Top Ten iOS Features You Need To Know for Apple WWDC 2025

Introduction

1. Liquid Glass Design

• What it is: A brand-new visual style across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, replacing the flat look since iOS 7.

• Why it matters: Expect translucent panels that respond to content, real‑time reflections, and a unified feel across Apple devices  .

• User impact: Interface elements like sidebars, widgets, and alerts now blend and fade smoothly into backgrounds, enhancing aesthetics and clarity.

2. Revamped Lock & Home Screens

• Updates: Interactive widgets, more layout freedom, and deeper personalization.

• Why it matters: The lock screen becomes more functional and expressive with dynamic themes and better notifications handling.
• User impact: Add media previews or quick controls directly on the lock screen—no unlocking needed.

3. Apple Intelligence Enhancements

• What’s new: Smarter on-device AI now supports eight more languages, Live Translation in FaceTime, Phone, and Messages, plus Quick Summaries via Visual Intelligence and ChatGPT integration  .

• User impact: Translate spoken conversations in real time, summarize texts or voicemails, and get context-aware help across iOS.

4. Live Translation Across iPhone

• What it is: Real-time translation of calls, messages, video chats, and even song lyrics—performed entirely on-device for privacy  .

• User impact: Ideal for travelers and multilingual households, offering seamless communication without lifting a finger.

5. Visual Intelligence Scan Tools

• What it does: New Visual Intelligence tech lets you tap and hold on a screenshot or live screen to identify photos, scan text, shop items, or ask ChatGPT  .

• User impact: Instantly learn about landmarks, objects, or information visible on your screen—no app switching required.

6. Interactive Widget Redesign

• What it is: Widgets now support real-time engagement—like toggles or progress bars—directly on home and lock screens  .

• User impact: Control smart devices, mark tasks complete, or see health stats without opening apps.

7. Upgraded Apps: Messages, Phone & Safari

• Messages: New options for chat thread backgrounds, group chat polls, typing indicators, Apple Cash splits, and filtered unknown senders  .

• Phone: Call Screening and Hold Assist block spam and PQR with smart summaries  .

• Safari: Refresh with Liquid Glass UI, compact tab bar, distraction toggle, link sanitizing, and an intelligent sidebar  .

• User impact: Better conversations, safer call experiences, and a cleaner, smarter browsing environment.

8. Advanced Battery & Power Management

• Additions: Enhanced battery usage breakdowns, new Adaptive Power mode, and tailored optimization suggestions  .

• User impact: Detailed insights into daily power use and smarter tweaks to extend battery life under load.

9. Apple Home EnergyKit & Matter Enhancements

• What it offers: A new EnergyKit framework lets Home app manage smart devices using energy data—such as shifting EV charging during low-cost or green-energy windows  .

• User impact: Automate home energy savings and efficiency—ideal for eco-conscious users.

10. Revitalized Core Apps: Photos, Maps, Wallet & Games

• Photos: Mix of revived Library/Collections tabs, spatial photo parallax, and smarter Clean Up tools  .

• Maps: Smarter Siri-based commute suggestions, ‘Visited Places’ tracking, and better travel support in airports  .

• Wallet: Live updates for boarding passes, airport maps, and possible expansion of digital IDs to more US states  .

• Games App: New centralized hub for gaming and social features across Apple Arcade  .

• User impact: Cleaner photo browsing, smarter commuting, easier airport navigation, and streamlined game access.

iOS 26 Globally: What It All Means

iOS 26 delivers one of Apple’s most transformative updates in years by blending an aesthetic redesign (Liquid Glass), advanced on-device AI (Apple Intelligence), and practical upgrades across utilities and entertainment apps. It strengthens Apple’s device ecosystem while preserving user privacy and control.

Update Timeline

The developer beta is available now, with a public beta set for July. A full release is expected this fall alongside the next iPhone series. Back up your device before upgrading—beta software can be buggy

Conclusion
iOS 26 is a landmark release that goes beyond minor refinements. With a stunning visual overhaul, powerful localized AI, and practical enhancements from calls to home automation, it delivers a balanced upgrade. If you’re using an iPhone 11 or newer, this update is worth the install—especially if you’re part of the Apple ecosystem and value intelligent, secure experiences.