Apple is ushering in a dramatic shift in its visual language with the debut of the Liquid Glass interface—its most sweeping design overhaul in over a decade. Introduced at WWDC 2025, Liquid Glass is more than a cosmetic change; it’s a cross-platform transformation that touches everything from iOS and macOS to watchOS, visionOS, and CarPlay.
The glossy, translucent aesthetic is already making waves—and not all of them are smooth.
What Is Liquid Glass?
Liquid Glass replaces the minimalist “flat” UI Apple introduced in iOS 7 with a dynamic, glass-like interface that features real-time reflections, depth-aware lighting, and subtle parallax effects. It evokes a futuristic, almost holographic feel—designed to feel tactile, immersive, and fluid. Think of a digital surface that reacts to movement and lighting like a pane of polished glass layered over your apps.
The redesign is system-wide and already visible in developer builds of:
- iOS 26
- iPadOS 26
- macOS Tahoe
- watchOS 26
- tvOS 26
- visionOS
- Next-gen CarPlay
At its core, Liquid Glass is powered by real-time rendering—meaning UI elements adapt dynamically to content behind them, ambient lighting, and user interactions. It’s a tech flex, clearly designed to show off the processing efficiency of Apple Silicon and future devices.
What’s New in the Liquid Glass Ecosystem
- Specular highlights and blur effects now wrap around elements like Control Center tiles, toolbars, notifications, and third-party app UIs.
- Dynamic UI layers reflect movement, depth, and even screen orientation, giving everything a sense of weight and realism.
- Updated APIs in SwiftUI, AppKit, and UIKit allow developers to adopt the new look across their apps—meaning the glossy design won’t be limited to Apple’s ecosystem.
Already, apps like Safari, Messages, Music, Camera, Maps, and Apple TV have integrated Liquid Glass visuals, and more are coming with the public beta.
Release Timeline
- Developer Beta: Live since June 9, 2025.
- Public Beta: Launching July 2025.
- Final Release: Set for September 2025, alongside iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 lineup.
What People Are Saying
Early Reactions Are Split:
- Praise: Some users call it the “first truly fresh design from Apple in years,” appreciating the immersive, premium polish.
- Criticism: Others cite accessibility and readability concerns, especially under bright light or over complex backgrounds. Some liken it to Microsoft’s Aero Glass from Windows Vista—beautiful, but perhaps not practical.
- Designers & Developers: A few prominent designers on X (formerly Twitter) have questioned the longevity of Liquid Glass, suggesting it may be more of a visual gimmick than a long-term UX win.
Accessibility Options & Workarounds
To address visual strain or legibility issues, Apple offers an accessibility toggle:
Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Reduce Transparency
This option softens or eliminates the transparency effects, making content easier to read while maintaining a modern interface.
The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
Apple’s Liquid Glass isn’t just about looks—it’s a strategic branding move. As the company leans deeper into AI and spatial computing, this new visual language positions Apple’s platforms as interconnected, intelligent, and future-forward.
Design analysts suggest this redesign may hint at upcoming hardware that blends AR and UI elements, including long-rumored smart glasses or a lightweight successor to Vision Pro. The aesthetic also unifies Apple’s platforms more cohesively than ever—something that’s crucial in a post-Vision Pro world where continuity across devices is expected.
TL;DR: What You Need to Know
- Liquid Glass is Apple’s bold new design system debuting across all major platforms in 2025.
- It replaces flat visuals with dynamic glass-like UI elements that reflect motion and lighting.
- Developer and public betas are rolling out, with a final release in September.
- Reception is mixed—beautiful, yes, but with some practical downsides in readability.
- Accessibility settings offer relief for those overwhelmed by the new effects.
- This is a design pivot that sets the stage for Apple’s next-gen, spatially aware ecosystem.
Best Free AI Tools
AI tools are changing how we work and create things online. They help with many tasks like writing, making pictures, and finding information. Many top AI tools offer free plans that let you try powerful features without spending money.
