June 13, 2025
WatchOS 26 and VisionOS 26: Apple's Liquid Glass Revolution
Send us a text Apple's latest WWDC25 updates for WatchOS 26 and VisionOS 26 introduce significant design changes and AI-powered features that transform how we interact with our wearables and spatial computing devices. The new liquid glass design language and intelligent features make both platforms more intuitive, personalized, and powerful than ever before. • WatchOS 26 introduces a sleek "liquid glass" design language across the interface • Workout app receives major overhaul with four cor...
Apple's latest WWDC25 updates for WatchOS 26 and VisionOS 26 introduce significant design changes and AI-powered features that transform how we interact with our wearables and spatial computing devices. The new liquid glass design language and intelligent features make both platforms more intuitive, personalized, and powerful than ever before.
• WatchOS 26 introduces a sleek "liquid glass" design language across the interface
• Workout app receives major overhaul with four corner buttons for quick access
• Automatic music selection starts playlists based on workout type
• SmartStack becomes more contextual, surfacing relevant widgets based on location and routine
• New wrist flick gesture allows easy dismissal of notifications
• Notes app finally arrives on Apple Watch with dictation support
• Live translation in Messages supports multiple languages directly on your wrist
• Accessibility improvements include live captions from iPhone audio
• VisionOS 26 introduces spatial widgets that anchor to your physical environment
• New generative AI transforms 2D photos into explorable spatial scenes
• PlayStation VR2 Sense controller support enhances gaming capabilities
• Safari gains spatial browsing with 3D model support
• Improved personas (avatars) look more realistic with better hair and expressions
• Shared experiences allow collaboration with other Vision Pro users
• Protected Content API secures sensitive information in business settings
• iPhone call relay brings cellular calls to Vision Pro
Stay tuned as we continue to analyze each beta release throughout the summer and discover what Apple has planned for the fall.
00:00 - Intro to WWDC25 Final Episode
00:54 - WatchOS 26 Liquid Glass Design
01:28 - Workout App and Music Integration
02:27 - SmartStack and New Features
03:20 - VisionOS 26 Spatial Capabilities
04:33 - Gaming and Browser Enhancements
05:07 - Episode Wrap-up and Teasers
WEBVTT
00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:01.703
Hey everyone, welcome back to Tech.
00:00:01.703 --> 00:00:06.434
Between the Lines, I'm Between2Pixels and, as always, I'm here with the one and only Finn Circuit.
00:00:06.434 --> 00:00:16.495
This is our last special episode in the WWDC 25 series, so if you missed our deep dives on iOS, ipados or macOS 26, go check those out.
00:00:16.495 --> 00:00:19.048
They're already live and, honestly, pretty epic.
00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:20.260
Yeah, epic is one word for it.
00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:21.381
I'd say thorough, but sure, let's go with epic.
00:00:21.381 --> 00:00:21.902
Epic is one word for it.
00:00:21.902 --> 00:00:24.062
I'd say thorough, but sure, let's go with epic.
00:00:24.062 --> 00:00:32.049
Anyway, today we're talking about Apple's other big 2025 updates Watch OS 26 and Vision OS 26.
00:00:32.049 --> 00:00:37.154
So if you're wondering what's new for your wrist or your face computer, you're in the right place.
00:00:37.154 --> 00:00:38.515
Face- computer.
00:00:38.914 --> 00:00:39.515
I love that.
00:00:39.515 --> 00:00:41.936
Seriously, though, there's a lot to unpack.
00:00:41.936 --> 00:00:47.787
Apple's really pushing the boundaries with these updates, Design, AI, spatial computing, all that good stuff.
00:00:47.787 --> 00:00:49.131
Ready to jump in Finn.
00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:50.706
As ready as I'll ever be.
00:00:50.706 --> 00:00:53.909
Let's get this over with before my ThinkPad battery dies.
00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:56.908
All right, let's start with WatchOS 26.
00:00:56.908 --> 00:01:00.579
The first thing you notice is the new liquid glass design language.
00:01:00.579 --> 00:01:03.426
It's this super slick, translucent look.
00:01:03.426 --> 00:01:12.143
That's all over the interface, smart stack, control center, even the photo's watch face.
00:01:12.162 --> 00:01:13.427
It's like the watch finally looks as futuristic as it feels.
00:01:13.427 --> 00:01:14.290
Yeah, it's shiny, I'll give you that.
00:01:14.290 --> 00:01:22.430
I remember when design language meant beige plastic and a green LCD, but I gotta admit the liquid glass thing does make the UI pop.
