Right then, let’s dive into what we can expect from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025. As June 9th approaches, there’s a definite buzz, though perhaps a slightly different kind than in previous years.
What Can We Expect At Apple WWDC 2025?
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is nearly upon us, scheduled to run from June 9th to 13th, 2025. The event will be primarily online, bringing the global Apple developer community together. There will, however, be a special in-person event at Apple Park on June 9th for over 1,000 developers and students. The core of the conference revolves around providing insights into the latest Apple tools, technologies, and features. Developers can expect over 100 sessions, guides, documentation, and the opportunity to connect with Apple engineers and designers through labs and forums.
This year’s WWDC keynote is set for Monday, June 9th at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. You’ll be able to watch it live on Apple’s website, YouTube, and in the TV app.
Following the splashy unveilings of the Vision Pro in 2023 and Apple Intelligence in 2024, the sentiment around WWDC 2025 is that it might be notably more subdued. Some within Apple reportedly feel the company is “playing it too safe,” particularly regarding artificial intelligence. This leads some industry analysts to describe 2025 as effectively a “gap year” for Apple’s AI strategy, a holding pattern while more significant innovations are developed behind closed doors.
The updated tagline for WWDC 2025 is “Sleek peek,” which seems to hint strongly at the focus.
Software Takes Centre Stage
As ever, software updates will be the core focus of WWDC. We’re expecting to see the next generations of all of Apple’s major operating systems: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Interestingly, several sources indicate Apple is making a change to its operating system numbering scheme, moving to ’26’ to align with the year of release, departing from the previous sequential numbering like iOS 19 or macOS 16.
The big headline this year appears to be a major design overhaul across these operating systems. Reports suggest a “sleek new glass-like design”, sometimes described as glossy. This visual refresh is expected to take design cues from visionOS, the operating system for the Apple Vision Pro. We might see elements like rounder app icons, floating menus, and more fluid animations.
Let’s break down some specifics mentioned for individual platforms:
- iOS 26: Rumours point to the most significant redesign in years, described as having a glossy or glass-like appearance. The WWDC 2025 teaser images featuring a frosted glass rainbow are potentially a hint at this upcoming style. Mockups allegedly based on real designs show features like translucent pop-out menus in the Camera app. While many iPhones will support iOS 26, advanced features like Apple Intelligence may only be available on newer models such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16.
- macOS 26: The next major update is expected to be announced on June 9th. It’s strongly rumoured to be named macOS Tahoe, continuing the tradition of California-themed names. This version is expected to feature a significant visual overhaul, internally referred to as “Solarium”. It’s anticipated to be a slick and modern reinvention of the interface, drawing design cues from visionOS, though the OS won’t look completely like visionOS. This update might also mark the last year that Intel-based Macs are supported.
- iPadOS 26: Users have long requested more power and better multitasking features, especially with the introduction of M-series chips. Apple is reportedly planning a macOS-style redesign focused on enhancing productivity, multitasking, and app window management. This aligns with the broader push for a unified design language across Apple’s platforms.
- visionOS 3: WWDC 2025 will likely feature the debut of visionOS 3, marking the first annual update cycle for the Vision Pro software. Some hopes for this update include the addition of more native Apple-made apps, as many compatible iPad apps haven’t been converted. However, with Apple focusing on getting Apple Intelligence established and the wider ecosystem redesign, visionOS might take a slightly lesser priority this year.
- watchOS 26 and tvOS 26: These operating systems are also expected to receive updates and potentially participate in the broader design changes.
AI in a “Gap Year”
Artificial intelligence remains a critical topic, but sources suggest it won’t be the headliner this year. There’s a “palpable sense” within Apple that they might be falling behind competitors like OpenAI and Google in the AI race. This year is being seen as a “gap year”.
Apple’s strategy has been described as infrastructure-first, prioritising privacy and silicon over a rapid deployment of cloud-based models. This manifests in initiatives like Private Cloud Compute, which uses proprietary silicon and security features like memory tagging and Secure Enclave.
Expectations for AI announcements at WWDC 2025 seem modest. The centerpiece might be an SDK that will allow third-party developers to integrate Apple’s approximately 3 billion parameter on-device foundation model into their applications.
While a significant update to Siri has been consistently expected, the latest rumors suggest this year’s WWDC might be scaled back in this area. Features like a ChatGPT-style chatbot that were previously reported might now be announced in 2026 instead. Siri’s progress has reportedly been slower than anticipated. Delayed Siri features have even impacted the rumoured smart home hub, which is now postponed.
Other Potential Announcements
Beyond the major OS updates and AI, there are a couple of other areas generating buzz:
- Gaming: Given Apple’s recent acquisition of a games company, there are strong rumors of Apple unveiling a gaming app at WWDC 2025. The expectation is that this app would debut across all Apple devices, aiming to establish them as significant gaming platforms.
- Smart Home: It’s also rumoured that a new homeOS could be announced. This would build on Apple’s long-standing efforts in the smart home space with HomeKit. While the associated smart home hub device has been postponed due to Siri delays, Apple could potentially still provide an early preview or announce new APIs for developers related to this area.
What About Hardware?
WWDC is primarily a software conference for developers. While Apple has historically introduced hardware at WWDC when developers needed new tools to work with (like the Apple Silicon Developer Transition Kit in 2020 or the Vision Pro in 2023), the general consensus from the sources this year is that there will likely be no major new hardware announcements. Mark Gurman reportedly stated that Apple doesn’t have any major new devices ready to ship.
Specific hardware updates like new iPhones and Apple Watch models are expected in September. The iPad lineup has been updated recently, making new iPads unlikely at WWDC. Updates to displays like the Studio Display or Pro Display XDR are rumoured for later in 2025 or 2026. Even smaller devices like new Apple TV or HomePod mini models are rumoured for September or later.
While Apple could still surprise us, and smaller device announcements aren’t explicitly ruled out, the focus seems firmly on software and design this year.
The Developer Perspective
For developers, WWDC remains the crucial event to learn about the latest frameworks and features. The focus on a potential new SDK for integrating Apple’s on-device AI model and possible new APIs for smart home features indicates Apple is still providing developers with new tools, even if the overall AI narrative is quieter. The extensive sessions and labs are key resources for building platform-differentiating apps and games.
WWDC 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for software design, with major visual overhauls expected across all of Apple’s operating systems, potentially drawing inspiration from visionOS. While AI progress will be shown, it appears to be a less explosive year compared to 2024, with a focus on infrastructure and perhaps a more limited developer SDK. Hardware announcements are unlikely. We might also see new initiatives in gaming and the smart home space. Overall, expect a focus on refining the user experience and providing developers with tools for the evolving ecosystem.
