Apple Unveils Major FaceTime Upgrades and Live Translation with iOS 26 at WWDC 2025

CUPERTINO, CA — June 9, 2025 — Apple today introduced sweeping enhancements to FaceTime as part of the iOS 26 announcement at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The update brings a redesigned FaceTime interface, advanced video messaging features, and real-time language translation powered by Apple Intelligence, marking a significant leap in cross-language communication and user experience.

Redesigned FaceTime Experience

The new FaceTime app debuts a refreshed landing page and an intuitive video messages grid, streamlining how users manage and access video content. Key controls now float conveniently at the bottom right during calls, receding when not in use to maximize screen space and focus on conversation. The overall look aligns with Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design, a translucent and fluid aesthetic that is being rolled out across iOS 26, Safari, Photos, and the Phone app for a unified, modern feel.

Live Translation Across Communication Apps

A standout feature of iOS 26 is Live Translation, which integrates directly into FaceTime, Messages, and Phone apps. During FaceTime calls, users will see live captions translating spoken words in real time, while still hearing the original audio. In Messages, text is automatically translated as users type, with responses instantly translated back, making international conversations seamless. For phone calls, spoken translation is provided throughout the conversation, with both written captions and audio output.

Apple emphasized that all translation processes are handled on-device, ensuring privacy by keeping conversations out of external servers. The feature will initially support a select group of languages: English (U.S., UK), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain) for calls, with broader language support in messaging, including Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified).

Broader iOS 26 Enhancements

Beyond FaceTime, iOS 26 introduces a unified phone layout combining Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails, new group chat features in Messages such as polls and custom backgrounds, and AI-powered voicemail summaries. Apple’s Visual Intelligence will allow users to identify items on screen and take contextual actions, further integrating AI into daily tasks.

Developers can access iOS 26 starting today via the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta set for July and a full release this fall for iPhone 11 and newer models.

With these updates, Apple aims to make its core communication apps more accessible, intelligent, and globally connected, positioning iOS 26 as a major step forward in mobile user experience.