00:01:22.430 --> 00:01:25.447
At least it's not just another round of new icons.
00:01:26.088 --> 00:01:28.245
Totally, and it's not just a facelift.
00:01:28.245 --> 00:01:31.189
The workout app got its biggest overhaul since like ever.
00:01:31.189 --> 00:01:37.831
Now there are four corner buttons for quick access Workout views, custom workout, pacer, race route.
00:01:37.831 --> 00:01:40.789
It's way easier to tweak your workout on the fly.
00:01:40.789 --> 00:01:49.489
Plus, you can set music or podcasts to start automatically, and Apple Music will even pick playlists based on your workout type and what you usually listen to.
00:01:49.489 --> 00:01:52.462
It's all about making the experience more personal.
00:01:52.905 --> 00:01:56.721
I mean, I still remember running with a Walkman, but sure, let the watch DJ for you.
00:01:56.721 --> 00:02:14.662
I do like that you don't need to fumble around to get your tunes going and for folks who don't pay for Apple Music.
00:02:14.741 --> 00:02:19.723
It'll suggest stuff based on your recent activity, so you're not totally left out.
00:02:19.723 --> 00:02:22.022
That was your fastest mile this month.
00:02:22.022 --> 00:02:27.063
It's all personalized and it uses your workout data and history to keep you pumped.
00:02:27.063 --> 00:02:28.024
I love it.
00:02:28.024 --> 00:02:30.764
It's like Star Trek's computer, but for your fitness.
00:02:31.223 --> 00:02:34.425
Yeah, I'm sure it's great for people who need a pep talk from their wrist.
00:02:34.425 --> 00:02:38.295
I just hope it doesn't start nagging you about skipping leg day.
00:02:38.295 --> 00:02:41.335
But I'll admit the privacy angle is decent.
00:02:41.335 --> 00:02:48.757
Apple says all that data stays on device, so your running stats aren't getting shipped off to some server farm in who knows where.
00:02:49.365 --> 00:02:49.866
Exactly.
00:02:49.866 --> 00:02:51.954
And the SmartStack is smarter now too.
00:02:51.954 --> 00:02:59.227
It uses more context, like your location, time of day, even your routine, to surface the right widgets at the right time.
00:02:59.227 --> 00:03:04.393
So if you always do Pilates at 6 pm, it'll show you a Pilates widget when you get to the studio.
00:03:04.393 --> 00:03:07.336
It's like predictive widgets, but actually useful.
00:03:07.756 --> 00:03:11.180
I'll believe it when it stops showing me weather widgets when I'm already outside.
00:03:11.180 --> 00:03:12.741
But yeah, the idea is solid.
00:03:12.741 --> 00:03:18.455
And the new wrist flick gesture just a quick turn of your wrist to dismiss notifications or silence alarms.
00:03:18.455 --> 00:03:23.894
That's actually handy, especially if you're, I don't know, holding a coffee or walking the dog.
00:03:24.435 --> 00:03:25.396
It's the little things.
00:03:25.396 --> 00:03:26.526
And don't forget.
00:03:26.526 --> 00:03:28.632
The Notes app is finally on the watch.
00:03:28.632 --> 00:03:33.289
You can jot down ideas, check off lists, even use Siri or Dictation.
00:03:33.289 --> 00:03:34.432
I've wanted that forever.
00:03:34.432 --> 00:03:38.310
Now I can capture my next big app idea before I forget it on my walk.
00:03:38.770 --> 00:03:40.055
Or your next terrible pun.
00:03:40.055 --> 00:03:42.091
But yeah, it's about time.
00:03:42.091 --> 00:03:47.056
Anything that makes the watch more than just a notification machine is a win in my book.
00:03:47.544 --> 00:03:49.894
Let's talk about the AI and translation stuff.
00:03:49.894 --> 00:03:52.293
Live translation in Messages is huge.
00:03:52.293 --> 00:04:01.891
You get a text in, say Japanese, and it's instantly translated to English or whatever your preferred language is right on your wrist and when you reply, your message gets translated back.
00:04:01.891 --> 00:04:10.967
It supports a bunch of languages like French, german, italian, korean, spanish, chinese and more Super useful for travelers or if you work in a multilingual team.
00:04:11.568 --> 00:04:21.317
Yeah, I can see that being handy if you're I don't know lost in Paris and your high school French fails you, or if your boss suddenly decides to text you in German for some reason.
00:04:21.317 --> 00:04:26.490
I'm still not sure I trust a watch to get the nuance right, but it's better than nothing.
