Apple's Home Run: WWDC 2025 and the Resurgence of a Design Icon
- by Malte Mansholt
- 4 Min
Unwavering Focus: Apple Remains Committed to Its Core Competencies - Considering Potential Strengths: Exploring Optimal Strategies for Apple Inc.
After a slight misstep last year, Apple's returned to their roots with a bang! At WWDC 2025, they revealed a major makeover for their operating systems, and the results were nothing short of impressive. From a sleek, futuristic design to a host of long-awaited features, Apple proved once again that they set their own standards. innovation for the industry to follow.
Old Strengths Reignited
The keynote at WWDC 2025 showcased Apple at its finest: showcasing style, smart ideas, and marketing magic that can make even small, not-so-new innovations seem groundbreaking. This time, we saw two aspects where Apple truly shone: the new design and the operating system renaming.
- The new design: Inspired by the Vision Pro surface, the glass optics gave the operating systems a modern, consistent look across all Apple devices. This is a prime example of Apple's status as a design icon!
- The operating system renaming: Apple's clever marketing was on full display with the renaming of all systems to version 26. This move not only tied everything together but also made the systems look more modern. Clever, huh?
These changes, combined with numerous new features, like a revamped camera and phone app, the long-awaited multitasking on the iPad, and countless smaller tweaks, resulted in a truly impressive upgrade. These systems now feel like the home run Apple is known for!
Behind the Hype: Apple's Slip-Up
Last year's WWDC saw the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a move that was both daring and controversial. While it revealed strong strategies, like the attempt to connect KI with Apple's focus on privacy, it was a clear admission that Apple was playing catch-up in the race against speech-based KIs like ChatGPT. The unfulfilled promises of Apple Intelligence and the postponed smarter Siri have only reinforced the impression that Apple is falling behind.
This setback was particularly painful for Apple, a company that carefully crafts its public image and reputation for being innovative perfectionists. This dilemma with Apple Intelligence has damaged both aspects, and it was unnecessary given Apple's history.
Building Back Better: AI as a Side Note
At WWDC 2025, AI took a backseat to Apple's other announcements. Yes, Apple Intelligence is still around, but the focus was on looking ahead and the new design. The Liquid Glass design spans all systems, from the iPhone to the Mac, Apple TV, and CarPlay. It brings fresh looks, responsive animations, and a focus on enhanced productivity. In many ways, these changes will have a more direct impact on users' daily lives than many current AI promises in the industry.
A Glimpse into the Future: AI and Beyond
Interestingly, the new design may have more significance in Apple's future plans. The glass surfaces hint at two devices Apple is reportedly working on: the anniversary iPhone, set to launch in 2027, and a full-fledged augmented reality glasses. The future evolution of the Vision Pro, according to Tim Cook's vision, will one day replace the smartphone by overlaying content directly onto our field of view. A glass-like operating system would be an ideal fit, don't you think?
Insight:
- Apple unveiled a new design language, "Liquid Glass," to be applied across all its operating systems, featuring semi-translucent elements, responsive animations, and a focus on enhancing user interface consistency and productivity.
- Following this design trend will make the "anniversary iPhone" (set to launch in 2027) and the planned augmented reality glasses more cohesive with existing Apple devices.
Final Takeaway
WWDC 2025 marked a turning point for Apple. After a slight hiccup with Apple Intelligence, they returned to their design roots and delivered an impressive upgrade to their operating systems. By focusing on style, smart ideas, and marketing, Apple once again set the bar high for the industry to follow. As we move forward, it's clear that Apple remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation, with a focus on privacy and user-centric design.
- The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation, as Apple demonstrates with its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in its operating systems, setting the bar high for the technology industry to emulate.
- The new design, inspired by the Vision Pro surface and realized with the Liquid Glass language, reflects Apple's adherence to technology that combines style, smart ideas, and marketing magic, establishing it as a design icon in the industry and foreshadowing potential advancements in future devices like the anniversary iPhone and augmented reality glasses.
