Apple's WWDC 2025: What Wasn't Announced and What's New in iOS 26

Apple's WWDC 2025: What Wasn't Announced and What's New in iOS 26

Apple has a well-documented history of approaching announcements with a feast-or-famine mentality, keeping its innovations tightly under wraps for long periods before unveiling a torrent of information during events like WWDC. Despite this trend, the recent WWDC 2025 did not yield the anticipated full disclosure regarding the upcoming features for the new iOS 26.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, known for his insights into Apple's operations, at least two significant features were notably missing from the presentations on June 9. These unannounced features, namely real-time AirPods translation and the ability to sync wireless network login information across devices, sparked considerable interest when they first leaked earlier this year. Curiously, both features were indeed touched upon at WWDC but were not highlighted during the primary keynote, where less pressing updates received extensive attention.

This strategic omission seems to stem from a managerial decision within Apple to avoid repeating the missteps of WWDC 2024, where several promised features were delayed post-announcement. The most notably delayed feature was context-sensitive Siri, which has yet to arrive.

However, this cautious approach to product announcements raises questions. If only two features were withheld due to readiness concerns, what other surprises might be hidden in the early iOS 26 betas? Such a tactic could lead to unexpected discoveries in the coming software update cycles, with the potential for features to emerge later in updates such as 26.1 or 26.2.

New Features in iOS 26

One of the most striking changes in iOS 26 is the introduction of the "Liquid Glass" design philosophy, which transforms the user interface with a translucent aesthetic. This overhaul affects key areas such as the Lock Screen, where buttons and notifications now feature a glass-like appearance, adding both depth and a modern touch to the user experience.

• The customizable control buttons on the Lock Screen are larger and adopt a floating design.


• The clock can now resize to match wallpaper dynamically, employing a frosted glass effect.


• New wallpapers showcase the Liquid Glass look with fluid motion effects based on device movement.

Besides the visuals, new functionality such as Spatial Scenes allows users to transform 2D photos into 3D-like images, creating immersive wallpaper that responds to device orientation.

Furthermore, enhancing usability, the Messages app will now incorporate features allowing users to filter unknown senders and create interactive polls within group chats. The Phone app redesign will simplify navigation, displaying contacts, voicemail, and recent calls on a single screen.

Moreover, the long-absent Photos app tab structure returns, providing a more intuitive organizational method that is likely to please users disgruntled by previous iterations that favored endless scrolling.

Looking Ahead: Final Thoughts

Apple's reluctance to engage in a full-on feature reveal keeps the excitement alive among its user base as they ponder what additional surprises iOS 26 has in store. Scheduled for public release in September, iOS 26's shift towards user-centered design could redefine the Apple software experience while also hinting at the company's broader strategy of gradual enhancement rather than abrupt transformation. As developers dive into the beta phase, they will likely uncover further capabilities that could change the landscape of iOS.

Apple continues to evolve, with its latest changes in iOS aligning with its commitment to creating cohesive and stylish user experiences, while informing users that the road to a better and more integrated ecosystem might include unexpected turns.