At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 as part of its upcoming series of updates later this year. These updates include multitasking and window management improvements on iPadOS, enhanced spatial experiences with visionOS, improved translation and accessibility features, and deeper integration with Apple Intelligence. Here’s what’s new with iPad OS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS.
Also Read: WWDC 2025: iOS 26 announced with new Liquid Glass design, AI features and more capabilities
iPadOS 26: Windowing Comes to the Forefront
Apple is introducing a full-fledged windowing system to iPads with iPadOS 26. The new UI supports resizable, movable, and tiling windows with familiar desktop-like controls. The new update also makes it possible to view all open windows using Exposé, and the updated Stage Manager supports external displays.
The Files app has been overhauled with folder customisation, a new list view option, and drag-and-drop to Dock capabilities. The new Preview app allows users to view and annotate PDFs and images. A new Background Tasks API enables long-running tasks to be monitored through Live Activities, and apps can now assign specific audio inputs per app or site.
The Apple Intelligence features are now embedded deeper into iPadOS, offering Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and calls. Users can generate images with Image Playground, build smarter shortcuts, and use Genmoji with greater control. The Notes app adds markdown support and audio transcription for phone conversations. Other additions include Journal for iPad, a new Games app, and a redesigned Calculator with 3D graphing.
watchOS 26: A Smarter, More Expressive Apple Watch
watchOS 26 introduces a refreshed UI using Apple’s new Liquid Glass design across system elements, including Smart Stack, Control Centre, and app navigation. Apple Intelligence powers a new feature called Workout Buddy, which provides personalised, spoken coaching during workouts, using a generative voice model based on Fitness+ trainers.
The Workout app has also received its biggest UI update yet, with new corner buttons and built-in music or podcast suggestions tailored to the workout type.
Accessibility features now include wrist flick gestures to dismiss notifications and control timers one-handed. In addition, notes come to the Apple Watch, as do phone features like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Live Translation in Messages is also supported on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models.
tvOS 26: Focused on Content, Not Clutter
Apple TV is getting a visual overhaul with tvOS 26, adopting the Liquid Glass aesthetic for smoother UI transitions and clearer focus on playback content. The redesigned Apple TV app now features updated poster art and better profile switching, with profile selection shown when waking the device.
Sing-along features in Apple Music Sing have been enhanced where iPhones can now serve as microphones, with real-time lyrics, onscreen reactions, and translation support. FaceTime improvements include support for Contact Posters and expanded Live Captions across several languages. New screen savers have been added, featuring locations across India, and users can permanently assign any AirPlay speaker to Apple TV.
visionOS 26: Bringing Spatial Computing Further Home
visionOS 26 pushes Apple Vision Pro further into both personal and enterprise use cases. Spatial widgets now persist across sessions and are customisable in design and layout. Shared spatial experiences let multiple Vision Pro users watch content or collaborate in the same room. Updates to Personas offer more natural expressivity using volumetric rendering and new setup options.
Spatial photos are enhanced using generative AI for depth and realism. Developers can embed 3D models in Safari or apps via new APIs, and the system now supports immersive 180°, 360°, and wide-angle media playback as part of Apple’s collaboration with Insta360, GoPro, and Canon. In addition, support for PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers adds new gaming possibilities with motion tracking, touch detection and more.
Furthermore, the enterprises gain access to features like Protected Content APIs and shared device management. New accessories like Logitech Muse provide more precise input options. Look to Scroll introduces eye-tracking navigation, and a redesigned Control Centre improves user access to system controls. Users, while immersed in Vision Pro, also get the ability to unlock their iPhones.
All updates are set to roll out later this year, with developer previews available now and public betas expected in the coming weeks.
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Siddharth Chauhan
Siddharth reports on gadgets, technology and you will occasionally find him testing the latest smartphones at Digit. However, his love affair with tech and futurism extends way beyond, at the intersection of technology and culture. View Full Profile
