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.
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Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Apple unveils redesigned interfaces for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Watches
At the company's major Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) south of San Francisco, it also sought to make up some lost ground on AI, unveiling iPhone features such as live AI-powered translation for messages and calls and more powerful use of 'Apple Intelligence' in identifying objects that are screenshotted. And it launched new tighter controls on scam and spam texts and calls, with a more powerful call screening option to identify and remove likely scams or telemarketers. Further announcements included an overhaul of the iPad's abilities to more closely mimic what is possible on MacBooks, especially in being able to use different windows for apps, like MacOS. The conference was taking place against the backdrop of the company's attempt to shore up its reputation on AI, having missed targets to release key features this year, including a big step forward in using Siri as a more effective AI personal assistant. But in a 93-minute presentation that included addresses from Tim Cook, Craig Federighi and a number of other senior executives, the company revealed several new changes and feature upgrades for the software across its iPhones, iPads, Macs, Watch, TV and Vision Pro devices. The biggest announcement of the day was the renaming of Apple device operating systems to correspond with the coming calendar year. It means that the iPhone, which currently uses iOS 18, will now jump to iOS 26 this Autumn. Similar renaming convention will apply to iPads (iPadOS 26), Watch (watchOS 26) and Apple TV (tvOS 26). While MacBooks will also use the new system, this will include a geographical name, as has always been the case (macOS Tahoe 26). The other big announcement with the operating systems was a new look for apps and widgets, called 'Liquid Glass', which is mostly a more translucent design appearance than before. Some new 'Apple Intelligence' features were unveiled. The most significant of these includes 'Live Translation', which allows for different languages both in FaceTime calls and Messages. Enhanced 'visual intelligence' features were also announced, with an ability to identifity objects that are screenshotted. The company also showcased futher integration of ChatGPT in some circumstances, including the ability to take a screenshot on an iPhone and ask ChatGPT something about the content in the shot. New safety-friendly measures were also unveiled in the form of call screening and message screening, filtering out likely scam or spam callers or senders. Call screening also seeks to give iPhone owners more details about who's calling, iuncluding an ability to answer calls from unknown numbers and get some information from the caller, giving the iPhone user more context before deciding whether to pick up or ignore the call. In a similar vein, the a new 'Hold Assist' feature allows the iPhone to 'keep your spot' in line while you wait for a live agent and then notifies you when they're ready. One feature that has been slower to come to European Mac and iPhone users is the ability to seamlessly mirror an iPhone on a Mac. At this year's WWDC, Apple launched an Phone app for the Mac. Live Activities will appear, it says, on the Mac from your nearby iPhone, letting you take action directly from your Mac without having to pick up your phone. Meanwhile, iOS 26 also gives CarPlay some updates, including a new 'compact' view for incoming calls, pinned conversations and tapbacks in Messages. There will also be widgets and Live Activities, while a new CarPlay Ultra — which appears to be very limited for now — allows for more screens in a car to use the interface, with more controls, including over the car's heating and air-conditioning. Elsewhere, for iPads, a new windowing system on iPadOS 26 will allow users to open more windows at once, resize them and place them anywhere, effectively replicating what can be done on a Mac. This will also support use on external displays. The update will apply to all iPads capable of using iPadOS 26. Elsewhere, the Apple Watch gets a new 'Workout Buddy' in watchOS 26 that will, says Apple, provide more personalised, spoken motivation using Apple Intelligence. The Workout app will also feature a new layout and suggest music to listen to based on the workout type and personal taste. The Watch will now also be able to dismiss notifications easily with a one-handed wrist flick gesture. Apple is also pitching its AirPods to content creators as a more active tool, touting their software updates' use of 'camera remote' to start or stop video recordings from a distance with a one press of the AirPods stem. Lastly, the company announced that its updated tvOS 26 will now give a choice to automatically display profiles when Apple TV wakes to return to a personalised watchlist in the TV app and playlists in Apple Music. There will also be an ability to use an iPhone as a microphone via 'Sing' in Apple Music.
