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10 upgrades for iPhones and Apple devices in 2025, from AI to Liquid Glass OS design

Operating systems for iPhones and other Apple devices will have a new look, and other changes include AI features and a revamped camera app.

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Apple has announced a new user interface called Liquid Glass, as well as other visual updates. Photo: Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling

At its annual developer conference, Apple gave another preview of software innovations coming to the iPhone, Mac and other devices.

These include many artificial intelligence (AI) features, but the first change you are likely to notice is the new design in the operating systems. Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, there have essentially only been two design directions for the software.

Initially, Apple sought to mimic real-world objects, such as wooden bookshelves for the Books app, to help users understand the concept of multitouch screens. With iOS 7 in 2013, a starkly minimalist alternative was introduced, featuring icons made of just a few lines.

This minimalism has been mixed with more colour in recent years, but the 2D principle remains. Now, a new design language called Liquid Glass is being introduced.

After more than a decade with a relatively similar design, Apple is modernising the look of its devices’ user interfaces, the company announced at its annual WWDC event in California. Photo: Andrej Sokolow/dpa
After more than a decade with a relatively similar design, Apple is modernising the look of its devices’ user interfaces, the company announced at its annual WWDC event in California. Photo: Andrej Sokolow/dpa

Transparent elements, which appear to float above other content, are intended to evoke the look of flowing glass.

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