These free AI tools work well for both beginners and experts. You can use them for personal projects or small business needs. The best free options give you enough features to be useful while showing what the paid versions can do.
1. ChatGPT
ChatGPT is one of the most popular free AI chatbots available today. Created by OpenAI, it offers a wide range of capabilities that help with many tasks.
The free version gives users access to GPT-3.5, which can write content, answer questions, and even help with coding problems. Many people use it daily for work and personal projects.
ChatGPT stands out because it’s easy to use. You simply type what you need, and it responds with helpful information. No technical skills are needed to get started.
Students find it helpful for explaining complex topics in simple terms. Writers use it to beat writer’s block. Programmers ask it to explain code or fix errors.
While the free version has some limits, it offers plenty of value. Users can have ongoing conversations and ask follow-up questions for better results.
One advantage of ChatGPT is that it doesn’t require any downloads. It works in any web browser, making it accessible from computers, phones, and tablets.
The free plan sometimes has busy periods when users might need to wait. However, most of the time, responses come within seconds.
For those who need more features, there’s a paid plan called ChatGPT Plus. But many users find the free version sufficient for everyday tasks.
ChatGPT can help with research by summarizing information. It also assists with writing emails, creating outlines, and brainstorming ideas.
Many professionals use it to improve their work. Teachers create lesson plans, marketers draft content, and customer service teams prepare responses.
The tool continues to improve over time as OpenAI updates its models. This means even the free version gets better at understanding and responding to requests.
2. Claude
Claude is a powerful AI assistant created by Anthropic. It offers a free version that many users find helpful for various tasks without spending money.
Claude stands out for being remarkably accurate with very low hallucination rates. This means it’s less likely to make up information compared to some other AI tools.
The free version of Claude lets you have natural conversations and get help with writing, research, and creative tasks. You can access it through the Claude.ai website.
One of Claude’s strengths is how well it handles long documents. If you need to analyze or summarize text, Claude can process large amounts of information effectively.
Anthropic, the company behind Claude, designed it to be safe, helpful, and honest. These qualities make it a good choice for students and professionals alike.
When comparing free AI options, users often notice differences between Claude and other tools like GPT-4 and ChatGPT 3.5. Each has its own strengths depending on what you need.
Claude is often praised for its conversational abilities. It can understand complex questions and provide helpful, clear answers in a friendly tone.
The free version does have some limits on usage. However, most casual users find these limits generous enough for their needs.
For writing help, Claude can assist with drafting emails, creating content, or revising text. It’s good at matching different writing styles when asked.
Research tasks are another area where Claude shines. It can help gather information, explain concepts, and answer questions on many topics.
For students, Claude offers homework help and can explain difficult subjects in simple terms. It breaks down complex ideas into easy-to-understand explanations.
Claude continues to improve with regular updates. Anthropic frequently enhances its capabilities and fixes issues based on user feedback.
3. Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI assistant that helps with many tasks. It can answer questions, provide information, and even entertain users. The best part? You can try it for free.
Copilot works as your digital companion throughout your day. It understands your questions and gives straightforward answers to help you solve problems faster.
You can access Microsoft Copilot through a web browser without paying anything. For those who prefer an app, Microsoft offers a downloadable version that puts this AI tool right on your device.
What makes Copilot stand out is how it fits into the Microsoft ecosystem. It works with Microsoft 365 apps that many people already use daily.
The free version lets users chat with the AI to get advice, feedback, and answers. This makes it useful for students, professionals, and anyone who needs quick information.
When compared to other AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot offers similar features. The two tools overlap in many ways, but each has its own strengths.
For work settings, Microsoft offers Copilot for organizations. Companies can use this tool to boost productivity across teams.
The business version connects with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This helps workers create content, analyze data, and build presentations faster.
Users can ask Copilot to write emails, summarize documents, or suggest ideas. The AI pulls information from your files and meetings to give relevant help.
Microsoft keeps updating Copilot with new features. This means the tool gets smarter and more helpful over time.