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
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
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I went to Apple iPhone event today and I'm obsessed with 6 new tricks – ‘hold robot' for phone calls is best of the lot
A FLURRY of new features are about to appear on the Apple gadgets you already own. I sat for two hours as Apple doled out smartphone freebies on stage at its WWDC event in California – and there are six you'll want to look out for. Advertisement 12 iOS 26 is finally official – and it's coming to millions of iPhone models Credit: Apple 12 Messages is getting updated with a new 'poll' feature in iOS 26 Credit: Apple 12 You'll be able to screen texts from unknown senders in Messages Credit: Apple NEW APPLE TRICK #1 – TEXT QUESTION PLEASE? The Messages app is getting three upgrades – and they're very handy. Apple is finally adding the ability to create and send polls to pals. You'll be able to quiz them on a restaurant or holiday destination – or vote on who should win Strictly. It's a feature that WhatsApp added back in 2023, and is very popular. Advertisement Read more on iPhone Now you can do it in Messages too. Another added bonus for Messages users is the option to add custom backgrounds to each of your chats. They'll sync with the contact too, so you both see the same wallpaper. Fun. Third, you get the ability to screen messages from unknown senders. Advertisement Most read in Tech "In Messages, users can now screen messages from unknown senders, giving them more control over who appears in their conversation list," Apple explained. "Messages from unknown senders will appear in a dedicated folder where users can then mark the number as known, ask for more information, or delete. iPhone 16e review – I've secretly tested Apple's cheapest mobile and I love the new button but that's not the best bit "These messages will remain silenced until a user accepts them." NEW APPLE TRICK #2 – GAME DAY All the signs are there: Apple is getting very serious about gaming. Advertisement The company has shown early signs of wanting to boost its gaming offering with its increasingly powerful Mac chips. And just a few years ago, Apple Arcade launched – serving up a subscription-only library of premium mobile games. Now Apple has taken it one step further with a brand new and dedicated Games app. This is a bit like the App Store but just for games (finally!), and also lets you locate Apple Arcade titles too. Advertisement There are ways to play with and challenge pals. And it's a good sign of things to come: your iPhone is immensely powerful, and has a lot of potential as a gaming device. 12 The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach was on-site at Apple HQ in California for WWDC 2025 Credit: Sean Keach 12 Apple has created a dedicated Games app for the iPhone Credit: Apple Advertisement Watch out, Nintendo. NEW APPLE TRICK #3 – ALL SMILES Emoji are effectively the world's shared language. Almost all of us use them – and we all know what they mean. Last year, Apple created an AI feature called Genmoji to let you dream up your own custom emoji. But that wasn't enough for the fiendish emoji lovers out there. Advertisement So now Apple has added the ability for users to mash up two emoji together. Think 'smiling football' or 'zebra cat'. The possibilities are endless. NEW APPLE TRICK #4 – AIR WE GO! By far and away my favourite trick of the lot is a new perk for holidaymakers – though it's handy at home too. 12 You can translate languages in real time using Live Translation Credit: Apple Advertisement 12 Live Translation will even work on phone calls Credit: Apple 12 You can use Live Translate inside the Messages app too Credit: Apple There's a new feature that So you can have a conversation with someone who doesn't speak English, and understand every word they say. Advertisement This is a game-changer for any of you that have been abroad in a country where you're not fluent in the native tongue. Live Translation should make it much easier to order in restaurants , find your way around when you're lost, and potentially avoid being scammed too. NEW APPLE TRICK #5 – HOLD ON A MINUTE Another brainy new trick is 12 You can now get a virtual helper to "hold" for you on phone calls Credit: Apple Advertisement 12 It'll wait on the line while that dreadful music plays Credit: Apple 12 Once the customer support agent is ready, you'll be alerted so you can pick up the phone Credit: Apple This is effectively a robot that holds on a phone call so you don't have to. It'll wait for a human to pick up, and then alert you when the conversation is ready. Advertisement That way, you don't have to spend hours in call centre misery, listening to those awful tunes for a problem that might take just seconds to solve. NEW APPLE TRICK #6 – HUNG UP! Another clever spam-prevention feature is Call Screening. 12 Call Screening can save you from spammers and scammers Credit: Apple This is similar to Apple's Live Voicemail feature that lets you read a transcription of voicemails in real-time. Advertisement Now Apple will gather info from callers, and then share that detail with you. So your iPhone can ask the caller for their name and why they're calling – and then tell you the answer that they give. Then you can decide if you want to pick up the call or totally ignore it. CUT OFF! Sadly, not everyone will be able to claim this bonanza of tech tricks. Advertisement Anyone with a very old iPhone will miss out on the whole lot. The list of supported devices getting iOS 26 is as follows: iPhone 16e iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone SE (3rd gen) iPhone SE (2nd gen) So if you've got anything older than the devices on that list, you're going without. That includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, which received last year's iOS 18 update – but has since been cut off from iOS 26. Advertisement EXPERT VIEW: 'ACTION-PACKED' APPLE EVENT Here's the expert view from Paolo Pescatore, industry analyst at PP Foresight... "Another action-packed event with Apple delivering a slew of new features for its platforms," Paolo said. "Overall, it looks like Apple has done enough in what promises to be a year of transition as it further builds out its AI capabilities. "There was plenty of Apple Intelligence under the hood. New and subtle features that build upon its relentless focus on privacy and security such as screening of calls and text messages will be sought after and widely used by users. "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. "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. "A unified software experience is paramount as more users buy and use a slew of Apple devices. This ensures a more comfortable look and feel driving further stickiness among users. All of which underline the growing importance of software and services at a time when people are looking to keep devices for longer. More importantly owning more devices from Apple. "The biggest visual change and redesign in years will coincide with a new iPhone later in the year. This will be significant as Apple is providing something new at a time when it is challenging to differentiate with a sea of sameness. Significantly it will put pressure on rivals as it makes their software a bit out of date. "People will feel like they have something new for free with a software upgrade. Noticeably, this will be a very different software update and one they will remember unlike others. "The name change is a very big deal which suggests a similar move might happen for the new iPhone to provide more consistency for users. "Other new features like live translate while available on rival platforms are much needed and will resonate with its customer base. "New gaming app follows in the footsteps of Apple TV in being a one-stop-shop for users gaming needs. This suggests a move to make bigger investments in gaming as others are doing. It represents a key battleground among providers. But the company is not resting on its laurels in TV with the new OS redesign to provide a more intuitive watching experience for users and families alike. "It might not steal the headlines, but the iPad finally takes a huge leap forward bringing it into line with other product segments for multitasking." Picture Credit: Paolo Pescatore
