If there’s one thing Apple knows how to do, it’s captivate the world with a keynote. The 2025 edition of WWDC didn’t disappoint—packed with bold ideas, sleek redesigns, and a fair bit of nostalgia. From the unveiling of iOS 26 to the much-debated “Liquid Glass” aesthetic, the event left developers and users with a lot to unpack.
And yes, it sparked the kind of online frenzy that would have made Steve Jobs raise an eyebrow—or possibly fire a few folks, depending on who you ask.
So, whether you skipped the live stream or want a quick breakdown, here are the ten most important things to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote.
1. Say Hello to iOS 26 (And Goodbye to Confusing Version Names)
Finally, some logic. Apple announced it’s aligning OS names with the year—welcome iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, and the rest of the lineup. It’s a minor change on paper, but for developers, IT professionals, and folks like us at Arrow PC Network who manage enterprise deployments, it brings much-needed clarity.
Developer betas are already out, and the public beta will go live in July. If you’re deep into IT Services by Arrow PC Network, this makes testing and rollout cycles significantly easier to align with business goals.
2. Liquid Glass: Bold, Beautiful… and Divisive
Apple’s biggest visual overhaul since the iOS 7 flattening era has arrived. Dubbed “Liquid Glass,” the design is all shimmering transparency—fluid buttons, glassy icons, and dynamic layers that subtly shift as you interact.
Some users on social media immediately compared it to Windows Vista’s Aero interface. Others went full meme mode: “Steve Jobs would’ve fired everyone,” one post read.
Still, Apple is betting big. Liquid Glass is coming to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. Whether it grows on users or ends up as a cautionary design tale remains to be seen.
3. First-Party Apps, Reimagined
The Camera app? Smarter, sleeker. Safari? Leaner and more intuitive. The Phone app now houses a unified panel for recents, favorites, and voicemail. These redesigns aren’t just cosmetic—they signal a push toward a more thoughtful, user-focused experience across Apple’s ecosystem.
For IT support teams managing large device fleets (hello, Arrow PC Network clients), these changes could help reduce user friction and support tickets alike.
4. Apple Launches a Dedicated Games App
Gamers, rejoice. Apple now has a central hub for Arcade titles, complete with friend lists, challenges, leaderboards, and built-in voice chat. Whether you’re on an iPad or Mac, launching games just got smoother.
And if you’re a developer? There’s an opportunity here to integrate social and performance features at the OS level like never before.
5. Apple Intelligence Quietly Levels Up
While AI didn’t steal the spotlight this year, Apple Intelligence still got meaningful upgrades. Think real-time translation across apps, enhanced visual intelligence (yes, you can now shop for items straight off your social feed), and smarter Genmoji and Image Playground features.
For IT experts and AI-focused teams—like those at Arrow PC Network—these enhancements reflect Apple’s slow but steady pivot into practical AI for real-world utility.
6. Developers Get a New AI Playground
One of the biggest under-the-radar announcements? The Foundation Models Framework. Apple is letting developers access on-device large language models to build smarter apps.
Imagine creating a quiz from a scribbled note or an offline assistant that doesn’t need cloud access. The implications for secure, enterprise-grade apps—especially under the IT Services by Arrow PC Network umbrella—are huge.
7. iPadOS 26 Brings True Multitasking
Apple is finally embracing the Mac-like flexibility users have been asking for. With iPadOS 26, you can resize windows, drag apps across the screen, and enjoy a new menu bar. It’s all part of making the iPad a true productivity machine.
And yes, the Preview app is finally coming to iPad. Long overdue, but very welcome.
8. Apple Watch Gets a Smarter Workout Buddy
Fitness tracking with WatchOS 26 feels more intelligent now. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, users get coaching insights, workout summaries, and a new gesture—“Wrist Flick”—for interacting on the go.
For those juggling work and wellness, it’s the kind of subtle upgrade that makes a big difference.
9. macOS 26 ‘Tahoe’ Makes Spotlight Actually Useful
Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26 is like having a built-in assistant. It not only finds files but now understands context and initiates actions—send an email, create a note, or even play a podcast. The personalization layer is getting stronger, too.
In enterprise environments supported by Arrow PC Network, this could boost end-user productivity without extra training or apps.
10. VisionOS 26 Brings Spatial Computing Into Focus
Spatial widgets, VR controller support, and enhanced digital personas—all part of VisionOS 26’s rollout. Apple’s clearly doubling down on its Vision Pro ecosystem, and this update shows they’re serious about building a future around immersive experiences.
Thoughts…
WWDC 2025 may not have had a single mind-blowing moment, but its cumulative changes are significant. The Liquid Glass design may divide fans, but the new capabilities of iOS 26, Apple Intelligence, and developer tools point to a company still rooted in innovation.
As someone who’s watched Apple evolve since the Steve Jobs era, this feels like a bold—but calculated—leap. And as businesses adapt to these shifts, IT partners like Arrow PC Network will play a crucial role in making the transition seamless, smart, and future-ready.
