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At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled updates across its platforms, with macOS Tahoe 26, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Most of us are familiar with the phrase “iOS” or iPadOS”, but now Apple is standardizing version numbers across all devices–macOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, which will help alleviate confusion and help keep things consistent with updates.
Focus as a central theme: One of the themes in this year’s updates is focus. The design elements include what Apple calls “Liquid Glass.”
This is a real-time, dynamic transparency throughout the interface—panes and controls subtly reflect or reveal content beneath them.
Navigation becomes more intuitive, and customization options now include control center layouts, folder and app icon colors, and even a translucent menu bar. Those who like to personalize their devices should really enjoy these new features.
AI (Apple Intelligence): Apple’s take on artificial intelligence is called Apple Intelligence (AI), and it’s fully integrated across its updated platforms. The focus is on privacy: processing is done on-device or on secure Private Cloud Compute. One standout use of this AI is Live Translation. Whether messaging, using FaceTime, or talking on the phone, Apple devices can now automatically translate text or voice in real time.
Mac: For Mac users, a small percentage of the lawyer population, the updates include a native phone app on the Mac, which essentially brings your iPhone to your desktop computer. In addition, live activities from your iPhone are now available in the menu bar on the Mac, which will help limit the number of times you need to pick up your phone—just to check on something. If you have used iPhone mirroring, you’ll see how that feature was the gateway for these new features. Essentially, it appears that the goal is for you to use one device to control all your other devices.
Spotlight: For Mac users, Spotlight is a great way to interact with your computer via a search bar interface. In Mac OS 26, Spotlight gets its “biggest update ever,” now capable of launching tasks like creating notes, setting reminders or drafting emails, all from a couple of keyboard shortcuts. This has the potential to be a significant productivity tool.
iPhone: The iPhone has become an indispensable device for many of us. The Liquid Glass design element allows for apps to take more space on the screen, with controls layered on top of the content, rather than in a dedicated space for a menu.
The controls grow or shrink as necessary when you interact with them. This helps you focus more on the content and less on the buttons and menus. Developers can create contextual menus that are more intuitive, reducing the need to swipe through multiple layers of menus.
Call Screening comes to the iPhone in iPhone OS 26. If you get a call from an unknown caller, the iPhone can answer the call before it interrupts you, asking the caller to share their name and the reason for the call. Then, the iPhone will allow the call through and provide you with that information so you can decide if you want to answer or not. If it works, it will be like having a personal assistant answer your phone and determine which calls get to interrupt your workday or family time.
The iPhone also has a new feature called Hold Assist. If you are on hold, Hold Assist will offer to hold the call for you. The iPhone will then greet the person on the other end of the line and ask them to wait a moment while you are connected, notifying you that it is time to pick up the phone.
iPad grows into its role: If you know me, you know I like the iPad, even with its current limitations. In iPad OS 26, the iPad continues to grow from a media consumption device to productivity machine.
iPadOS 26 brings desktop-like window control to the interface. Users can open multiple apps, reposition windows, and even use full menu bars with keyboard and trackpad support.
One of its biggest limitations of the iPad has traditionally been with the file management system, which is new in iPad OS 26. New file handling features, such as resizable columns, customizable folder colors and drag-to-dock shortcuts, may finally put the iPad’s Files app on par with Mac’s Finder.
A new Preview app allows simple PDF edits without third-party software directly from the iPad. This means the iPad is now better suited for drafting memos on the go, reviewing contracts in court or taking handwritten notes that convert directly into searchable text.
The verdict: Of course, all of these features assume facts not in evidence, so we’ll have to wait and see if Apple can deliver.•
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Seth R. Wilson is an attorney with Adler Attorneys in Noblesville. In addition to practicing law, he helps manage the day-to-day technology operations of the firm. He writes about legal technology at sethrwilson.com and is a frequent speaker on the subject.
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