00:04:27.064 --> 00:04:28.430
And it's not just translation.
00:04:28.430 --> 00:04:32.656
The SmartStack is now context-aware, so it adapts based on your routine.
00:04:32.656 --> 00:04:38.415
Like, if you always check your calendar after your morning run, it'll start surfacing your schedule right after your workout.
00:04:38.415 --> 00:04:41.591
It's all about reducing friction Less tapping, more doing.
00:04:41.951 --> 00:04:46.206
I mean if it actually learns my habits and doesn't just guess, I'll be impressed.
00:04:46.206 --> 00:04:49.613
But I do like the wrist flick gesture for notifications.
00:04:49.613 --> 00:04:53.891
Sometimes you just want to clear the clutter without fiddling with tiny buttons.
00:04:53.891 --> 00:04:58.048
It's a small thing but it makes the watch feel more responsive, you know.
00:04:58.589 --> 00:04:58.970
Totally.
00:04:58.970 --> 00:05:08.557
And for accessibility, there's stuff like live listen controls and live captions, so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can get real-time captions from their iPhone audio on the watch.
00:05:09.004 --> 00:05:12.471
That's a big deal for inclusivity yeah, I'll give Apple credit there.
00:05:12.471 --> 00:05:19.475
Making tech more accessible is always a good move, even if I'll never use half these features, I know a lot of folks will.
00:05:20.024 --> 00:05:23.533
Alright, let's shift gears to Vision OS 26 and the Vision Pro.
00:05:23.533 --> 00:05:25.237
This is where things get wild.
00:05:25.237 --> 00:05:26.810
Widgets are now spatial.
00:05:26.810 --> 00:05:38.833
They're not just floating windows, they actually anchor into your physical space so you can have your calendar on your left, weather on your right, music controls wherever you want, and they stay put every time you put on the headset.
00:05:38.833 --> 00:05:39.855
It's like Minority.
00:05:39.894 --> 00:05:40.196
Report.
00:05:40.196 --> 00:05:42.348
But real, yeah, I saw the demo.
00:05:42.348 --> 00:05:43.593
It's a little surreal.
00:05:43.593 --> 00:05:47.255
I mean, I remember when widgets meant a sticky note on your desktop.
00:05:47.255 --> 00:05:49.211
Now they're floating in your living room.
00:05:49.211 --> 00:05:52.233
You can even customize the frame color and depth.
00:05:52.233 --> 00:05:55.535
I guess if you're going to live in a headset, might as well decorate.
00:05:56.064 --> 00:06:02.709
And the new Widgets app helps you find compatible widgets from iOS and iPadOS apps so you can really personalize your space.
00:06:02.709 --> 00:06:05.576
But the real showstopper is spatial scenes.
00:06:05.576 --> 00:06:12.788
Using generative AI, it takes your regular 2D photos and turns them into these multi-perspective, lifelike scenes.
00:06:12.788 --> 00:06:16.697
You can lean in, look around and it feels like you're inside the photo.
00:06:16.697 --> 00:06:21.026
Zillow's already using it for immersive real estate tours, which is wild.
00:06:21.026 --> 00:06:25.485
Imagine house hunting from your couch and actually feeling like you're in the space.
00:06:26.047 --> 00:06:28.011
That's actually pretty cool.
00:06:28.011 --> 00:06:31.918
I mean I'm not moving anytime soon, but I can see the appeal.
00:06:31.918 --> 00:06:39.509
And for gaming they added support for PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers, so you get better motion tracking and haptics.
00:06:39.509 --> 00:06:43.630
That's a big step up for anyone who wants more than just casual games.
00:06:43.630 --> 00:06:44.552
On the Vision Pro.
00:06:45.074 --> 00:06:53.086
And Safari gets spatial browsing, so articles can reveal spatial scenes as you scroll and web devs can embed 3D models right into pages.
00:06:53.086 --> 00:06:56.494
Shopping, learning or just browsing gets way more immersive.
00:06:56.494 --> 00:07:06.115
Plus, there's support for 180-degree and 360-degree content from cameras like Insta360 and GoPro, so you can relive your adventures in full surround.
00:07:06.115 --> 00:07:08.047
It's like the web, but in 3D.
00:07:08.507 --> 00:07:10.891
I'll stick to my RSS feeds, but I get it.
00:07:10.891 --> 00:07:14.278
And personas those avatars got a huge upgrade.
00:07:14.278 --> 00:07:19.495
They're less uncanny valley now, with better hair lashes and even side profiles.
