release year.Thus, the next update will be iOS 26, followed by iPadOS 26, watchos 26, tvOS 26, and VisionOS 26.
What’s next
The Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence updates are expected to roll out to users in September with the release of iOS 26. The company will likely continue to refine its AI capabilities and explore further integrations with services like ChatGPT in future updates.