During the WWDC 2025, Apple announced new software updates for the fall as expected. The most important new functions are the completely renewed interface and design for all platforms, brand new camera app, extensions for internship manager and new opportunities for Apple Intelligence.
There is another striking feature that characterizes the software updates: the naming. Apple immediately makes the leap to iOS 26, iPados 26, MacOS 26, Watchos 26, TVOS 26 and Visionos 26. We will list the most important innovations for you, in the coming days we will elaborate on all announcements.
Software updates for 2026
During WWDC25, Apple unveiled the software updates for the coming fall. Developers and registered users can immediately download and install the first test versions on their Apple devices, public testers can get started this summer. We list the most important innovations for you, in the coming days we will discuss all the announcements.
Universal naming
To create more clarity in the naming, Apple immediately makes the leap to iOS 26, iPados 26, MacOS 26, Watchos 26, TVOS 26 and Visionos 26. The number stands for the year in which the software update plays an important role, so it is immediately clear to everyone which year the installed software update belongs.
Completely renewed design for all platforms
Apple heralds a new era with these software updates. Since iOS 7, the design, design and looks of the software has remained more or less the same. Twelve years later, Apple reveals a completely renewed interface for all platforms.
iOS 26, iPados 26, MacOS 26, Watchos 26 and TVOS 26 get a new look. This is immediately reflected in the style of symbols, menus, apps, windows and system buttons. New icons, fonts, user interface elements and more is also used.
The new Liquid Glass Interface is loosely based on Visionos and goes further than just new graphic elements. The way of operating for some apps has also been taken into account. Buttons and navigation have been adjusted to make the operating system easier to learn and navigate.
Various apps have also become more minimalist and options are hidden behind extra menus. For example, you can see that immediately in the new camera app for iPhone and iPad.
Camera app for iPhone and iPad adapted
The camera app for iPhone is one of the most used applications. In recent years, Apple has added various new functions including night mode, photographic styles, camera controls, spatial photos, film mode, etc. These were always stuck and eventually it became unclear. Apple has now tackled this with a completely new design for the camera app.
The design of the camera application has become calmer with more space for the camera image. At the top, the buttons remain visible to flash, shared photo library and live photos.
At the bottom you can only find the shutter button, changing lenses and a shortcut for recently taken photos. This includes a minimalist button to switch between the different photo and video functions. By tapping this button, an extra menu is opened with all camera options.
Personalize macOS
Perhaps the new design is best on the Mac. The menu bar is now really transparent and the control panel has been adjusted in the same style as iOS and iPados. You can also provide the appicons with color so that they fit better with your background. Finally, you can provide folders in Finder with a unique symbol, emoji and color so that you can visualize them better.
Games app
Apple introduces a new Games app that serves as a central hub for all your games: you can easily find all games here and start immediately, regardless of whether they come from the App Store, Apple Arcade or even outside the App Store.
The app replaces the old Game Center and offers extensive functions such as leaderboards, performance, social interaction and editorial content with game recommendations and news. With this, Apple wants to make it easier and more attractive for users to play on their iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
Better multitasking for iPad
iPados 26 adds an upper menu bar to the iPad. The menu bar is similar to that of macOS and gives you quick access to system and app settings. The menu bar is part of a redesigned Multitasking for iPadand can only be used if you have a mouse or trackpad linked to the iPad, for example the Magic keyboard for iPad.
iPados 26 adds the possibility to use multiple windows on an iPad. Immediately from the display without the intervention of Stage Manager. You can immediately place windows in tiles on the screen or tailor yourself. With app exposé you can immediately see which windows are active and you can easily switch between apps. In the coming days we will delve deeper into this new display for iPad.
Preparation for iPhone and iPad
Apple brings its long-standing preview app from macOS to iPados and iOS for the first time. This gives iPad and iPhone users a built-in solution for managing, annotating and processing PDF files.
The app is very similar to the Mac version: the home screen has the same style as Pages and Keynote, with a large logo at the top and below a gallery with document options. In addition, you can also edit and annotate images in the preview app. The preview app is installed as standard on your iPhone or iPad with iOS 26 and iPados 26.