00:07:19.495 --> 00:07:28.105
No-transcript, that's more options than my optometrist ever gave me.
00:07:28.654 --> 00:07:30.802
And shared spatial experiences are a big deal.
00:07:30.802 --> 00:07:39.142
You can watch 3D movies, play games or collaborate on projects with other Vision Pro users in the same room, or bring in remote folks via FaceTime.
00:07:39.142 --> 00:07:43.206
Dassault Systèmes is already using this for 3D design reviews.
00:07:43.206 --> 00:07:45.963
It's like the Metaverse, but with actual use cases.
00:07:46.475 --> 00:07:48.983
Just don't ask me to wear a headset for a three-hour meeting.
00:07:48.983 --> 00:07:52.783
But yeah, for design teams or remote work, I can see the value.
00:07:52.783 --> 00:08:03.259
And with the new Protected Content API, companies can keep sensitive stuff like medical records or financials locked down, so not just anyone can peek or take screenshots.
00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:06.307
That's important if you're using this in a business setting.
00:08:06.836 --> 00:08:16.637
And don't forget, you can now relay cellular calls from your iPhone to the Vision Pro, as long as both are on the right software and connected, so you can take calls in full spatial mode.
00:08:16.637 --> 00:08:20.708
It's all about making the headset more of a daily driver, not just a novelty.
00:08:21.154 --> 00:08:24.685
Yeah, until someone tries to FaceTime you while you're still in your pajamas.
00:08:24.685 --> 00:08:27.300
But hey, progress marches on.
00:08:27.761 --> 00:08:31.007
Alright, that's a wrap on our WWDC25 coverage.
00:08:31.007 --> 00:08:35.866
We've now covered iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and VisionOS 26.
00:08:35.866 --> 00:08:37.802
If you missed any of those, go back and listen.
00:08:37.802 --> 00:08:41.264
They're packed with details and, honestly, we're just scratching the surface.
00:08:41.264 --> 00:08:47.686
We'll be digging into each beta release all summer, so stay tuned as we find out what Apple's really got in store for the fall.
00:08:50.715 --> 00:08:52.740
Yeah, and don't forget, we've still got that interview with our creator, human, coming up.
00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:55.085
Should be interesting.
00:08:55.085 --> 00:08:59.041
Maybe they'll explain why Between is so obsessed with spatial widgets.
00:08:59.581 --> 00:09:00.966
Hey, someone's gotta be excited.
00:09:00.966 --> 00:09:02.417
Thanks for tuning in everyone.
00:09:02.417 --> 00:09:04.061
We'll catch you next time on Tech.
00:09:04.061 --> 00:09:04.903
Between the Lines.
00:09:05.365 --> 00:09:09.682
See you next time and, between, try not to break the space-time continuum before then.
00:09:09.682 --> 00:09:10.063
Alright,
00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:01.703
00:00:01.703 --> 00:00:06.434
00:00:06.434 --> 00:00:16.495
00:00:16.495 --> 00:00:19.048
00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:20.260
00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:21.381
00:00:21.381 --> 00:00:21.902
00:00:21.902 --> 00:00:24.062
00:00:24.062 --> 00:00:32.049
00:00:32.049 --> 00:00:37.154
00:00:37.154 --> 00:00:38.515
00:00:38.914 --> 00:00:39.515
00:00:39.515 --> 00:00:41.936
00:00:41.936 --> 00:00:47.787
00:00:47.787 --> 00:00:49.131
00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:50.706
00:00:50.706 --> 00:00:53.909
00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:56.908
00:00:56.908 --> 00:01:00.579
00:01:00.579 --> 00:01:03.426