For anyone looking for a free AI assistant, Microsoft Copilot offers a solid option. Its integration with common work tools gives it an edge for many users.
4. Google Cloud Video Intelligence
Google Cloud Video Intelligence is a powerful tool that helps users analyze videos. It can identify objects, places, and actions in videos with amazing accuracy.
This AI tool can recognize over 20,000 different items in your videos. It works at different levels – looking at the whole video, individual scenes, or even specific frames.
The best part? You can start using it for free. Google Cloud offers free usage of many AI products including Video Intelligence, up to certain monthly limits.
Video Intelligence API extracts rich data from your videos. This makes it easier to search and find specific content without watching the entire video.
Want to see what this tool can do? Someone built a visualization tool that shows all the features of the API in action.
For businesses, this tool offers valuable insights. It can count people, detect objects, and analyze motion in videos.
Some users even work with live video streams. There are questions about how to analyze real-time videos using this technology.
If you need alternatives, there are several options. These include Amazon Rekognition Video, Microsoft Azure Video Indexer, and others as noted in Tavus’s 2025 review.
The technology works through an API. This means developers can add video analysis features to their own apps and websites.
For non-technical users, the results are still accessible. The system provides clear labels and timestamps for what it finds in videos.
This tool saves hours of manual video reviewing. What might take a person days to analyze, the AI can process in minutes.
5. Zapier Agents
Zapier Agents is a new tool that combines AI chat, automation, and data analysis in one place. This all-in-one solution makes work easier for busy professionals who need to get more done with less effort.
You can try Zapier Agents for free to see how it works for your needs. The free trial lets you test its features before deciding if it’s right for you.
What makes Zapier Agents special is how it connects with other apps. It works with thousands of tools you already use, making it simple to create workflows that save time.
The AI can help answer questions about your data. It can also set up automations without you needing to know complex code. This makes it great for both beginners and experts.
Many users find Zapier’s interface easy to learn. If you’re new to automation tools, Zapier is great for beginners because it has a simple interface with many connections to other apps.
Zapier Agents fits into the larger family of AI tools offered by Zapier. These include the main Zapier automation platform and Zapier Chatbots, which help businesses talk with customers.
Teams that want to grow their business often use Zapier Agents to handle routine tasks. This gives team members more time to focus on important work that needs a human touch.
The setup process is straightforward. You connect your accounts, tell the AI what you want to do, and it helps create the right workflow. No coding skills needed.
For businesses watching their budget, Zapier Agents stands out among free AI tools with its strong features. While some advanced options may require a paid plan, many users find the free version meets their needs.
6. FutureTools.io Database
Finding free AI tools can be tough. FutureTools.io helps solve this problem by collecting and organizing the best AI tools in one place.
The website acts as a huge database where you can filter tools by pricing models. They have a special section just for free AI tools that makes discovery much easier.
Users love how FutureTools organizes everything by categories. You can find AI tools for copywriting, chat, avatars, and even fun applications without spending hours searching online.
The site has gained popularity on platforms like Reddit, where users recommend it for finding free AI solutions. Its simple filtering system helps people find exactly what they need.
FutureTools regularly updates its database with new AI tools that most people haven’t seen yet. This keeps the site current in the fast-changing AI landscape.
They also publish helpful articles like “28 AI Tools You’ll Be Shocked Are Free” that highlight unexpected free offerings. These guides save time for people looking for no-cost options.
The main benefit of the FutureTools database is its organization. Instead of visiting dozens of websites, users can browse everything in one spot with clear labels about what’s free and what costs money.
Anyone can use the site without technical knowledge. The clean interface makes it easy to find tools for specific needs without getting lost in complex details.
7. Synthesia
Synthesia stands out as a leading AI video generator in 2025. This platform lets users create professional videos simply by typing text.
No video editing skills? No problem. Synthesia transforms written content into studio-quality videos with AI avatars that speak your words. The tool works fast, saving hours of traditional video production time.
One of Synthesia’s most impressive features is its language support. Users can create videos in over 140 languages, making it perfect for global communications. This breaks down language barriers for businesses reaching international audiences.
