Apple WWDC underwhelms on AI, software biggest facelift in decade
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., unveiled a major software update called Liquid Glass at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 9, 2025. This new design language will be implemented across all of Apple’s major devices, including iPhones, Mac laptops, and Vision Pro virtual reality headsets. It marks the first significant redesign of the iPhone operating system since iOS7 in 2013.
The Liquid Glass design features transparent buttons, sliders, and other interactive elements with curved corners that match the device. The new look is inspired by VisionOS, Apple’s software for Vision Pro, and takes advantage of the increased power of Apple Silicon chips.
While the announcement received mixed reactions, with some users excited about the new design and others drawing comparisons to Windows Vista, Apple also introduced improvements to its AI capabilities. These include enhanced integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT for image generation and language translation features for phone calls between users speaking different languages.
In addition to the Liquid Glass update, Apple announced a change in the naming convention for its operating systems. Starting in 2026, users will upgrade to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, WatchOS 26, tvOS 26, and Vision OS 26. This shift simplifies how users refer to the different operating systems and emphasizes the company’s commitment to annual updates.
Despite the lack of groundbreaking announcements, the focus of WWDC 2025 was on delivering delightful features and animations across Apple’s software ecosystem. While investors may have been underwhelmed by the event, Apple continues to prioritize user experience and innovation in its products and services.
