Liquid Glass, Spotlight, and the rest of WWDC 2025

Key takeaways

Apple's WWDC 2025 showcased several updates focused on design, AI integration, and improving user experiences across its software ecosystem.
The Liquid Glass design language aims to modernize Apple’s interface aesthetics but raises concerns about usability.
Spotlight enhancements on macOS can potentially streamline productivity, although practical applications remain to be seen.
iPad's multitasking capabilities are significantly improved, yet users still seek a more comprehensive solution for their workflow.
The new 'Workout Buddy' feature in watchOS adds motivational elements to fitness tracking but may not cater to all user preferences.
VisionOS updates introduce animated personas, reflecting Apple's vision for social interaction in augmented reality.
The keynote also revealed various minor updates that contribute to a better integrated experience in Apple's ecosystem.

Summary

WWDC 2025 Overview

Apple held its WWDC 2025 keynote, where it discussed its software updates. The episode highlights the mixed reception of the event, emphasizing the limited mentions of Siri and the overarching theme of AI integration while acknowledging the company's deviation from its typical expectations.

Liquid Glass Design Language

The episode discusses Apple's new Liquid Glass design language, which aims to enhance the look and feel of its software across various platforms. The team reflects on the aesthetics and usability implications of this redesign, noting how it nonetheless raises concerns about clarity and functionality.

Spotlight Enhancements

Significant updates to Spotlight on macOS are explored, including enhanced functionalities that allow for more intuitive searches and actions across applications. The hosts express excitement about the potential of the new features while also pondering their practical implementation.

Multitasking and iPad Changes

The podcast delves into the new multitasking capabilities on the iPad, highlighting the freeform multitasking and improved user interface similar to that of macOS. The conversation reflects on whether this upgrade addresses long-standing user frustrations and the implications for productivity on the iPad.

WatchOS Developments

The introduction of 'Workout Buddy' on watchOS is discussed, alongside its implications for fitness tracking. The hosts critique the motivational cues and features while weighing their impact on real-world workout experiences.

VisionOS Updates and Personas

The episode notes the advancements in VisionOS, including the introduction of more animated and interactive personas. The hosts debate the utility and entertainment value of these features as part of the broader vision for augmented reality.

Miscellaneous Updates and Features

A brief overview of other updates from the keynote is provided, such as enhancements to Apple Maps, the introduction of new features in the Photos app, updates for AirPods, and the new gaming app functionality. The discussion illustrates how these features aim to improve user experience across Apple’s ecosystem.

Show notes

Apple spent 90 minutes talking about the future of its software, and we're pretty sure only said the word "Siri" once. Nilay and David are joined by The Verge's Victoria Song and Allison Johnson, both of whom were with Nilay at the keynote, to talk about all the news of the day. They talk about the Liquid Glass design language, and why Apple decided to redesign all its software. They talk about Spotlight on the Mac, the new multitasking features on the iPad, the typing indicators on the iPhone, Workout Buddy on the Watch, personas on the Vision Pro, and everything else that Apple announced — or, in a few cases, pointedly didn't announce — on stage. We're just starting to try out some of this software, and it's all likely to change a lot before it hits your devices this fall. And we'll have lots of thoughts along the way.