WWDC 2025: What’s New in iOS 26 Update Compared to Android?

WWDC 2025: The Next Chapter of iOS 26’s Bold Vision Unfolds

WWDC is Apple’s yearly tech conference for developers. The 2025 event runs from June 9 to June 13. Apple announced OS 26 updates and tools for all its devices. The goal is to give developers what they need to build modern apps for the Apple ecosystem. They also introduced on device AI tools like Foundation Models. All this supports Apple’s long-term plan to make their ecosystem stronger and easier to use.

1.1 What Did Apple Announce at WWDC 2025?

Apple announced many big updates related to its software at the WWDC 2025 event. This time, the focus was mainly on three things: the new software design, names of operating systems, and strategies related to AI.

1.1.1 iOS 26 Will Start a New OS Version Name

Apple has now decided to name all its OS versions based on the year. So, the next iPhone software will not be called iOS 19 but iOS 26. Even if the updates are small, this change makes the software feel more fresh and modern.

This year-based naming is a smart marketing move by Apple. It makes each version look like a big upgrade and gives users a more relevant update experience every year.

1.1.2 Apple’s Latest Visual Upgrade Is Called “Liquid Glass Design”

Apple introduced a new translucent design called “Liquid Glass” at WWDC 2025. This design will be available across all platforms including iOS 26, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Menus and app icons will now have a see-through look, inspired by Apple Vision Pro’s AR/VR world.

This change is not a full redesign but more of a polished upgrade. Apple is using it to build a futuristic visual base that can prepare users for upcoming AR and spatial interfaces.

1.1.3 Apple Intelligence: Smart Features with a Privacy-First Approach

At WWDC 2025, Apple launched its AI system called Apple Intelligence. It includes features like Live Translation, Genmoji, Image Playground, and updates in Visual Intelligence. Developers also got access to Foundation Models, and new tools like Gaming Hub and Workout Buddy were introduced.

Apple’s AI works through on-device processing, which puts user privacy first. Compared to other companies using cloud-based AI, this method might be slower, but it is more secure and reliable. Updates for tools like Siri may take time, but Apple is focusing more on long-term trust and safety.

2. iOS 26: A Fresh Experience for iPhone Users

The iOS 26 update brings a lot of new features for iPhone users. It includes a refreshed look, smarter apps, and new AI-based tools powered by Apple Intelligence.

2.1 Liquid Glass Design in iOS 26: Stylish Look With a Future-Ready Touch

iOS 26 brings Apple’s biggest visual change yet, called the Liquid Glass design. Now, app icons, settings, and UI elements have a transparent, glass-like feel. The design reacts to user gestures and blends smoothly with the Lock Screen wallpaper.

This new look takes inspiration from Apple Vision Pro. It’s not just about style, it’s designed to prepare users for the future of AR and VR. Apple wants to create a natural connection between smartphones and spatial computing through this design.

2.2 Lock Screen and Home Screen: More Smart and Personal

iOS 26 adds Liquid Glass widgets, a dynamic clock size, and 3D spatial scenes to the Lock Screen. These new visual features give users more ways to customise and personalise their phone. Apple has smartly added some popular Android features in its own way, offering a flexible experience while keeping everything smooth and controlled.

2.3 Camera and Photos App: Now More Simple to Use

In iOS 26 the Camera app has a cleaner interface. Photo-video toggle buttons are now right in front, and settings are just a tap away. In the Photos app, new ‘Library’ and ‘Collections’ tabs make it easier to organise pictures. These changes improve usability, but they’re not major innovations.

2.4 Messages App: Smarter Tools and Built-in Translation

The Messages app now includes live translation, polls, typing indicators, and a spam filter. Messages from unknown senders will appear in a separate tab, and users can also set custom chat backgrounds. These features are inspired by Android, but Apple has added them with its own smooth, polished touch.

2.5 Phone App Gets AI Features: Delayed, but Well Done

The Phone app in iOS 26 now supports features like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Unknown callers will be screened, and alerts will be sent while on hold. These tools have existed in Google Pixel phones for some time, but Apple has finally added them into its system. Apple focuses more on privacy and smooth experience than rushing new features. But the truth is, Apple often repackages standard Android features as premium ones.

2.6 New Features in CarPlay, Maps, Wallet, and Games App

Core apps like CarPlay, Maps, Wallet, and the new Apple Games app have received smart upgrades in iOS 26. CarPlay now includes a Liquid Glass look, subtle alerts, and Live Activities support to reduce distractions. Maps learn from your navigation habits, while Wallet now supports digital passports, 3D airport views, and smarter order tracking. The Apple Games app brings multiplayer and Arcade games together in one place. All of this makes Apple’s ecosystem feel more essential to users’ daily life, which makes switching away even harder.

