Everything you need to know about Apple's new operating systems

At its most recent Worldwide Developers Conference, WWDC25, Apple unveiled one of its biggest operating system overhauls , seeking to unify and improve the user experience across its entire device ecosystem.

Starting with the name of its operating systems, which jumped to '26' , in reference to the year of its expansion, and a new design language, in addition to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and optimizations into various key applications.

The operating systems will now be iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Complementing this unification, Apple launched Liquid Glass, a new design language that incorporates translucent, glass-like elements throughout the interface, from icons and widgets to menus and native app backgrounds, seeking a cohesive aesthetic across all devices.

AI is emerging as a central element in this consolidation. Third-party support is now being extended, allowing external developers to access AI models and extend their functionality beyond native applications.

Communication improvements are evident with the iMessage updates. Users will be able to customize chat backgrounds, conduct polls in group conversations, and benefit from automatic message translation .

For music lovers, Apple Music introduces AutoMix , a mixer that creates transitions between songs, and adds lyric translations.

In the case of iOS 26, the iPhone operating system, in addition to the entire transparent design experience, improvements such as Caller ID are included to reduce spam calls , although initially only in the United States.

The lock screen now offers greater customization, adapting the time to the background image, and Wallet allows for U.S. passport integration and improved boarding pass design.

The iPad version, iPadOS 26, introduces the Phone app (to harness the power of the iPhone on your tablet), as well as window management features closer to the desktop experience, making the experience more like that of a MacBook. Users will be able to resize and arrange multiple windows like on macOS, and even remember their positions.

In the case of macOS Tahoe, the new version of the operating system for Mac, Apple Intelligence is integrated into Spotlight, enabling more advanced searches and queries that even interact with third-party applications. Personalization extends to folders, with the ability to assign colored backgrounds and emojis.

Live Activities, already present on iOS, are now available on macOS, allowing you to track the progress of events in real time, such as the shipment of an order. Additionally, the Phone app is now available, making it easier to make calls from your Mac if your iPhone is nearby.

In watchOS 26, the Photos watch face will be updated with a style that adapts to Liquid Glass. AI comes to workouts with tailored motivational messages. Widget stacks become proactive, and newer models introduce new gestures for managing notifications. The Notes app arrives on watchOS, prioritizing voice input.

For Apple TV, the new tvOS 26 features a new design, with a redesigned Control Center to make it easier to focus and switch between profiles. Apple TV incorporates the Liquid Glass style and will have a new addition: karaoke mode, along with Apple Music, where the iPhone acts as a microphone. New wallpapers have also been added.

The new operating systems are now available for testing if your Apple ID is registered as a developer. For the rest of the market, they will be fully available in September, when the new 2025 iPhone is unveiled.

The Android mobile operating system, codenamed Baklava, brings several significant improvements with a focus on productivity, accessibility, and security.