The Apple OS 26 Era: Unified Versions, Liquid Glass, and Finally—iPad Grows Up (Sort Of)

Apple’s WWDC 2025 brought a lot of change—and a lot more clarity. The standout shift this year? Consistency. After years of juggling different OS names and version numbers across devices, Apple’s bringing everything into alignment.

Goodbye Fragmentation, Hello “26”

From now on, every Apple device will be running “26.” That means iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26. No more wondering which version your iPad is on compared to your iPhone or Mac.

It’s a small naming change, sure—but one that simplifies things across the board, especially for users, IT teams, and anyone trying to write user guides that make sense.

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A Whole New Look: Liquid Glass Across the Board

Apple also introduced Liquid Glass, a new translucent design style that now runs through all platforms. It’s got hints of the old-school macOS Aqua and even a bit of Windows Vista’s Aero—but done right this time.

  • Transparent icons add a sense of depth and layering.
  • Dynamic lighting and motion make the UI feel alive and responsive.
  • The whole interface adapts to you as you interact, without feeling over the top.

Visually, it’s a big step forward—and one that finally feels consistent across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch.

iPad Gets (Almost) Grown-Up

The iPad updates are the ones that really caught my attention. We’ve waited years for this kind of maturity, and while it’s not quite a MacBook replacement, it’s inching closer.

🧠 What’s New in iPadOS 26:

  • Proper windowing support: Drag, resize, layer—finally.
  • Taskbar and background task handling: Now it can run tasks without constantly suspending them when you switch apps.
  • Files app overhaul: Collapsible folders, proper sorting, and even folders pinned in the dock.
  • Preview app arrives on iPad: Full PDF viewing and editing, with Apple Pencil support.
  • Local Capture: A quick way to grab and process screen content, especially handy in creative workflows.

The Files app still isn’t called Finder (because, of course), but we’re now within touching distance of that desktop-level experience.

macOS Tahoe 26: More Capable, More Connected

Over on the Mac side, the focus is clearly on tying things together—especially with your iPhone.

  • Phone app on Mac: With call screening, voicemail, and Hold Assist.
  • Spotlight gets a serious upgrade: Advanced filters, natural language execution, and task automation all baked in.
  • Live Activities: Get real-time updates from iPhone apps in your Mac’s menu bar—things like flights, deliveries, and scores.
  • And with Liquid Glass, the Mac’s UI now blends in more cleanly with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.

It feels more cohesive and user-friendly, while still retaining that Mac flexibility and power.

Updates for iPhone and Apple Watch

The iPhone saw a number of smaller—but useful—enhancements:

  • Better messaging and call tools: Live translations, smarter filtering, and easier ways to reduce distractions.
  • New Apple Games app: A central hub for all your games, finally.
  • Apple Intelligence throughout: Everything from photo editing to reply suggestions is getting sharper, more personalised.

As for the Apple Watch, the focus is clearly fitness and context:

  • Workout Buddy: Offers AI-powered insights and real-time encouragement during workouts.
  • More helpful Smart Stack widgets: Context-aware suggestions based on your routine.
  • Liquid Glass faces: Add a more expressive and adaptive look to your Watch.

Comparison at a Glance

Device Design Update Apple Intelligence Major App/Feature Upgrades Unique Highlights
iPhone New expressive UI Deep integration Phone, Messages, CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet Apple Games app, advanced call screening
iPad Liquid Glass, new UI Expanded features Files, Preview, windowing, creative tools Windowing system, Folders in dock
Mac Liquid Glass, Dock Expanded features Phone app, Spotlight, Live Activities, Control Center Call Screening, Hold Assist, Spotlight
Apple Watch Liquid Glass faces Enhanced Workout Buddy, Apple Music, Smart Stack, Live Translation Workout AI, proactive widgets

Final Thoughts

Apple’s now clearly aiming for cross-platform consistency—not just in look and feel, but in how each device complements the others. The unified OS versioning helps, the Liquid Glass design sharpens the visual identity, and the upgrades to multitasking and productivity tools (especially on iPad) show they’re listening.

There’s still work to do—especially when it comes to unlocking the iPad’s full potential—but this is a step in the right direction.

🎥 You can watch the full keynote or explore each new OS feature here:
https://www.apple.com/apple-events