A Fresh Leaf for Apple: Presenting Liquid Glass Design
Tech giant Apple seeks advancements in software and increased AI capabilities.
Stepping away from big AI promises, Apple unveils a revolutionary visual overhaul for its devices. Dubbed "Liquid Glass," the redesign rolls out this autumn, bringing a slew of AI-infused enhancements across phones, tablets, computers, and smartwatches.
Like Glass, but a Fluid Masterpiece
Apple calls this design innovation "Liquid Glass," boasting more transparent elements that glide over content, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across all devices. This significant design update is the first major transformation of Apple's visual language in over a decade, touching the lives of over a billion daily users.
A New Naming Convention: Embracing Years in its Name
Alongside their fresh look, Apple is also revamping the nomenclature of its operating systems. Instead of traditional version numbers, like iOS 18 or macOS 16, the new releases will be labeled based on the year. Therefore, devices released in 2023 will carry the "26" suffix, while anticipating the next year.
AI Across Functions: An Intelligent Approach
At the WWDC 2024, Apple hinted at an improved Siri assistant but faced delays. When launched, Siri will be powerfully engaged with users, diving into personal data and functioning across apps. Conceptual scenarios were unveiled last year, and though Siri's launch is estimated to be pushed until "next year," the anticipation is palpable.
Meanwhile, rivals, Google and Samsung, showcase similar capabilities in their smartphones. However, instead of a centralized AI assistant, Apple focuses on integrating AI technology into specific functions, such as translating subtitles during video calls and serving as a voice translator during phone calls.
Apple's Gift to Developers: Sharing AI Speech Models
Apple offers developers access to its AI speech models, empowering them to integrate these models into their apps. This could prove a game-changer for developers, especially those who could otherwise partner with AI chatbot providers like ChatGPT from OpenAI.
Apple Intelligence: Enhancing Text, Emojis, and More
Last year, Apple presented its AI offerings under the name "Apple Intelligence." The software can rephrase, summarize text, and even generate new emojis based on user descriptions, making communication more engaging than ever.
A Tablet Turned Touchscreen Mac: iPadOS 26
Prepare for a major shift in the iPad's operating system. It's inching closer to the Mac's user interface with a menu bar and enhanced support for multiple app windows. Industry analyst Avi Greengart of the consulting firm Techsponential remarks, "essentially, the iPad is evolving into a touchscreen Mac with a different app selection."
Business Ready: Vision Pro Computer Glasses
Businesses are a prime target for Apple's Vision Pro computer glasses, which are optimized for professional use. With the 26th release of the operating system, multiple people can now share the same headset, and multiple team members can work collaboratively on the same project. With a starting price of $4,000, the Vision Pro targets businesses eager to embrace cutting-edge technology.
Everyday Magic Tricks: Vision Pro's Unique Features
The Vision Pro cameras will capture surroundings in high definition and display them on the screens in front of the user's eyes. With the new operating system, users can position widgets, such as clocks or photo frames, in a fixed location within their environment. Thus, whether at home, work, or on vacation, users will always find their essential widgets where they left them.
Apple plans to integrate artificial-intelligence technology into specific functions, such as translating subtitles during video calls and serving as a voice translator during phone calls, as part of its rivals Google and Samsung's smartphone capabilities. Meanwhile, other advancements like the Liquid Glass design announcement, will maintain a consistent aesthetic across all Apple devices, improving transparency and offering a fluid user experience.