2.7 Visual Intelligence: Screenshot-Based Search Now on iPhone

iOS 26 expands Apple’s Visual Intelligence by allowing users to search objects directly from screen content. Users can take a screenshot, circle any object, and search for it. This helps identify things on social media or photos and can detect events to add them to the calendar.

However, this feature is less smooth compared to Android’s real-time “Circle to Search” tool launched in January 2024. Apple’s screenshot-based system shows its cautious and slower approach, choosing quality and polished integration over speed.

3. Apple’s All OS Get Liquid Glass Design and Smart Features

Apple launched new versions of macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and visionOS along with iOS 26. All these systems now have Liquid Glass design and deep integration of Apple Intelligence, bringing a fresh, smart experience across devices.

3.1 macOS Tahoe 26: Smart Features Like iPhone on Mac

• Apple changed Dock, toolbars, and sidebars to Liquid Glass design.
• iPhone’s Live Activities now show in Mac’s menu bar too.
• Spotlight is smarter with ranking, cloud search, and direct action support.

New Continuity and Spotlight upgrades have turned Mac into a smart hub that fully syncs with the iPhone. The closer Apple devices work together, the stronger users feel connected to the whole ecosystem, both emotionally and functionally.

3.2 watchOS 26: Workout Buddy and Smart Stack Now Even Smarter

• Smart Stack design and prediction algorithm improved.
• Workout Buddy became a personal trainer with AI.
• Notes and Live Translate also available on Apple Watch.

watchOS 26 makes Apple’s health-first plan stronger. With AI-based fitness feedback and use of personal data, Apple Watch has become a serious health companion, which increases daily use and engagement.

3.3 iPadOS 26: Mac-like Controls and New Apps

• New windowing system introduced for multitasking.
• Expose lets you see all open windows in one place.
• New pro apps like Preview and Apple Games added.

iPadOS 26 takes the iPad one step closer to being a laptop replacement. Mac-like multitasking tools and powerful apps increase its productivity value for professionals.

3.4 tvOS 26: Home Entertainment Becomes More Engaging

• Apple Music introduced a karaoke mode called “Sing.”
• On Wake, users can select profiles, pair favorite speakers, and get call notifications.
• New screensavers inspired by India were also added.

These tvOS updates make Apple TV both fun and useful. The mix of music, video, and smart home controls turns it into a strong entertainment center that increases the use of Apple Music and other services.

3.5 visionOS 26: Preparing the Base for Future Devices

• visionOS 26 adds support for 180° and 360° cameras and PlayStation VR2 controller.
• It can turn 2D photos into 3D spatial images using generative AI.
• It also supports shared spatial experiences like 3D movies and games.

visionOS 26 is shaping Apple’s long-term AR/VR plans. These updates build the foundation not just for Vision Pro, but also for future affordable spatial devices. Apple is slowly making computing more spatial and aims to lead the industry in this area.

4. iOS 26 vs Older Versions: What Changed, What Stayed the Same

iOS 26 has brought many new changes to the iPhone experience. When we compare it with older versions like iOS 18.5, both design and features show clear improvements.

4.1 Design and UI: New Look with Liquid Glass

What’s Better

iOS 26 brings a big visual change with the Liquid Glass design. Icons and widgets now look see-through and feel more dynamic, inspired by VisionOS. The UI looks more modern and reacts to user touch, which makes everything feel smoother.

What’s the Same

The design has changed, but the navigation and app layout are still the same. Apple wants users to feel comfortable even with the new look.

This update shows that Apple doesn’t bring small design changes every time. When it does, it changes the whole system at once. This is different from Android, which changes design slowly over time.

4.2 Features: Focus on AI and Ease of Use

What’s Better

iOS 26 adds many new features like Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Adaptive Power Mode, and Custom Snooze. Main apps like Camera, Photos, Messages, and Phone have also been updated. New apps like Preview and Apple Games have been added too.

What’s the Same

The last version, iOS 18.5, mostly had bug fixes and small changes like a new wallpaper and improvements in the Mail app. iOS 26 builds on that with new features.

These updates show that Apple now gives more importance to AI and user ease. Yes, many of these features were already in Android, but Apple’s way is to release them only when they are fully ready. This “perfect then launch” method gives a strong and clean upgrade experience.