New options for AirPods
The AirPods also have new options thanks to these new software updates. For example, you can use the AirPods as a remote control for the camera app to make a video. Record audio of high quality during video conference interviews and include in high definition in camera. These new functions are only available on the AirPods and AirPods Pro with the H2 chip.
Extensions for Apple Intelligence
- New languages ​​for Apple Intelligence: Dutch is added!
- Live translate: Apple adds live translating to its software, so that users can immediately translate written and spoken texts translated into supported languages, I almost all apps.
- Visual Intelligence is being expanded to use with the content that can be seen on the screen, instead of only in the camera. Make a screenshot and automatically AI can analyze the content and give your suggestions such as recognizing clothing, locations, events, etc.
- Spam recognition: Apple Intelligence can recognize spam messages and telephone calls and treat them independently and filter them for the user.
- Genmoji extended: It is already possible to make your own emoji with Genmoji, but Apple has expanded this function by mixing immediately existing emoji with each other.
- Apple Intelligence in assignments app: Users can make assignments and automation with the help of AI, where even starting users can make useful shortcuts using natural language.
- AI for Apple Watch: Watchos gets new functions that are made possible thanks to Apple Intelligence. For the time being this is mainly reflected in the work-out app with the workout buddy that motivates you more naturally to exercise more based on your earlier data.
Other notable innovations
- Spatial photos come to iPhone and iPad in the photos app thanks to smart display of depth in combination with the gyroscope.
- iPhone and iPad access screen has received an update for the new Liquid Glass with new possibilities for backgrounds and animated music albums.
- Safari web pages cover the full screen with a floating, transparent address bar.
- Photos is again provided with tabs for albums, among others
- New interface for CarPlay equal to iOS 26 with widgets and live activities
- Telephone app receives a major update with new display of favorites, recent calls and solutions for spam phones and waiting music. This app is also available on the Mac thanks to continuity.
- Diary app comes to Macos Tahoe and iPados 26
- Files app for iPhone and iPad gets background activities and better integration in apps
- Reduce travel sickness on Mac
- Clipboard for macOS is extra secure
- Spotlight for Mac becomes more powerful than ever thanks to the integration of Siri assignments, clipboard history, in-app promotions and direct access to handy shortcuts that you can use immediately in Spotlight.
- Apple Watch Workout application is equipped with a new interface and a workout buddy that motivates you to move more (only in English).
- By turning the Apple Watch back you can reject a notification or call with a gesture
- AirPods get camera control functions, sleep detection and new head gestures
- Synchronization of public wifin networks, including registration forms
Support for new software updates
Unfortunately, not all iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models can install the new software updates. For example, only Macs can install MacOS 26 with an Apple Silicon Processor. Below an overview.
iOS 26 and iPados 26 Support
- iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro (Max) or newer
- iPhone XR and iPhone XS (Max)
- iPhone Se 2nd generation or newer
- iPhone 16th
- 11-inch iPad Pro 2018 (1st generation) or newer
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2018 (3rd generation) or newer
- iPad Air 2019 (3rd generation) or newer
- iPad 2020 (8th generation) or newer
- iPad Mini 2019 (5th generation) or newer
MacOS 26 Support
- 13-inch MacBook Pro with 4 Thunderbolt 3 gates from 2020
- 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2019
- All MacBook Pro with M1 chip from 2020 or newer
- All MacBook Air with M1 chip from 2020 or newer
- iMac from 2020 or newer
- Mac Mini from 2020 or newer
- Mac Studio with M1 Max or Ultra from 2022 or newer
- Mac Pro from 2019 or newer
Watchos 26 and TVOS 26 Support
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple TV 4k 2nd generation or newer
Availability software updates
The software updates will only become available to the general public in the autumn of 2025. Developers and registered users with a developer account can install the first beta from today. Later this summer a public beta will be available for iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Click here to register for Public Test versions of iOS or for more information.
This article is still being updated and may contain incomplete information