What's new for iPhone, Mac and more

Hands-on with Apple's new Liquid Glass operating systems.

Author

Lewis Wallace
June 14, 2025

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After getting our first glimpses at the next versions of iOS, macOS and the rest of Apple’s operating systems at WWDC this week, several fearless Cult of Mac writers tossed caution to the wind and downloaded the betas.

Maybe it was the alluring look of Apple’s new Liquid Glass design that drew them like a siren’s song to the buggy betas. Or maybe it was just professional commitment that motivated them to take one for the team.

The (mostly) happy result: Insightful hands-on looks at iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.

Me, I’ve got work to do, so I’m waiting for stable versions. How about you?

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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Hands-on with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

Hands-on with iOS 26 and Liquid Glass: The good, the bugs and the ugly

I love where iOS is going — even if there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out.

iPadOS 26 hands-on: The iPad upgrade pros wished for

The iPadOS 26 multitasking features should warm the heart of hardcore iPad users, but also please average users.

WWDC25 special coverage

WWDC25 recap: iOS 26, Liquid Glass and the full keynote in 90 seconds

Apple announces the next versions of every OS. But if you don’t have 90 minutes to spare, you can watch in just 90 seconds. 

Liquid Glass: Apple's biggest design refresh ever

Apple's glossy, translucent interface will transform all its platforms.

Plus, more on Liquid Glass:

macOS 26 Tahoe debuts with sleek design and smarter Spotlight

macOS 26 Tahoe brings Apple's new “Liquid Glass” look, makes Spotlight more powerful, and brings the Phone app to Mac for the first time.

iOS 26 sports striking redesign, smarter AI, better cross-platform integration

Striking design changes, enhanced AI and improved platform integration will change how we use iPhone.

Plus, more on iOS 26:

iPadOS 26 makes iPad more Mac-like than ever

Apple tablets gain new options for app windows.

watchOS 26 wants to be your new workout buddy

The Workout app gets the biggest makeover, featuring a new Workout Buddy that delivers personalised attaboy messages when you need a little extra mojo.

visionOS 26 brings spatial widgets, better Personas and new accessories

Plus, a new Look to Scroll feature will make the Vision Pro headset even more magical.

tvOS 26 shines with new Liquid Glass design

With a glossy new look and some thoughtful tweaks, this looks like a sweet (if minor) upgrade for Apple TV.

AI updates bring new tricks to Apple Maps, Music, Wallet and more across devices

Apple’s core services are getting tons of interesting new features.

New Apple Games app centralizes play across iPhone, iPad and Mac

It adds social elements, too.

News

Why Apple still won’t put macOS on iPad

A high-level Apple exec explains why iPad and macOS will stay separate, despite converging designs in iPadOS 26 and macOS 26.

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 compatibility list: Will your device get the update?

Find out if your iPhone, iPad and Mac will make the cut.

Haptic trailer for Apple TV+ movie ‘F1’ lets you feel the racing action

An innovative trailer adds a new dimension to the movie's roaring race cars.

Plus, more Apple TV+ news:

New iPhone tools help parents keep kids safer online

Apple’s system securely shares the age range of children with apps, and prevents kids from communicating with new people without permission.

How-tos

How to download the iOS 26 beta (if you dare!)

You can download the iOS 26 developer beta right now. Get features early, like the new Liquid Glass design, redesigned Camera app and more.

Plus, how to download other betas: macOS 26 | watchOS 26 | visionOS 26

How to file Apple bug reports (and why you should do it ASAP)

June is prime time to file an Apple bug report on betas using Feedback Assistant. This is when engineers have the most time to fix problems.

Deals

This suction cup mount lets you put your iPhone anywhere

With its powerful magnetic grip, this suction cup phone mount ensures a firm hold on your iPhone so it won't slip or fall.

Plus, more hardware from Cult of Mac Deals:

Tame your to-do list with Blitzit, a task-management app for Mac or PC

Compatible with macOS and Windows, Blitzit gives you the tools you need to stay focused and finish your tasks.

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

Reviews

Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard feels (and sounds) rock solid [Review]

The Silver Pro version comes with some very cool features.

Setups

Triple-display MacBook Air rig wows the crowd [Setups]

The 3-monitor setup isn't terribly rare, but a MacBook Air driving a trio of wall-mounted 4K monitors all in landscape orientation is.

MacBook Pro rig adds dual 5K displays and badass mechanical keyboard [Setups]

Our setups writer revisits his own to show off a pair of new 5K displays and a rather cool and customizable mechanical keyboard.