ALSO READ: iOS 26 Features: 5 Big Changes from WWDC 2025 That Every App Developer and Brand Should Act on Now

4.3 iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5: Key Differences

Category	iOS 26	iOS 18.5
Design	Liquid Glass (major overhaul, translucent, dynamic)	iOS 18 design (minor changes)
Key New Features	Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Adaptive Power Mode, Custom Snooze	Mail app tweaks, new wallpaper
App Updates	Overhauled Camera/Photos/Messages/Phone apps, New Games/Preview apps	Bug fixes (Notification Center, CarPlay, Vision Pro app)
AI Features	Apple Intelligence-infused features (Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, Genmoji)	Limited AI enhancements, Siri AI upgrade delayed
Stability	Currently in beta (potential bugs)	Stable and fully released
Compatibility	Requires iPhone 11 or newer	Compatible with all iOS 18 devices, including older phones

5. iOS 26 vs Android: Who Has Better Features

iOS 26 has brought many new features. But when we compare them with Android, we see that many of these were already available on Android. Apple works on making a feature perfect before launching it. On the other hand, Google brings new features early and improves them later.

5.1 Call Features: Android Had It Long Ago

• iOS 26: Call Screening answers unknown calls in the background and shows the transcript. Hold Assist listens to hold music and alerts you when the agent comes back.
• Android: These features have been in Google Pixel phones for years — Call Screen since 2018 and Hold for Me since 2020.

Apple added these features now, which shows that it follows Android in such areas. Apple waits for the feature to be fully ready, but because of this, other platforms get the credit for launching it first.

5.2 Spam Detection: Google Still Ahead

• iOS 26: Suspected spam messages go to a separate folder, and you don’t get notifications for them.
• Android: The Google Messages app can detect spam on the phone itself and also gives real-time scam alerts.

Apple’s spam system is simple. Google’s system is more advanced and uses cloud data for better real-time results. Apple’s focus on privacy slows down its AI development.

5.3 Live Translation: Android Did It First

• iOS 26: You now get live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and calls. AirPods can also speak the translation.
• Android: Pixel phones have had this since 2021. First-gen Pixel Buds supported this back in 2017.

This is a new feature for Apple, but Android users have been using it for a long time. Apple’s version looks smooth, but it still lacks in features.

5.4 Visual Intelligence vs Circle to Search

• iOS 26: You can take a screenshot, draw a circle on anything, and search for it.
• Android: You don’t need a screenshot. Just circle anything on the screen, and you get instant results.

Android’s way is faster and easier. Apple’s version feels slower, maybe because of how it handles things on the device.

5.5 Creative AI: Genmoji and Image Playground vs Emoji Kitchen

• iOS 26: You can create custom emojis and AI-based images using Genmoji and Image Playground.
• Android: Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen has been offering emoji mashups since 2020. Pixel Studio added AI-based sticker creation in 2024.

Even in creative tools, Android was first. Apple is now offering these features, but with more polish. This polished approach causes delay, but gives a cleaner result.

5.6 iOS 26 Features: Apple vs Android Timeline

iOS 26 Feature	Apple iOS 26 (WWDC 2025)	Android Counterpart	Android Availability	Lag (Years)
Call Screening	2025	Google Call Screen	2018	7
Hold Assist	2025	Google Hold for Me	2020	5
Spam Detection	2025 (Messages)	Google Messages Spam Filtering	2018 (on-device)	7
Live Translation	2025	Google Live Translate (Pixel 6)	2021	4
Live Translation (Earbuds)	2025 (AirPods)	Google Pixel Buds	2017	8
Visual Intelligence (On-screen search)	2025 (screenshot-based)	Google Circle to Search	2024 (seamless)	1
Genmoji / Image Playground (Emoji mashups)	2025	Gboard Emoji Kitchen	2020	5

5.7 Why Apple is Still Behind the Android

Apple is behind Android in many areas because of its “controlled innovation” policy. The company adds new features only when they fit perfectly with its system and privacy rules. This helps avoid bugs and problems, but because of this, Apple misses the chance to be the first in the market.

5.7.1 Android Already Launched These Features

Features like Call Screening, Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, and Genmoji have been available on Android a long time ago. Now Apple is adding the same features in iOS 26 as if they are new. This shows that Apple brings updates more slowly.

5.7.2 AI Features Are Still Behind

Siri’s upgrade is still delayed. But Google Assistant and Galaxy AI already offer real-time scam alerts, smart replies to hard questions, and useful suggestions. Apple still doesn’t have AI deeply built into its system at that level.

5.7.3 Customization Is Still Limited

Android has already given full control to its users. In Android smartphones, you can easily change themes, widgets, and launchers. iOS 26 has added some new personalization options, but still the system feels quite limited compared to Android.

