Apple bets on design over AI with iOS 26’s new interface showcased at WWDC

Apple unveiled iOS 26 at its developer conference, introducing a redesigned “liquid glass” interface that brings transparency effects to tabs, files, and app icons across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The company is betting on refined user experience improvements rather than rushing to match competitors’ AI-heavy product launches, though it did announce expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities for third-party apps.

What you should know: Apple’s software update prioritizes visual design improvements over artificial intelligence features, marking a departure from the industry’s current AI obsession.

• The new “liquid glass” design allows Safari web pages to cover entire screens with disappearing tab bars that minimize into small, tappable circles.
• Apple switched to a fiscal year-based naming system, calling this year’s release iOS 26 instead of iOS 19.
• The company is wagering it can be late to embrace emerging AI technology but still take it mainstream before competitors.

The big picture: Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, is focusing on useful new features to boost iPhone sales while the broader tech industry races to integrate AI into every product.

• Google recently revealed AI search features, chatbot functionality, and AI-powered glasses at its developer conference in May.
• Amazon unveiled an improved Alexa in February that uses AI for booking tickets and coordinating calendars.
• Apple’s approach suggests confidence that superior design and user experience can compete with AI-first strategies.

Apple Intelligence expansion: The company’s AI system will now integrate with third-party applications, enabling more sophisticated app interactions.

• The hiking app All Trails can now offer conversational search, allowing users to request “a nearby family hike that is under three miles” and refine searches by adding criteria like “hikes with waterfalls.”
• This represents Apple’s strategy of making AI capabilities available to developers rather than building standalone AI products.

Why this matters: Apple’s restrained AI approach while doubling down on interface design could either prove prescient or leave the company behind as competitors integrate more aggressive AI features into consumer products.