WWDC 2025: What to Expect from Apple’s Developer Conference

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is set to kick off Monday at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Following last year’s heavy focus on AI, Apple is under pressure to expand on its AI promises and mend relationships with developers amid ongoing legal challenges related to the App Store. As usual, software updates and new technologies will take center stage, including the highly anticipated iOS update.

iOS Set for Dramatic Redesign

Apple is rumored to introduce the most significant iOS design changes since iOS 7. This redesign may incorporate elements from visionOS, potentially featuring a transparent interface and circular app icons, breaking away from the traditional square format. According to Bloomberg, this visual overhaul could extend across Apple’s entire ecosystem, including CarPlay, to create a seamless user experience across devices.

iOS Naming System to Change

Bloomberg reports that Apple will announce a change in the naming system for iOS at this year’s WWDC. Instead of iOS 19, Apple’s operating systems may be named by year, potentially launching as iOS 26, alongside adOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

AI News Might Be Light

After the unveiling of Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, this year’s AI updates might be more modest. Apple has faced criticism for announcing AI capabilities that were not yet ready, even drawing accusations of vaporware from Apple commentators. While tools like Image Playground, Genmoji, Writing Tools, and Photos Clean Up have launched, the promise of an improved, personalized Siri has been delayed.

Apple has also partnered with companies like OpenAI to enhance its AI capabilities. WWDC may see announcements of support for additional AI chatbots. With Jony Ive now collaborating with Sam Altman on AI hardware, the pressure is on Apple to accelerate its AI progress.

Reports also suggest that Apple’s Health app might integrate AI, offering a health chatbot and personalized health suggestions. The Messages app may also receive AI enhancements, including translation features and AI-generated poll suggestions, as reported by 9to5Mac.

Smaller OS updates involving AI are also anticipated, potentially including AI-powered battery management and an AI-powered Shortcuts app.

Dedicated Gaming App for iPhone

Bloomberg confirmed a 9to5Mac report stating that Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app to replace the Game Center app. This app could provide access to Apple Arcade, leaderboards, recommendations, and options to challenge friends. Integration with iMessage or FaceTime for remote gaming is also possible.

Updates to Mac, Watch, TV, and More

In addition to the iOS redesign, Apple’s other operating systems are expected to receive updates. macOS may gain the new gaming app and benefit from new AirPods features. It is also expected to be named macOS Tahoe. Apple TV might get a visual overhaul, changes to its user interface, the new gaming app, and other features.

New AirPods Features

Beyond the translation feature for Messages, Bloomberg reported that Apple could bring live language translation to AirPods, enabling real-time translation during conversations. 9to5Mac also suggests that AirPods might get new head gestures and features like auto-pausing music when you fall asleep, camera control via touch, a studio-quality mic mode, and an improved pairing experience.

Apple Pencil Upgrade

The Apple Pencil is expected to receive an update that benefits users writing in Arabic script. Apple is reportedly launching a new virtual calligraphy feature in iPadOS 19 for customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India. The company may also introduce a bi-directional keyboard for switching between Arabic and English on iPhones and iPads.

No Hardware Announcements?

Bloomberg reports that no hardware is ready for release yet, so no new device announcements are expected. While a surprise Mac Pro announcement is possible, it is considered unlikely.

However, Apple may announce support for spatial controllers for its Vision Pro. These motion-aware devices would be designed for interaction in a 3D environment, according to 9to5Mac. Vision Pro could also gain eye-scrolling support for native and third-party apps.

Bloomberg reported in November that Apple was expected to announce a smart home tablet in March 2025, but it has yet to launch. Speculation suggests that Apple may unveil the software for the device, potentially named “HomeOS,” at WWDC.