Design and visual language
The thread devoted to aesthetics and interaction: how the form and behavior of Apple's interfaces change, and what it means for those designing experiences.
WWDC 2026 was Tim Cook's last keynote as Apple CEO. Cook closed with a personal message to developers; his successor John Ternus did not appear on stage.
Apple has deeply updated Image Playground: image generation moves away from the cartoon aesthetic and embraces far more realistic styles. New formats and sizes arrive too, along with the ability to apply effects to existing photos.
Apple presented concrete performance numbers for iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate: AirDrop transfers up to 80 percent faster, photos loading in the camera roll 70 percent quicker, and app launches 30 percent faster.
Apple confirmed that iOS 27 will be compatible with all devices already running iOS 26, including the iPhone 11. An unusual move that brings the new OS to phones from 2019.
Apple has unveiled the name of the next macOS version: Golden Gate, continuing the California landmark tradition. Craig Federighi announced it on stage with the usual missing-marketing-team skit.
macOS 27 brings a contained redesign compared to Tahoe, adjusting transparency effects and contrast to address the readability issues most reported by users over the past year.
iOS 27 introduces a system-wide Liquid Glass slider for fine-tuning transparency effects across the interface, and lets users build Shortcuts automations by describing actions in plain language.
Apple has confirmed macOS 27 will not support Intel-based Macs, bringing the end of the Rosetta 2 compatibility layer closer.
Apple has revealed the 36 finalists for the 2026 Apple Design Awards across six categories. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks.
Apple has published the official WWDC26 schedule: more than 100 technical videos, interactive Group Labs with Apple engineers, and the opening keynote on Monday, June 8.