Apple to open AI models to outside developers after unveiling new operating system
Apple Inc unveiled a new operating system interface called Liquid Glass at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, an event that focused heavily on aesthetics and design elements rather than software breakthroughs.
For the first time, the same interface will work across the company's products, executive Alan Dye said on Monday during a video presentation from Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. He described it as the company's broadest design update ever.
Apple also confirmed plans to open up its AI models to outside developers — a move that lets app creators weave the technology into their software.
The AI market has been a weak spot for Apple. After unveiling its Apple Intelligence platform at last year's conference, the company was slow to roll out new features — and its technology has paled next to that of Silicon Valley peers.
This year's conference isn't expected to turn things around, but Apple is planning to showcase bigger AI breakthroughs in 2026, Bloomberg News has reported.
OS lineup changes
As part of the changes, Apple is renaming its OS lineup to refer to the year rather than version numbers. The next generation of software for the flagship iPhone will be known as iOS 26. The other new releases include watchOS 26, macOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
The event, better known as WWDC, is Apple's yearly showcase of upcoming software and features.
Though the company introduced some new AI capabilities as part of the conference, the focus was more on operating systems changes and design elements — the kind of enhancements that may excite Apple fans but don't typically impress investors.
Bloomberg News reported on the changes prior to the event, which held few surprises. The Apple shares slid as much as 1.9% during the presentation before beginning to rebound.
Already, the stock was down 19% this year through the end of last week, costing the company its crown as the world's most valuable business.
The company has filled some gaps in its AI lineup by teaming up with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT.
That relationship, first announced last year, will include new image-creation capabilities, Apple said on Monday.
The company also highlighted live-translation capabilities and mapping features that learn from users' routines. There's a new dedicated gaming app that ties together features and lets players challenge their friends.
Virtual avatars
Apple said that its Vision Pro headset will now work with Sony Group Corp's PlayStation VR controllers, another attempt to entice more gamers. The product's software, visionOS, also features more realistic Persona virtual avatars for video-conferencing.
For the Apple Watch, a new Workout app will include an AI-infused 'Buddy' feature that helps users stay fit. The MacOS software, meanwhile, has a transparent menu bar with more customizable controls and can now use the iPhone's Phone app. It will be known as MacOS 26 Tahoe, named for the famous lake that straddles the California-Nevada border.
Apple is improving the multitasking capabilities of the iPad and adding a menu bar to the top, making it more like the Mac. The changes are expected to help users be more productive and turn the iPad into a more effective tool for office work.
CEO Tim Cook said that beta versions of the software will be available to developers immediately.
In July, it will go into a public beta — a stage where more users can test out the software — before launching to all consumers in the fall.
The hope is to give customers more reason to upgrade their devices at a time when prices are likely to rise.
Apple has been contending with the Trump administration's tariffs, prompting it to shift production of US-bound iPhones to India. Even with the changes, the company is increasingly likely to increase prices.
Apple typically unveils new devices in September.
Bloomberg
Read More
Bank of Ireland warns of rise in holiday scams ahead of summer season
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Irish Times
AI still key for Apple, but Siri updates take a back seat
Apple introduced new AI-powered features for its software at its developer conference on Monday, but said the long-awaited update to its Siri digital assistant needed more time. Apple executives showed off its plans for the future of its software at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), which is being held in Cupertino this week. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in supporting some of the main features announced by the company, including live translation for phone calls and messages, a workout buddy for Apple Watch and call screening. Apple is also expanding its partnership with OpenAI that saw ChatGPT brought in to deal with queries that Apple Intelligence could not answer, supporting some of the new features in Apple's updated software coming later this year. READ MORE But the technology took a less central role than in last year's WWDC, when the company unveiled its Apple Intelligence product, with Apple choosing this year to focus on user interface updates and the streamlined look for its software. The updated software incorporates a user interface design that Apple is calling Liquid Glass, which uses transparent menus in a look that owes a lot to the Vision Pro headset's software. Apple unveils its Liquid Glass concept. Photograph:'This is our broadest software design update ever,' said Alan Dye, Apple's vice president of Human Interface Design. 