5.7.4 Apple Is Not in Foldable Phones Yet

Brands like Samsung and Huawei are already leading the foldable phone market. Apple has not released any foldable phone yet. For users who want large screens and multitasking, this is a big missing part, and other brands are getting the benefit.

5.7.5 Apple’s Style: Safe but Slow

Apple focuses on giving a secure and polished experience. But because of that, it often stays behind in new trends. In recent years, Apple has become more of a “fast follower” instead of bringing new ideas first. Android is now leading in most of the new changes.

6. Apple Intelligence: Is It the Future of AI or Still Behind?

Apple introduced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025, but its place in AI is still not strong.

6.1 Still Waiting for Siri

At WWDC 2024, Apple showed a preview of major AI upgrades for Siri. But Craig Federighi confirmed that they are delayed until 2026. The reason given was that the updates didn’t meet Apple’s high standards. Experts are worried about this delay, while Google (with Gemini) and Microsoft (with Copilot) are moving ahead fast.

Even though Apple has huge resources, it is behind Google and Samsung in the AI race. The delay is due to internal disagreements, risks to Apple’s brand because AI models are sometimes unpredictable, and strict privacy rules that limit data access. Apple only adds features when they meet its strict quality standards. But running AI on-device needs powerful hardware, which slows down development compared to companies using cloud-based AI.

6.2 On-Device AI vs Cloud AI: The Privacy Point

Apple Intelligence mostly works on the device itself, so user data does not leave the phone. For complex tasks, it uses something called Private Cloud Compute, where data is not stored or shared. This system also allows independent checks of its code.

On the other side, Google’s Gemini runs on cloud systems. This helps it learn and improve faster. Samsung’s Galaxy AI also uses Gemini and adds more tools.

Apple’s focus on privacy keeps user data safe, but it slows down the speed of AI updates. Because on-device AI has technical limits, Apple still looks behind Android when it comes to advanced AI features.

7. Apple Ecosystem: Strong System or Just a Marketing Trick?

With iOS 26, Apple’s ecosystem has become stronger. iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV, and Vision Pro now follow the same design and work smoothly together. Features like Handoff, AirDrop, iMessage sync, and Continuity Camera give users a smooth experience across devices.

This smooth connection keeps users inside the Apple system. Once someone buys into it, switching becomes hard because of services like iCloud, iMessage, and continuity tools, which are not easy to leave behind.

iOS 26 focuses on privacy. It uses on-device processing and sandboxing so that user data doesn’t leave the device. The A18 chip gives fast performance, and even older phones get updates. This secure and long-lasting experience makes users willing to pay a higher price for Apple products.

8. Apple’s Strategy: Smart Marketing or User Manipulation?

Apple often gets blamed for using premium pricing and a locked ecosystem to influence users, while Android brands like Huawei and Samsung offer more advanced features like zoom cameras, fast charging, and Galaxy AI at lower prices.

Apple charges more for its ecosystem, design, and brand value, even if those features were already available on Android. This creates a sense of value in the minds of users, which some people see as manipulation.

Apple uses psychological tricks in marketing like:

• Endowment Effect: By using showrooms and free returns, users start feeling emotionally attached to the product.
• Status Quo Bias: After adopting the Apple lifestyle and ecosystem, people avoid switching because iMessage, iCloud, and data transfer issues create high switching costs.

These tricks give Apple a strong advantage in getting user loyalty and regular upgrades.

Conclusion

iOS 26 is a clean and smooth update, with its new Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence making the Apple ecosystem even more connected. WWDC 2025 showed that Apple is moving towards a future of spatial computing and privacy-focused AI.

But in AI, Apple is still behind. The promised Siri upgrades have been delayed till 2026, while Google and Samsung are moving fast with their AI tools like Gemini and Galaxy AI. Apple’s strict quality standards and privacy rules are slowing development, and the gap in the AI race is growing.

Apple’s biggest strength is its ecosystem. All devices work smoothly together, and its on-device privacy makes it stand out. But this tight connection also traps users inside a “walled garden.” Because of high switching costs, people find it hard to leave, which helps Apple build long-term loyalty.

But sometimes this loyalty feels like it’s being used. Apple charges a high price for features that Android phones already have. It also uses psychological tricks like the endowment effect and status quo bias to make users keep upgrading and stay in the ecosystem.

In the end, Apple gives users a secure and smooth experience, but it’s not always the most advanced. Users should look at Apple’s new features not just for what they are, but also when they arrive and what other options are already out there.

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