As 2025 wraps up, it's a great moment to examine the most impactful software updates Apple rolled out during the year. It's been a year of significant strides, particularly in how things look, how we get things done, and how we connect with each other. Let's dive into the features that really stood out.

A Fresh Coat of Paint: Liquid Glass

The most immediately noticeable change has to be Liquid Glass. Think of it as a complete visual overhaul across all Apple devices. What I mean is, those flat, somewhat cold interfaces we've grown accustomed to are gone. In their place, we now have layered, translucent elements that react to what's underneath them. Imagine your navigation bars, sidebars, and control panels appearing as if they're blending into the background. It's not just about looks; Apple is pitching this as a unified design language that makes the experience consistent whether you're on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even your Apple Watch. It's like they're trying to make the digital world feel a bit more real, more tangible.

iPadOS 26: Hello, Desktop-Class Multitasking

For iPad users, this is huge. iPadOS 26 introduces a completely new multitasking system, bringing features we've only seen on macOS to the iPad. I'm talking about windows that you can resize and move around freely, just like on a desktop. And there's even a Menu Bar at the top, giving you access to app commands in a way that feels very familiar if you're used to using a Mac. They're not forcing you to adapt your workflow. This is a game-changer for anyone who's ever felt limited by the iPad's software.

Spotlight on Mac: More Than Just Search

Spotlight on the Mac has received a major upgrade, evolving from a simple search tool into a powerful command center. Now, you can do so much more directly from the search field: create notes, send emails, set timers, run shortcuts, and even adjust system settings. It's like having a personal assistant built right into your Mac. It really streamlines the way you interact with your computer.

Breaking Language Barriers: Live Translation

Live Translation is a big step towards making communication more seamless. It works within Messages, FaceTime, and even the Phone app. During conversations, it translates both text and spoken audio in real-time. Imagine having a conversation with someone who speaks a different language, and you can both understand each other perfectly. That's the power of this feature.

Apple has also extended Live Translation to AirPods, enabling real-time spoken translation directly through the earbuds during in-person conversations. When Live Translation is active, speech from another language can be translated on the paired ‌iPhone‌ and played back in the user's AirPods, while the user's responses can be translated and spoken aloud by the ‌iPhone‌ for the other participant.

Taking Control of Your Calls: Call Screening and Hold Assist

Finally, let's talk about call management. Apple is introducing new features to help you avoid spam calls and make waiting on hold a little less painful. Call Screening allows your iPhone to answer calls from unknown numbers and ask the caller to identify themselves. You then get a live transcript of their response before deciding whether to answer the call. And with Hold Assist, your iPhone can stay on the line for you while you're on hold, notifying you when a live agent becomes available.

In Messages, Apple introduced more aggressive screening for unknown senders. Messages from numbers that are not in the user's contacts are automatically routed into a separate area, keeping potential spam and scam attempts out of the main conversation list.

These five features offer a glimpse into Apple's focus in 2025: creating more intuitive, efficient, and connected experiences across its devices. Whether it's through a visual refresh, improved multitasking, or real-time translation, Apple is clearly working to make our digital lives easier and more enjoyable.