The platform offers a free AI video generator to try before committing to paid plans. This gives users a chance to test the technology without financial risk.
Many businesses use Synthesia for training videos, marketing content, and customer support materials. The AI avatars look natural and engage viewers effectively.
Based on user experiences, Synthesia ranks among the top 50 AI tools across various categories. Its interface makes video creation simple for beginners.
When compared to other video tools like InVideo, Runway ML, and Hyper Luma, Synthesia often comes out ahead for ease of use and output quality. Users particularly value the realistic AI avatars.
The platform continually updates its avatar options and voice capabilities. This keeps the tool current with advancing AI technology standards.
For businesses without video production resources, Synthesia offers a cost-effective alternative to hiring production teams. Small companies can now create professional videos that previously required large budgets.
Synthesia works entirely online, eliminating the need for downloaded software or powerful computers. This accessibility makes video production possible from any device with internet access.
8. RunwayML
RunwayML is an applied research company that focuses on shaping creativity through AI tools. It offers advanced image and video generation capabilities that help users bring their ideas to life quickly.
The platform provides tools for human imagination that let users explore creative concepts in near real-time. This bridges the gap between having an idea and making it real.
One of RunwayML’s standout features is Gen-2, their multimodal AI system. This tool can create new videos using text prompts, images, or video clips as starting points.
While RunwayML offers powerful features, users should know that not all aspects of the service are free. Some people look for alternatives when they need budget-friendly options.
For those seeking free alternatives, there are several options available. According to Reddit discussions, Vadoo AI serves as a good alternative to RunwayML and similar video generators.
YouTube creators have also compiled lists of free AI video generation tools that can work as alternatives to paid services like RunwayML. These free options help people with limited budgets still access AI video creation.
RunwayML stands out for its strong focus on artistic and creative applications. The company aims to support artists, filmmakers, and other creative professionals with their AI tools.
The user-friendly interface makes RunwayML accessible even to beginners. This allows more people to use advanced AI for their projects without needing technical expertise.
For anyone interested in AI-powered video and image creation, RunwayML represents one of the more polished options in the market today. Its combination of power and ease of use makes it worth considering.
9. Teachable Machine
Teachable Machine is a free web-based tool from Google that makes creating machine learning models simple and accessible. You don’t need coding skills to use it, which makes it perfect for beginners.
With Teachable Machine, you can train a computer to recognize images, sounds, or poses. The process is straightforward – just collect examples, train a model, and then export your creation.
Teachers use it in classrooms to help students understand AI concepts. Artists use it for creative projects. Researchers use it to test ideas quickly without writing complex code.
The tool works in your browser, so there’s no need to download anything. It’s completely free to use, with no hidden costs or premium tiers.
One great feature is that your models are private by default. Your training data stays on your computer unless you choose to share it.
After creating your model, you can export it in several formats. This makes it easy to use your model in websites, apps, or other projects.
The open-source community has built many interesting projects with Teachable Machine. These range from sign language translators to plant disease detectors.
For those concerned about alternatives, people have asked about open source options similar to Teachable Machine. While there are some options, Teachable Machine remains one of the most user-friendly tools available.
The tool is constantly improving based on user feedback. Google maintains it well, ensuring it stays current with modern machine learning practices.
If you want to explore AI without the complexity that often comes with it, Teachable Machine is an excellent starting point. It strips away technical barriers while still delivering powerful results.
10. TensorFlow
TensorFlow is a powerful open-source framework for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Created by Google, it has become one of the most widely used tools for building and training ML models.
What makes TensorFlow stand out is its flexibility. It can run on almost any device, from powerful servers to mobile phones. This makes it perfect for both beginners and experts.
The platform offers intuitive APIs that make creating complex models simpler. You don’t need advanced programming skills to get started. TensorFlow handles the complicated math behind the scenes.
Many developers love TensorFlow because it’s completely free. There are no hidden costs or premium features locked behind paywalls. Everything is available to anyone who wants to learn.
