Another Crazy Day in AI: Apple Catches Up With Long-Awaited Features

Wowza Team
6 days ago
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Just poking around the latest drops in tech before the day fully winds down.

Apple just revealed iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, and it’s either a generational leap or a stylish remix—depending on who you ask. Think “Liquid Glass” UI, smarter multitasking, and Apple-ified takes on Android staples like call screening.

Meanwhile, Google turned its quirky internal learning hub into a streamlined AI bootcamp. Is AI the entire syllabus now?

Not to be outdone, Meta’s pushing for superintelligence—with Zuckerberg handpicking the minds behind their next big moonshot.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Everything new in Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
Google’s AI-first learning overhaul
Zuckerberg builds Meta’s superintelligence team
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Apple's Biggest Interface Shake-Up in Years

A robotic scientist in a classic white coat with 'AI Scientist' on its back stands beside a human scientist with 'Human Scientist' on their coat, looking towards the AI Scientist.

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

Are we witnessing the biggest iPhone interface transformation since the original launch, or is Apple simply playing catch-up with features we've seen elsewhere?

Apple recently announced iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, introducing what the company calls its most significant interface redesign in years. Julian Chokkattu, Senior Reviews Editor at WIRED, provides a detailed breakdown of the new “Liquid Glass” design language and a set of notable productivity improvements. The updates also bring Apple’s own versions of features that have long existed on Android devices, while finally introducing multitasking capabilities on the iPad that could reshape how it’s used day to day. One subtle but significant change: Apple is aligning all of its software version numbers with the calendar year—bringing naming consistency across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro.

What’s new in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26? Here's what to watch for:

Liquid Glass UI: A sleek, semi-transparent visual overhaul that makes your screen feel like a moving pane of glass—with interactive lighting effects.
New Lock Screen Behavior: Dynamic time placement and 3D photo effects that respond to notifications.
Call Screening: Apple’s take on Google’s feature—answer unknown calls for you, then alert you with a transcript so you can decide whether to pick up.
Hold Assist: No more staring at your phone while on hold—your iPhone will let you know when someone finally answers.
Live Translation: Real-time voice and text translation across Messages, Phone, and FaceTime—even subtitles in video calls.
Visual Intelligence: Take a screenshot and instantly get contextual actions, like summarizing a PDF or searching for products online.
Group Messaging Upgrades: Typing indicators, polls, and emoji-mashups using Genmoji.
New Games App: Central hub for all your games, with social and leaderboard elements—plus controller support.
iPad-Specific Perks: True windowed multitasking, resizable and tiled apps—bringing iPad closer to desktop experience.
Bonus Upgrades: Smarter Reminders, enhanced Apple Maps, live updates in CarPlay, and audio/video features powered by AirPods.

Apple's latest announcements come at a time when the company has faced mounting pressure to innovate meaningfully in mobile computing. The Liquid Glass interface represents a bold departure from the minimalist design philosophy that has defined iOS for over a decade. While visually striking, it also raises questions about whether users want more visual complexity after years of simplified interfaces. The glass-like effects and enhanced animations could feel refreshing to some while overwhelming to others who prefer the current clean aesthetic.

The iPad improvements address longstanding criticisms about the device's professional capabilities. True window management and background processing could finally justify the "computer replacement" narrative that Apple has promoted for years. However, the success of these features depends heavily on how third-party developers adapt their applications to take advantage of the new windowing system. Many of the iPhone features, while useful, essentially bring Apple's ecosystem up to parity with capabilities that Android users have enjoyed for some time. The real test will be whether Apple's implementation proves more seamless and intuitive than existing alternatives, or if these updates simply represent the company catching up to established industry standards. When iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 launch this fall, users will discover whether these changes genuinely enhance their daily workflows or merely provide visual novelty.

Read the full article here.

Watch the full keynote here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Google’s AI-First Learning Overhaul

/Jennifer Elias, Technology Reporter, on CNBC

Google has redesigned its internal learning platform, Grow, shifting away from a wide range of personal and professional development courses to focus almost entirely on artificial intelligence. Previously known for offerings like 3D printing or financial wellness, Grow now prioritizes AI training aligned with Google’s core business needs. The overhaul signals a broader trend: tech giants are racing to retool their workforces for the AI era, streamlining operations and cutting back on non-essential programs. Internal reactions show mixed feelings, with some employees lamenting the loss of unique perks in favor of strictly bottom-line-driven content.

Another Crazy Day in AI: Apple Catches Up With Long-Awaited Features

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