'It combines the optical qualities of glass with a fluidity only Apple can achieve, as it transforms depending on your content or context. It lays the foundation for new experiences in the future and, ultimately, it makes even the simplest of interactions more fun and magical.' The new look will unify the software across Apple's mobile, tablet, computer, TV, smartwatches and Vision Pro devices. 'The introduction of the new Liquid Glass UI across all hardware platforms brings more consistency for users and makes sense given the growing number of consumers who own more than one Apple product,' said CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood. 'CCS Insight research in advanced markets such as the US and UK indicates that 68 per cent of iPhone owners own at least one other Apple device, and 31 per cent of iPhone owners own at least two additional Apple devices.' How to manage your pension in these volatile times Listen | 37:00 Apple has also updated the software names, with the next version of Apple's software named iOS26, iPadOS26 and VisionOS 26. The newest Mac software, the last update for Intel-based Macs, will be called MacOS Tahoe 26. Apple also expanded its customised emoji feature, allowing users to combine two emojis to create a new one, or add a text description to an existing emoji. The company has been criticised for its approach to AI, facing accusations of falling behind rivals. [ Apple's fall from top of tree reflects cooling growth outlook Opens in new window ] 'While it might seem, others are leading the AI race, it is not a sought-after feature among users and there's no revenue uplift (for now). Considering the negative perception, Apple needs to tread carefully not to frustrate and disappoint its loyal base of (iPhone) users,' said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore. 'With these latest updates providing a more coherent feel, Apple remains in an enviable position given its large installed base of users. The subtle addition of Apple Intelligence across key services will help grow awareness and provide users with confidence to drive further engagement. The tight integration between hardware, software and services really stands out with this latest move.' Apple continued to push its privacy credentials, highlighting the on-device models for Live Translation, rather than sending data to the cloud. The feature will also be open to developers of third party apps through Apple's Foundation Models Framework. Apple has also introduced new Accessibility Nutrition Labels for App Store product pages to help highlight supported accessibility features to customers before they download an app or game. The App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion (€1.1 trillion) in developer billings and sales in 2024, Apple said, quoting a new study by economists Prof Andrey Fradkin and Dr Jessica Burley. The company was recently compelled by the European Commission to open up access to the 'walled garden' App Store under the new Digital Markets Act. Third party app stores can now access the iPhone and iPad, although they are still subject to some controls.
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
M&S confirms major online shopping update after crippling cyber attack
M&S has revealed it's bringing back online shopping after weeks of chaos. The posh supermarket was forced to suspend its online shopping after it was hit by a Advertisement 1 M&S has released this statement today confirming it is bringing back online shopping In a statement today it said shoppers will be able to buy items online again "this week". A section on the M&S website says: "You can now place online orders with standard delivery to England, Scotland and Wales. "Delivery to Northern Ireland will resume in the coming weeks. "We will resume Click & Collect, next-day delivery, nominated-day delivery and international ordering in the coming weeks." Advertisement Read more on M&S In a separate statement, the supermarket said a "selection of our best selling fashion ranges will be available for home delivery to England, Scotland and Wales". "More of our fashion, beauty and home products will be added every day and we will resume home deliveries to Northern Ireland and Click and Collect in the coming weeks," it said. The supermarket added: "Thank you sincerely for your support and for shopping with us." The Sun understands the majority of items are now available on the website and it will be fully operational in the coming weeks. Advertisement Most read in Money The news comes as M&S has spent weeks grappling with the fallout of the cyber attack. Up until now it has not been able to confirm when it would bring back online shopping. All iPhone and Android users must switch on two settings to stop bank-raiding attack – worrying sign means it's too late The cyber attack kicked off over Easter weekend and has been one of the worst to hit the high street in years. M&S was Advertisement Some stores were stripped of staples like bananas and Colin the Caterpillar cakes , while meal deals were pulled in some branches. The attack has caused a £300million blow to profits and Security experts have blamed notorious cyber gang Timeline of the attack Saturday, April 19: Initial reports emerge on social media of problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect services at M&S stores across the UK. Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Monday, April 21: Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. Tuesday, April 22: Disruptions continue. Wednesday, April 23: Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. Thursday, April 24: Contactless payments and click-and-collect services are still unavailable. Reports surface suggesting the attackers possibly gained access to data in February. Friday, April 25: M&S Monday, April 28: M&S is still unable to process online orders. Around Tuesday, April 29: Information suggests that the hacker group Scattered Spider is likely behind the attack. Shoppers spot empty shelves in selected stores. Tuesday, May 13: M&S revealed that some Wednesday, May 21: The retailer said disruption from the attack is expected to continue through to July. M&S recently issued an update for customers with gift vouchers following the attack. Advertisement Shoppers had been unable to use their vouchers in the wake of the attack but they appear to be working again now. However the supermarket told customers they wouldn't get extensions of the expiry dates on vouchers due to expire. But in better news for shoppers it confirmed those who missed out on their birthday treat would still be able to get one. People who use the Sparks loyalty card can get a freebie on their birthday but customers were unable to claim them in May because the system was done. Advertisement M&S has said people who were eligible for a birthday treat last month can get them at a later date once the system is fully restored. Which other retailers have been hit by cyber attacks? M&S isn't the only store facing cyber trouble. Co-op was forced to shut down part of its IT system after facing The supermarket said it had "taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe". Advertisement But it was later revealed that the personal data of a "significant number" of its 6.2million customers and former members had been stolen. This included names, contact information, and dates of birth. The retailer told customers that passwords, credit card details, and transaction information were not compromised. Full services resumed on May 14, following the reactivation of its online ordering system. Advertisement Luxury retailer Harrods was also another victim of last month's hacking saga. It told shoppers there was "restricted internet access" due to the attempted breach, which caused difficulties for some customers trying to make payments. What is a cyber attack? A CYBER attack is any deliberate attempt to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks, or digital devices. These attacks can target individuals, businesses, or even governments, and their motives can range from financial gain to political disruption. Cyber attacks can take many forms, employing various techniques to achieve their malicious goals. Common types of cyber attacks include: Malware: Malicious software designed to damage or gain control of a system. Examples include viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. Phishing: Deceptive attempts to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details, often through fake emails or websites. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Flooding a network or server with traffic to overwhelm its resources and make it unavailable to legitimate users. SQL Injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in website databases to gain unauthorised access to data. Ransomware: Malware that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its release. Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into performing actions or divulging confidential information.
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Virgin Media is giving away FREE Apple gadget worth £439 – but there's only one day left to claim
VIRGIN Media is offering new customers a free Apple gadget worth £439 if they sign up in the next 24hours. The network provider is handing out space grey 9th Gen iPads with 64GB worth of storage when they sign onto an 18-month 2 The network provider has a track record of throwing in high-value tech freebies with its broadband and TV packages Credit: Virgin Media 2 9th Generation iPad in space grey Credit: Best Buy/Apple But there's only one day left to claim while stocks last, as Virgin Media plans to wind down the offer on 11 June. For £88.99 per month, consumers can sign onto the MegaVolt package, which offers both telly and broadband perks. You can even get access to Netflix standard with ads, Sky Sports HD and Sky Cinema HD - plus another subscription service of your choosing for six months. Here's a breakdown of what the READ MORE ON VIRGIN MEDIA 1130Mbps speed broadband Wi-Fi guarantee of 30Mbps in every room or £100 back More than 240 TV channels and subscription services - including Netflix standard with ads, Sky Sports HD and Sky Cinema HD A 250GB O2 SIM with up to 25GB of data roaming A Hub 5 router and customers can choose a subscription service (Disney+, McAffee, Amazon Prime Video or Audible) for 6 months at no extra cost. Virgin Media began the offer in March. The network provider has a track record of throwing in high-value tech freebies with its broadband and TV packages. Customers that refer a friend or family member to Virgin Media or VMO2 can pocket a £70 referral fee - a £20 boost on the standard £50 referral. Most read in Tech This covers both broadband and phone contracts. You're throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy The discounts on Virgin Media's standalone broadband packages have also changed. Prices now start at £25.99 per month - down from £54 - on an 18-month term for 125Mbps. They jump to £36.99 for 1Gbps contracts, which is still better than the usual £78. The provider's top 2Gbps package is currently still £69.99 - which increases to £84 after 18-months. All prices were correct at the time of writing. Always do your own research before making any purchases. Best Virgin Media broadband & TV deals You'll only get the free iPad on Virgin Media's Mega Volt bundle, but there are plenty of other great broadband and TV deals up for grabs. Bigger Combo Volt bundle, £44.99/month - Bigger Combo Volt bundle + Sports, £64.99/month - Bigger Combo Volt bundle + Movies, £54.99/month - Biggest Combo Volt bundle (Netflix & Sky Sports), £88.99/month -
