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Apple Last year, Apple announced a redesigned Photos app, touting it as “the biggest-ever redesign.” Over the past year, we’ve seen users complaining about the redesign and wanting to go back to iOS 17’s Photos app. Apple seems to have listened to all the feedback and fixed its Photos app with the new iOS 26 […] More
Jason Hiner/ZDNETMonday at WWDC 2025, Apple announced a major upgrade for Apple TV: TVOS 26. This upgrade introduces a significant visual overhaul and several unprecedented entertainment features. The platform offers a new layout and interface, along with smart features that weren’t available in TVOS 18.At the heart of the update is a new design language called Liquid Glass, which gives the interface a more vibrant and expressive look. Across iOS 26 devices, Liquid Glass offers floating, three-dimensional menus and windows, translucent UI elements like icons and menus allowing background visibility, and a rounded design with softer edges for a more organic interface look.Also: The best Apple TV VPNs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedFor Apple TV, in particular, the redesign will now showcase cinematic poster art for a more immersive browsing experience. The update also streamlines profile switching and app logins, making it easier to access personalized content. Apple’s TVOS 26 is also expected to incorporate new Apple Intelligence features in the coming year. More
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETApple just announced MacOS 26, the latest version of its operating system for the Mac and MacBook, and it’s packed with visual customization options, its new Liquid Glass design language, and some smart upgrades to the Spotlight feature that could be a serious game changer for productivity. While the full release of the new OS, nicknamed Tahoe won’t be released until September, I don’t blame you if you’re champing at the bit to test out the new features on your Mac right now in the Developer Beta. Luckily, this is easy to do. You’ll just need register as a developer and download the beta version onto your device.Also: Everything announced at Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote: Liquid Glass, MacOS Tahoe, and more As with any beta, you’ll no doubt run into bugs, glitches, and software that isn’t fully optimized yet, so you’ll want to proceed with caution. But if you’re ready to dive in, here’s how you can access the developer beta right now. How to install the MacOS 26 developer betaWhat you need: A Mac with Apple Silicon running MacOS 15 Sequoia, and an Apple ID used in the Apple Developer Program. This means that MacOS 26 is not compatible with Intel-based Macs, and some older Macs that do support MacOS 15 Sequoia may not work, either. If you’re unsure, you’ll want to consult Apple’s official list or see our breakdown below. More
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETApple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, is a momentous occasion for Apple fans. The tech giant held its keynote speech on Monday at Apple Park, but the full conference runs through June 13. It also marks one year since the company entered the AI space with the announcement of Apple Intelligence.Also: Your AirPods are getting 2 major upgrades for free thanks to iOS 26 – here’s what they areAs WWDC is a developer conference, the main focus of the keynote was software. Apple revealed it’s planning on making sweeping UI changes to all its operating systems, adding new features, new apps, and enhancing Apple Intelligence. How to watch WWDC 2025 More
ZDNETApple just announced a list of new features for MacOS 26 “Tahoe” today at WWDC, and we’re seeing some compelling visual UI design, more cross-device compatibility, and a more open Apple Intelligence. But not all of the features are brand new; in fact, a handful of them have already been available in Windows (some, for many years). Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features in WatchOS 26One thing Apple does well is deliver a clean, sleek UI, and the new “Liquid Glass” design theme looks undeniably good. But Windows geat Apple to these four features, even though they’re new to Mac. 1. Window tiling More
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETWWDC 2025 is in full swing, and although there’s plenty of news surrounding Apple’s software design overhaul, live translation services, and other features powered by Apple Intelligence, new CarPlay features caught my eye the most.Also: The best iOS 26 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhileI plug my iPhone into my car every time I get into it, even if I don’t need Maps. I love the interface, and I like having quick access to vital apps like Phone, Messages, and, most importantly, Chick-fil-A.Apple’s new CarPlay design isn’t significant enough to call it a complete redesign, but the new features and look are meaningful enough to change how you interact with CarPlay. This year’s WWDC brought three new features I’m most excited about, and here’s why.1. Notification banners and message TapbacksWhen I use Maps and am driving on Atlanta’s hectic interstates, it always bothers me when an incoming call usurps my screen and hides my driving directions. Then, I have to briefly take my eyes off the road to click back to Maps.Now, phone calls pop up as banner notifications, allowing you to tap the accept button or press your steering wheel’s call button while keeping your Maps in frame. Also: Apple’s secret sauce is exactly what AI is missingIn CarPlay’s current form, you can only listen to Siri read you a text message and respond using your car’s voice control. The new update will change how Messages are displayed, mirroring the pinned conversations you have on your phone and allowing you to respond to messages via Tapback responses.Additionally, iOS 26 ushered in a new Phone feature named Hold Assist. If you’re on hold and your phone detects hold music, it will ask if you want your call spot held in line and notify you when it’s your turn to speak with someone. It’ll come in handy for people like me who call doctors’ offices and insurance companies in the car.2. More widgets More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETHow many irrelevant notifications are you receiving on a given day? Too many, probably. You can flick them away with this new Apple Watch feature that the tech giant debuted at its annual developer conference. Wrist Flick is the latest hand gesture that Apple Watch wearers can use to dismiss messages or notifications they aren’t ready to answer just yet. Debuting on WatchOS 26, the gesture, which is activated by turning the wrist, dismisses notifications, timers, alarms, incoming calls, and Siri, Apple said in its press release. Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features coming to Watch OS 26Wrist Flick builds on the Apple Watch’s Double Tap feature, used for accepting calls or responding to text messages. These hand gestures allow for a nearly hands-free experience, eliminating multiple taps or two-handed dismissals. They’re great for when you’ve got your hands full with groceries or are carrying a sleeping kid in your arms and don’t want the pings around your wrist waking them.As someone who constantly receives notifications from unused Slack channels or an endless barrage of group chat messages, I’m looking forward to using this feature to dismiss the constant pings easily. Also: Every Apple Watch that will get Watch OS 26During Apple’s WWDC 2025 event on Monday, the company announced several software updates across its device lineup. One of the biggest developments is the Liquid Glass design overhaul coming to every iOS device. This design update creates a clearer and richer interface and turns the notifications, icons, and apps from opaque to clear to blend in with the device’s background display. More
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26? Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE. When will iOS 26 be released? Apple is releasing the iOS 26 developer beta during WWDC 2025, and the public beta version will likely be released in July. If past years are any indication, the general release of iOS 26 will take place in September. What to do before installing the iOS 26 developer beta? You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind: Back up your device and personal information.Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS. How do I install the iOS 26 public beta version? You’ll need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, you’ll also need a model newer than the iPhone 11. Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.Go to Software Update in Settings.Enable Beta Updates. To enable Beta Updates, go to Beta Updates and select the iOS version you’d like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.Select iOS 26 Public Beta. Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26. By the time the public beta is released, Apple will have two beta versions of iOS: iOS 26 public beta and iOS 26 developer beta. Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More