For beginners, there are many free learning resources online. Websites like FreeCodeCamp offer helpful tutorials that explain key machine learning concepts in simple terms.
TensorFlow works well with Keras, which makes building neural networks easier. This combination allows you to create complex AI systems with just a few lines of code.
The tools ecosystem around TensorFlow is impressive. Colab, a free Jupyter notebook environment, lets you write and run TensorFlow code without installing anything on your computer.
For those who don’t want to write code from scratch, there are AI-powered code generators available. These tools can create TensorFlow code for different tasks like classification, regression, and natural language processing.
TensorFlow supports many types of machine learning. Whether you’re working on image recognition, text analysis, or prediction models, this platform has you covered.
The community around TensorFlow is large and helpful. Forums, discussion groups, and social media channels are full of people sharing tips and answering questions. This support network makes learning easier.
Companies big and small use TensorFlow for their AI projects. Its reliability and performance have made it an industry standard. Learning this tool can open many job opportunities in the growing field of artificial intelligence.
Understanding Free AI Tools
Free AI tools offer powerful capabilities without requiring payment, but they often come with certain limitations. Let’s explore what makes these tools free and what restrictions you might face when using them.
What Makes AI Tools Free
Companies offer free AI tools for several reasons. Many use a “freemium” model where basic features are free while advanced ones require payment. This helps companies attract new users who might later upgrade to paid plans.
Some tools are free because they’re supported by ads or collect user data. This data helps improve the AI and may be valuable to the company in other ways.
Open-source AI tools are free because developers share them openly. Anyone can use, modify, and contribute to these tools. Projects like these are often backed by communities of volunteers or organizations with research goals.
Student or educational versions provide free access with limitations. These help learners gain skills while building brand loyalty.
Common Limitations of Free AI Tools
Free AI tools typically come with usage caps. This might mean limits on how many images you can generate, words you can process, or minutes of audio you can convert each month. For example, Google Cloud offers free AI services only up to certain monthly limits.
Quality restrictions are common too. Free tools might produce lower-resolution images or less accurate text compared to paid versions.
Many free AI tools display ads, which can be distracting. Some also process your data more slowly than paid options, with users in free tiers getting lower priority.
Feature limitations are standard – you’ll often find that the most powerful or newest features are locked behind paywalls. Free tools might also lack customer support, leaving you to solve problems on your own.
Privacy concerns exist too, as some free tools may collect more user data than paid versions.
Integrating Free AI Tools Into Workflows
Adding free AI tools to your daily work can save time and boost results. The right approach makes these powerful tools work together smoothly in your existing systems.
Enhancing Productivity with AI
Free AI tools can transform how you handle routine tasks. Zapier connects many free AI services together, letting you create automated workflows without coding. For example, you might set up a system that takes customer emails, summarizes them with AI, and adds the key points to your task manager.
When picking tools to add to your workflow, focus on:
- Clear problem-solving – Choose tools that fix specific issues
- Easy integration – Look for tools with good connection options
- Learning curve – Select options that your team can use quickly
The best way to start is with one tool that addresses your biggest pain point. Once that’s working well, add more tools step by step. This careful planning helps ensure success.
Collaborative Features in Free AI Tools
Many free AI tools shine when used by teams. They often include features that make sharing work and ideas simple. Look for tools with real-time editing, commenting, and version history.
Stack Overflow suggests training your team properly before rolling out new AI tools. Quick training sessions can help everyone understand:
- What the tool does best
- When to use it (and when not to)
- How to check the AI’s work
Tools like free versions of ChatGPT, Otter.ai for transcription, and Canva’s AI features let teams work together on content without cost. Many offer limited but useful free plans that teams can test before deciding on paid upgrades.
For best results, create clear guidelines about how these tools fit into existing processes. This prevents confusion and helps everyone work together smoothly.
Evaluating the Benefits of Free AI Tools
Free AI tools offer significant advantages for businesses and individuals looking to improve productivity without breaking the bank. These tools can transform workflows and create new opportunities across various domains.
