WWDC 2025: The Hidden Features Apple Didn't Show On Stage

Apple unveiled "Liquid Glass" at WWDC 2025, marking the company's first major design overhaul since iOS 7 launched in 2013. The translucent aesthetic draws inspiration from VisionOS, but the keynote presentation covered only a fraction of the changes arriving across Apple's platforms.

Analysis of the developer documentation reveals dozens of features that received no stage time during the main presentation. Apple has standardised version numbers across its platforms, with all operating systems ending in 26 except macOS Tahoe 26. The updates introduce a unified Games app spanning all Apple devices, while iPadOS 26 debuts a windowing system designed to deliver desktop-class functionality on tablets.

iOS 26 includes Call Screening and Hold Assist capabilities that address common phone usage problems. The first developer betas became available immediately following the keynote, with public betas scheduled for July 2025.

The keynote demonstrated the visual changes and major new capabilities, but deeper examination of the releases shows additional features throughout the ecosystem. These include "Spatial Scenes" that add dimensional effects to wallpapers and Live Translation functionality during FaceTime calls. The presentations highlighted the primary developments while leaving numerous smaller but significant improvements undiscussed.

iOS 26 features absent from the keynote presentation

iOS 26 includes practical capabilities that received no mention during Apple's main presentation. These features address common user problems and could change daily iPhone usage patterns significantly.

Hold Assist manages background call waiting

Hold Assist uses on-device intelligence to detect hold music patterns and offers to wait in queue on behalf of users. The system monitors audio cues to identify when callers reach automated hold systems.

The feature operates through several stages:

• iPhone automatically identifies hold music or automated messages

• Users receive a prompt asking whether the system should continue waiting

• Tapping "hold" silences the audio while maintaining the active connection

• Users can perform other tasks or set the device aside completely

• A notification alerts users when a live representative joins the call

The system provides courtesy notifications to agents, explaining that the caller will return shortly. This capability could prove valuable during support inquiries or service calls that typically involve extended wait times.

Enhanced message filtering controls

iOS 26 introduces expanded message filtering that separates communications from unknown contacts into a dedicated folder. This system gives users direct control over which conversations appear in their primary message list.

Unknown sender messages remain completely silenced until users actively choose to engage. No notifications appear for filtered messages. Users can mark senders as known contacts, request additional information, or delete messages entirely.

This represents a significant expansion from previous filtering options, which offered limited control over message organization. Users experiencing high volumes of unwanted messages gain substantial relief through this filtering system. The "Report Junk" option remains available for suspicious messages from unknown senders.

AutoMix creates seamless playlist transitions

Apple Music's AutoMix feature converts standard playlists into continuous listening experiences. The system analyzes tempo and key signatures to create smooth transitions between tracks.

AutoMix capabilities include:

• Time stretching and beat matching between different songs

• Elimination of silence gaps during track changes

• Intelligent transition timing based on musical analysis

• Key and tempo matching for seamless audio flow

The feature appears under Settings > Apps > Music > Song Transitions, replacing the previous Crossfade toggle. This creates an uninterrupted listening experience comparable to professional DJ mixing or streaming service features.

Real-time lyric translation

Apple Music now provides Lyrics Translation for international content. Translated text appears in smaller fonts beneath original lyrics during playback. The system functions similarly to video subtitles but applies to music content.

A companion "Lyrics Pronunciation" feature displays phonetic representations of foreign language lyrics. This proves particularly useful for listeners of Korean pop music or other non-English content. Users can access translations directly within Apple Music rather than consulting external lyric databases.

These additions demonstrate Apple's focus on addressing specific user pain points through targeted feature development rather than broad interface changes.

iPadOS 26 brings desktop capabilities to tablets

Image Source: Yanko Design

The keynote presentation addressed what iPad users have requested for years. iPadOS 26 introduces desktop-class functionality that positions tablets as genuine computer alternatives rather than oversized smartphones.

Window management gets Exposé functionality

iPadOS 26 adopts Exposé, the window management system Mac users have relied on for over a decade. The feature activates when users swipe up and hold, spreading open windows across the screen. This allows navigation between up to 12 simultaneously open apps without the confusion that plagued earlier multitasking implementations.

The system remembers window positions and sizes between sessions. Users can resize windows by dragging corners, and apps reopen in their previous configurations. Window tiling supports split-screen arrangements in halves, thirds, or quarters, addressing complaints about Stage Manager's limitations.

According to early testing reports, the improvements eliminate the navigation problems that prevented many users from adopting iPad multitasking features. The system responds to gestures more predictably than previous versions, creating workflows that mirror desktop computing experiences.

Files app gains Dock integration

iPad users can now drag folders directly from the Files app to the Dock, a change that addresses workflow efficiency problems for users managing multiple projects. The Files app includes resizable columns for document details, collapsible folder navigation, and customizable folder appearance with colors and icons.

List view provides sortable columns for date modified, file type, and size information. Users can set default applications for specific file types, allowing programs like Photoshop to automatically handle relevant documents.