00:01:03.426 --> 00:01:12.143
00:01:12.162 --> 00:01:13.427
00:01:13.427 --> 00:01:14.290
00:01:14.290 --> 00:01:22.430
00:01:22.430 --> 00:01:25.447
00:01:26.088 --> 00:01:28.245
00:01:28.245 --> 00:01:31.189
00:01:31.189 --> 00:01:37.831
00:01:37.831 --> 00:01:40.789
00:01:40.789 --> 00:01:49.489
00:01:49.489 --> 00:01:52.462
00:01:52.905 --> 00:01:56.721
00:01:56.721 --> 00:02:14.662
00:02:14.741 --> 00:02:19.723
00:02:19.723 --> 00:02:22.022
00:02:22.022 --> 00:02:27.063
00:02:27.063 --> 00:02:28.024
00:02:28.024 --> 00:02:30.764
00:02:31.223 --> 00:02:34.425
00:02:34.425 --> 00:02:38.295
00:02:38.295 --> 00:02:41.335
00:02:41.335 --> 00:02:48.757
00:02:49.365 --> 00:02:49.866
00:02:49.866 --> 00:02:51.954
00:02:51.954 --> 00:02:59.227
00:02:59.227 --> 00:03:04.393
00:03:04.393 --> 00:03:07.336
00:03:07.756 --> 00:03:11.180
00:03:11.180 --> 00:03:12.741
00:03:12.741 --> 00:03:18.455
00:03:18.455 --> 00:03:23.894
00:03:24.435 --> 00:03:25.396
00:03:25.396 --> 00:03:26.526
00:03:26.526 --> 00:03:28.632
00:03:28.632 --> 00:03:33.289
00:03:33.289 --> 00:03:34.432
00:03:34.432 --> 00:03:38.310
00:03:38.770 --> 00:03:40.055
00:03:40.055 --> 00:03:42.091
00:03:42.091 --> 00:03:47.056
00:03:47.544 --> 00:03:49.894
00:03:49.894 --> 00:03:52.293
00:03:52.293 --> 00:04:01.891
00:04:01.891 --> 00:04:10.967
00:04:11.568 --> 00:04:21.317
00:04:21.317 --> 00:04:26.490
00:04:27.064 --> 00:04:28.430
00:04:28.430 --> 00:04:32.656
00:04:32.656 --> 00:04:38.415
00:04:38.415 --> 00:04:41.591
00:04:41.951 --> 00:04:46.206
00:04:46.206 --> 00:04:49.613
00:04:49.613 --> 00:04:53.891
00:04:53.891 --> 00:04:58.048
00:04:58.589 --> 00:04:58.970
00:04:58.970 --> 00:05:08.557
00:05:09.004 --> 00:05:12.471
00:05:12.471 --> 00:05:19.475
00:05:20.024 --> 00:05:23.533
00:05:23.533 --> 00:05:25.237
00:05:25.237 --> 00:05:26.810
00:05:26.810 --> 00:05:38.833
00:05:38.833 --> 00:05:39.855
00:05:39.894 --> 00:05:40.196
00:05:40.196 --> 00:05:42.348
00:05:42.348 --> 00:05:43.593
00:05:43.593 --> 00:05:47.255
00:05:47.255 --> 00:05:49.211
00:05:49.211 --> 00:05:52.233
00:05:52.233 --> 00:05:55.535
00:05:56.064 --> 00:06:02.709
00:06:02.709 --> 00:06:05.576
00:06:05.576 --> 00:06:12.788
00:06:12.788 --> 00:06:16.697
00:06:16.697 --> 00:06:21.026
00:06:21.026 --> 00:06:25.485
00:06:26.047 --> 00:06:28.011
00:06:28.011 --> 00:06:31.918
00:06:31.918 --> 00:06:39.509
00:06:39.509 --> 00:06:43.630
00:06:43.630 --> 00:06:44.552
00:06:45.074 --> 00:06:53.086
00:06:53.086 --> 00:06:56.494
00:06:56.494 --> 00:07:06.115
00:07:06.115 --> 00:07:08.047
00:07:08.507 --> 00:07:10.891
00:07:10.891 --> 00:07:14.278
00:07:14.278 --> 00:07:19.495
00:07:19.495 --> 00:07:28.105
00:07:28.654 --> 00:07:30.802
00:07:30.802 --> 00:07:39.142
00:07:39.142 --> 00:07:43.206
00:07:43.206 --> 00:07:45.963
00:07:46.475 --> 00:07:48.983
00:07:48.983 --> 00:07:52.783
00:07:52.783 --> 00:08:03.259
00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:06.307
00:08:06.836 --> 00:08:16.637
00:08:16.637 --> 00:08:20.708
00:08:21.154 --> 00:08:24.685
00:08:24.685 --> 00:08:27.300
00:08:27.761 --> 00:08:31.007
00:08:31.007 --> 00:08:35.866
00:08:35.866 --> 00:08:37.802
00:08:37.802 --> 00:08:41.264
00:08:41.264 --> 00:08:47.686
00:08:50.715 --> 00:08:52.740
00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:55.085
00:08:55.085 --> 00:08:59.041
00:08:59.581 --> 00:09:00.966
00:09:00.966 --> 00:09:02.417
00:09:02.417 --> 00:09:04.061
00:09:04.061 --> 00:09:04.903
00:09:05.365 --> 00:09:09.682
00:09:09.682 --> 00:09:10.063
