Apple Unveils Major Operating System Updates with AI-Powered Features and Enhancements

Apple has just released the first public beta of its upcoming mobile operating system, iOS 26. This latest iteration brings a plethora of exciting updates and enhancements to the table. One of the most striking features is the “Liquid Glass” user interface redesign that offers a more transparent, glass-like feel to all UI elements, including buttons, screens, and navigation controls.

The public beta also includes an AI-powered Live Translation feature for seamless real-time conversations, as well as AI-generated poll suggestions in Messages. Furthermore, the iOS 26 update allows users to customize alarm snooze times, which is a much-needed addition.

On the iPad front, Apple has made significant strides with the release of iPadOS 26. With this update, users can now utilize the Preview app from macOS, allowing for PDF annotations. The new windowing system also enables multiple windows and tabs, streamlining productivity.

As for watchOS, the company has introduced Workout Buddy, a fitness assistant that employs Apple Intelligence to provide motivational voice prompts during exercises. This AI-powered feature aims to encourage users by highlighting significant milestones, such as closing exercise rings for the day. Furthermore, the app now supports automatic volume adjustment based on the user’s environment, ensuring an optimal listening experience.

In addition to these updates, the iOS 26 beta has also incorporated a new feature called Autoplay Media, which will automatically start playing music, podcasts, and audiobooks during workouts. Apple Music has also become more personalized with AI-driven playlist suggestions tailored to each exercise type.

Lastly, watchOS has added an innovative one-handed gesture that enables users to dismiss notifications, silence incoming calls, or return to the watch face using a simple flick motion.

On the TV front, Apple has introduced seamless profile switching on tvOS 26. Users can easily select their desired profile upon waking their Apple TV from sleep, thus seamlessly resuming their viewing experience. Furthermore, Apple Music now allows users to utilize their iPhone as a microphone for sing-alongs, complete with real-time lyrics displayed on the TV.

A significant update in this version is also the inclusion of Live Captions support, covering languages such as French, German, and Spanish.

Source: techcrunch.com