The latest software update for iPhone and iPad was released during the WWDC keynote speech on 5 June. It is said to be the biggest software release ever for iPad with powerful multitasking features along with new AR experiences.
This major update to one of the world’s leading mobile operating system will bring even more intelligence and a new voice for Siri. Other updates include the ability to make payments, professional capabilities to photos, on device machine learning potential, augmented reality with the option to build apps by using virtual content on top of real world scenarios only to name a few.
It is a good time for iPad users as the new update will allow a new customizable dock that provides quick access to frequently used apps and documents from any screen. It will also be easier for iPad users to switch between active apps with a redesigned app switcher, used in Split View and Slide Over.
A new addition called Files is designed to make life easier especially for users with data stored across multiple apps. Files will help you to create folders and stay organized by storing all documents from Mail, cloud or across providers in one easy to use place.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering demonstrated other major features of the new OS including the synchronized messages across iCloud, iOS and macOS. Apple Pay will now be able to include person to person payments with the Apple Pay Cash Card, where peer transaction funds can be stored and transferred to personal accounts.
Apple Assistant Siri will start to sound more natural while responding to users and perform translations from English to Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish. Siri will also be able to learn from personal usage to give useful suggestions. Apple control center has also been completely redesigned for quick access to frequently used controls along with a new lock screen for a convenient way to see all notifications in one place.
Apple is also shifting to High-Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) to shrink the amount of storage that photos take up on iPhone. The camera app will also get new tricks such as Bounce and Loop that can be applied to Live Photos and offers optical image stabilization for portrait mode images taken using flash in HDR.
The new OS will have AR built in directly into the core of the iOS allowing developers to build apps that convincingly blend augmented reality entertainment over real world scenes. A new Home app was also announced that will be able to control HomeKit compatible smart home gadgets.
The App Store received a complete makeover with the addition of a new ‘Today’ tab which shows a collection of news apps and a new daily list centered around particular themes and more. The App Store will also have a second new tab dedicated to Games that will feature both new and popular games, as well as in-app purchases. App Pages will be able to display new previews, quotes, and stories along with a quicker approval for new apps.
What do you think about the new updates coming to the iPhones and iPads? Let us know in the comments below or write to us at [email protected]
Apple’s recent iOS 18.7 rollout provides a secure alternative to the visually revamped iOS 26, empowering iPhone users to choose between system stability and next-generation features. While iOS 18.7 focuses on important security updates and bug fixes, it maintains the familiar iOS experience for users of older devices like iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and SE models up to the 16e. The update is lightweight—about one-fifteenth the size of iOS 26—which means quicker downloads and less storage consumption. It’s designed for reliability and fast installation, making it ideal for users who prioritize a stable and secure operating system over design changes.
In contrast, iOS 26 introduces Apple’s ambitious “Liquid Glass” interface with a transparent look across apps, enhanced widget and lock screen customization, smarter Siri, and improved camera controls. These innovations, however, come with a larger update size and compatibility exclusive to newer iPhones beginning from the iPhone 11 series. While early adopters can enjoy the futuristic interface and AI-powered upgrades, major OS launches may present initial bugs or app compatibility issues that cautious users typically wish to avoid.
Choosing between iOS 18.7 and iOS 26 depends on each user’s priorities—those seeking guaranteed stability and fast security fixes should consider sticking with iOS 18.7, while users excited about premium features and visual changes should migrate to iOS 26 if their device supports it. Both updates are available through Software Update settings, and Apple will support iOS 18.7 for only a limited duration, eventually encouraging all users to transition to the latest platform. This dual update strategy ensures every iPhone user can safely update their device for a seamless and secure experience in 2025.
EndureAir, a deep-tech drone startup specializing in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and aerial robotics solutions, has successfully raised INR 25 crore in a funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund, with participation from IAN Angel Fund. The fresh capital infusion will enable EndureAir to enhance its advanced drone technologies for defense applications, broaden its reach in enterprise markets, and accelerate the development of next-generation high-altitude logistics and aerial robotics platforms.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, a professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, along with his former students Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, EndureAir stands out in India’s indigenous UAV sector by developing both hardware and software in-house. Backed by over 15 years of rotorcraft research and holding eight patents in flight dynamics and autonomous systems, the company has rapidly established itself as a pioneer in the deep-tech drone ecosystem.
EndureAir’s flagship drone platforms, including the Sabal heavy-lift UAV family inducted by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command and the Vibhram drone supporting Telangana’s Medicine from the Sky program, are deployed in critical operations. The startup also collaborates with Bharat Electronics Limited for co-developing high-altitude drones and works with Bhutan’s Druk Holding & Investments on remote logistics missions. With this funding, EndureAir aims to position India as a global leader in UAV innovation, advancing resilient domestic drone systems for defense and enterprise applications.
Venture Catalysts, a leading Mumbai-based venture capital platform, has secured Rs 150 crore (around $18 million) through a strategic mix of primary and secondary transactions. This fresh round of funding resulted in a company valuation of approximately $200 million and drew participation from high-profile investors such as Ashish Kacholia, the Shah Rukh Khan family office, Aishwarya Rai, as well as several established capital market veterans and renowned business houses. The move not only demonstrates strong investor confidence but also positions Venture Catalysts at the forefront of India’s rapidly evolving startup landscape.
The infusion of capital is earmarked to accelerate key initiatives, including expanding Venture Catalysts’ leadership team, launching new investment funds, and exploring advanced technology solutions with an emphasis on AI-enabled due diligence and reporting tools. Additionally, the firm aims to strengthen its footprint across major Indian startup hubs and grow its suite of Category II alternative investment funds, harnessing this growth to support a new wave of promising startups and founders within the ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2016, Venture Catalysts has evolved from an angel network to a multi-fund powerhouse, managing over $500 million in assets and deploying nearly $200 million across more than 400 startups, including industry leaders like BharatPe, Renee Cosmetics, and InsuranceDekho. This latest funding round reinforces Venture Catalysts’ pivotal role in nurturing and scaling some of India’s most innovative startups, catalyzing growth throughout the country’s thriving entrepreneurial sector.