Cost Effectiveness
Free AI tools provide exceptional value when compared to their paid counterparts. Many platforms offer robust features at zero cost, allowing small businesses and startups to compete with larger organizations.
The financial benefits extend beyond just saving on subscription fees. These tools can:
- Reduce labor costs by automating repetitive tasks
- Lower training expenses with intuitive interfaces
- Eliminate the need for specialized equipment or software
- Provide enterprise-level capabilities without enterprise-level prices
Many free AI tools use a “freemium” model, letting users test capabilities before committing to paid plans. This approach helps companies assess value before investing in premium versions.
Google Cloud stands out by offering free usage of many AI products up to monthly limits, including Translation, Speech-to-Text, and Natural Language processing.
Accessibility and Usability
The best free AI tools prioritize user experience, making advanced technology available to everyone regardless of technical expertise. This democratization of AI has opened new possibilities for countless users.
Most free AI tools feature:
- Simple interfaces with minimal learning curves
- Cloud-based access from any device with internet
- Quick setup with minimal configuration needed
- Regular updates that add new features
Free AI writing tools help users edit and proofread work quickly, catching errors and improving clarity without complicated processes. Many tools also include tutorials and templates that help new users get started.
The accessibility of these tools makes them perfect for businesses wanting to boost productivity without extensive training programs or technical support teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free AI tools have become powerful resources for individuals and businesses alike. These platforms offer capabilities ranging from content creation to data analysis without the hefty price tags of premium services.
What are the top-rated free AI tools for academic purposes?
ChatGPT stands out as a leading free AI tool for academic work. It helps students research topics, draft essays, and solve complex problems.
Microsoft Copilot integrates with Office applications, making it valuable for academic writing and presentations. It suggests improvements and helps organize research materials.
Claude offers helpful features for academic users too. It excels at explaining difficult concepts and providing detailed answers to complex questions.
How does one find and utilize free AI tools for content creation?
Finding good free AI content tools starts with a simple online search. Many platforms offer free trials or basic versions of their paid services.
To get the most from these tools, be specific with your prompts. Clear instructions lead to better outputs from AI systems like ChatGPT and Claude.
Start with small projects to learn each tool’s strengths. Content creation tools work best when you use them as assistants rather than replacements for human creativity.
Which free AI platforms offer services comparable to Jasper AI?
ChatGPT provides similar functionality to Jasper AI’s content generation capabilities. It can write articles, create outlines, and suggest ideas based on your prompts.
Claude offers high-quality writing assistance that matches many of Jasper’s features. Its responses tend to be nuanced and well-structured.
Microsoft Copilot integrates AI writing assistance directly into familiar Office products, making it a practical alternative for those seeking Jasper-like functions.
What are some effective free AI tools for data analysis?
Google Cloud Video Intelligence offers free tier options for analyzing video content. It can identify objects, scenes, and even text within videos.
Zapier Agents help automate data workflows between applications. This saves time on repetitive data tasks without requiring coding skills.
Several AI-powered search engines can analyze large text datasets quickly. These tools extract insights and patterns that would take humans much longer to find.
Can you recommend any free AI software that excels in natural language processing?
ChatGPT is outstanding at natural language processing tasks. It can summarize texts, answer questions, and generate human-like responses to complex prompts.
Claude has strong NLP capabilities, particularly for understanding context and maintaining consistent conversations. It handles nuanced language quite well.
Microsoft Copilot brings powerful language processing directly to everyday applications. Its ability to understand requests and generate appropriate content makes it highly useful.
What free AI resources are available that perform similarly to Google’s AI offerings?
Some AI question-answering platforms function similarly to Google’s AI search tools. These services provide direct answers instead of just links to websites.
You can find free FAQ generators that can perform tasks comparable to some Google AI products. They analyze content and extract likely questions and answers.
Claude offers conversational AI features that compare favorably with Google’s Bard. Both can answer questions, explain concepts, and engage in detailed discussions on various topics.