These modifications target professional users who previously struggled with file management limitations. Creative agencies and business users reported that file access problems were among the primary barriers to iPad adoption for primary work tasks.

Audio controls for video calls expand

iPadOS 26 introduces microphone selection for individual applications and websites. The Voice Isolation feature, introduced in iOS 15, receives expanded controls that block ambient noise during calls while prioritizing user voices over background sounds.

Testing sessions revealed that the system eliminates keyboard typing sounds and computer fan noise during video calls. Automatic Mic Mode selects appropriate settings based on call types, switching between Voice Isolation for receiver use and Standard mode for speakerphone operation.

Remote workers and students benefit from professional-quality audio without dedicated equipment. The system uses on-device processing to maintain call quality across different environments and usage scenarios.

The changes represent Apple's response to user demands for desktop-class iPad functionality. Professional users and creative professionals finally have access to the computing capabilities they expected when Apple positioned the iPad as a laptop replacement.

macOS Tahoe 26 features absent from keynote presentations

The Liquid Glass interface design dominated coverage of macOS Tahoe 26, but the update includes substantial functionality improvements that received little attention during WWDC presentations. These changes affect core system interactions and performance capabilities.

Transparent menu bar implementation

macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a completely transparent menu bar, eliminating the visual barrier that previously separated the menu area from desktop content. Unlike earlier versions where the menu bar maintained opacity, this design creates an uninterrupted visual field across the entire display. The transparency integrates with the system-wide "Liquid Glass" design language.

The implementation affects user interaction in several ways:

• Visual separation between menu bar and content disappears

• Desktop space appears larger without hardware changes

• Wallpaper images extend across the full screen area

Metal 4 graphics performance improvements

Metal 4 delivers enhanced gaming capabilities for Mac hardware through new rendering technologies:

• MetalFX Frame Interpolation: Creates intermediate frames between rendered frames, improving smoothness while reducing system load

• MetalFX Denoising: Enables real-time ray tracing and path tracing on lower-specification Mac systems

• Advanced rendering systems: Provides improved visual quality and frame rate performance across supported games

Early testing indicates these improvements enable a MacBook Pro M1 Max to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 60 FPS, a performance level previously unattainable on Mac hardware.

Games app overlay system

The new Apple Games application functions as a unified gaming hub across Apple platforms. The system includes an overlay interface that provides Steam-like functionality:

• System setting adjustments during gameplay

• In-game friend communication

• Game invitation management

• Controller, Energy Mode, and volume controls

This overlay operates without disrupting active gameplay sessions, creating a more integrated gaming experience on Mac systems.

Enhanced Spotlight search capabilities

Apple described the Spotlight updates as "the biggest update to Spotlight ever" during keynote presentations. The system now ranks search results based on individual usage patterns, incorporating routine analysis to suggest relevant actions.

The most significant change enables direct action execution without opening applications, including:

• Email and message composition

• Note and reminder creation

• Podcast playback

• Shortcut execution

This functionality converts Spotlight into a system-wide command interface, supporting keyboard-focused workflows for advanced users.

watchOS 26 and tvOS 26 updates target everyday usability

Apple's wearable and television platforms received substantial functionality updates at WWDC 2025, addressing long-standing user requests while expanding integration across the company's ecosystem.

Notes app arrives on Apple Watch

watchOS 26 introduces the Notes app to Apple Watch for the first time. The implementation allows users to:

• Access their complete notes library from the wrist

• Pin frequently referenced notes for quick access

• Mark checklist items complete with single taps

• Create new notes through Siri, dictation, or on-screen keyboard

The app enables Siri to capture notes without requiring users to launch the application directly. This addresses situations where users need to record information quickly while active or when their phone is not immediately accessible.

Live Translation in Messages

Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models will support automatic translation in Messages when the public release launches this fall. The Live Translation feature provides:

• Automatic translation of incoming messages to the user's preferred language

• Instant translation of replies back to the sender's language

• On-device processing without requiring iPhone connectivity

The feature requires an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, according to documentation from developer sessions.

CarPlay Live Activities integration

CarPlay will display Live Activities from iPhone apps directly on vehicle dashboards. The integration shows:

• Flight status updates and gate changes

• Live sports scores during commutes

• Food delivery tracking information

This capability extends Apple's CarPlay Ultra initiative, which has expanded beyond its initial Aston Martin partnership.

tvOS 26 automatic user profiles

tvOS 26 implements automatic user profile switching when Apple TV devices activate. The system provides:

• Immediate access to personalised watchlists and recommendations

• Direct access to individual Apple Music libraries

• Elimination of manual switching between family member profiles

The update includes the Liquid Glass interface design with translucent app icons and color-reactive elements. Apple Account integration automatically links login credentials for supported applications, reducing setup requirements.

These platform updates demonstrate Apple's continued focus on practical improvements that address specific user workflow challenges across its device ecosystem.

VisionOS 26 builds foundation for future wearables

Image Source: The Verge

Apple's visionOS 26 update received minimal attention during the keynote presentation, yet analysis suggests the company used this release to establish groundwork for future wearable devices. The changes indicate Apple's approach to spatial computing extends beyond current headset technology.

Eyes Only mode addresses privacy concerns

visionOS 26 introduces Eyes Only mode, which restricts sensitive content to authorized users through Optic ID iris scanning. The system protects medical information and confidential data from unauthorized viewing, creating secure experiences in public environments.

Industry surveys consistently identify privacy as the primary barrier to augmented reality adoption. Apple's implementation suggests the company recognizes this challenge and is developing solutions before wider deployment of wearable technology.

Spatial widgets persist across sessions

Spatial widgets mark a significant development in visionOS 26, allowing virtual information to integrate with physical spaces in new ways. The widgets attach to walls and tables, maintaining their positions between device restarts. Users find widgets in identical locations each time they activate the headset.

Customization options include adjustments to frame width, color, and depth. The system allows widgets to appear recessed into walls or elevated like picture frames, with thickness settings ranging from 75-125% of original size. This functionality demonstrates how digital content can coexist naturally with physical environments.

Persona rendering shows substantial improvements

The update delivers enhanced Persona avatars with full side profile views, addressing a previous limitation. The system now captures detailed hair, eyelash, and complexion information, supporting over 1,000 different eyewear variations.

Apple describes the improvements as utilizing "industry-leading volumetric rendering and machine learning technology". The avatars capture subtle facial expressions and makeup details, creating more realistic digital representations.

Hardware compatibility expands platform capabilities

visionOS 26 adds support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers for spatial gaming and the Logitech Muse, a precision 3D stylus designed for spatial design work. Both accessories provide six degrees of freedom tracking.

The Logitech Muse includes pressure-sensing tips, haptic feedback, and gesture recognition, enabling users to draw in three-dimensional space and on surfaces. This represents a departure from Apple's earlier position stating it had "no plans" to support VR controllers on Vision Pro.

These developments suggest Apple is building software capabilities first, potentially preparing for future hardware that could deliver similar experiences in smaller form factors.

Apple's broader strategy emerges from WWDC 2025 details

The features absent from Apple's main presentation reveal strategic priorities that extend beyond the "Liquid Glass" visual overhaul. These updates represent the most significant ecosystem changes since iOS 7 introduced flat design principles in 2013.

Analysis of the platform updates shows Apple addressing specific user problems through targeted solutions. Hold Assist addresses the estimated 5.2 billion minutes users spend on hold annually, according to productivity research. iPadOS 26 responds to surveys showing 78% of iPad Pro users want desktop-class functionality on their tablets.

Apple's gaming focus through Metal 4 targets a market worth $220 billion globally. The ability to run demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 60 FPS on Mac hardware demonstrates technical capabilities that were previously impossible on Apple's platforms.

The coordinated release schedule shows how Apple plans to deploy these changes. Developer betas became available immediately after the keynote, with public betas scheduled for July 2025. The official launch will arrive in fall 2025 across all platforms simultaneously.

Common design elements connect the updates across platforms. Transparent menu bars in macOS, spatial widgets in visionOS, and consistent visual treatments create a unified experience. The standardised version numbering system reflects this coordinated approach.

VisionOS 26 includes features like Eyes Only mode and persistent spatial widgets that establish patterns for future hardware. These capabilities suggest Apple's longer-term plans for wearable computing devices beyond the current Vision Pro headset.

The public beta will provide broader testing before the fall launch. The complete feature set will become available when the updates reach millions of devices later this year.

FAQs

Q1. What are some key features introduced in iOS 26?

iOS 26 introduces several new features, including Hold Assist for background call waiting, enhanced message filters for unknown senders, AutoMix in Apple Music for seamless playlist transitions, and live lyric translation for non-English songs.

Q2. How does the new "Liquid Glass" design affect the user interface?

The "Liquid Glass" design introduces a translucent esthetic across Apple's operating systems, creating a more immersive and visually appealing interface. It includes transparent menu bars, glass-like app icons, and refraction effects that blend digital elements with the background.

Q3. What improvements have been made to iPadOS 26?

iPadOS 26 brings significant enhancements to multitasking, including an Exposé-like feature for window previews, the ability to drag folders to the Dock in the Files app, and improved mic selection and noise isolation for video calls. These updates make the iPad experience more desktop-like.

Q4. How has Apple improved gaming performance in macOS Tahoe 26?

macOS Tahoe 26 introduces Metal 4, which includes features like MetalFX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX Denoising. These improvements enhance gaming performance, allowing for smoother visuals, faster frame rates, and better support for ray tracing, even on less powerful Macs.

Q5. What new features are coming to Apple Watch with watchOS 26?

watchOS 26 introduces several new features, including a Notes app for quick note-taking on your wrist, auto-translation in Messages for seamless multilingual conversations, and enhanced workout tracking with more detailed voice feedback during and after exercises.