Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC 2025, starts at 10am Pt/1 PM ET. Monday. Last year's event was notable for its focus on AI, and this year, there has been considerable pressure on the company based on that promise.
As in the past few years, the company is focusing on software updates and new technologies that are rumoured to have the most significant design changes since the introduction of iOS 7.
Here's how to watch the live stream of the keynote speech:
iOS has received the most dramatic design changes for over a decade
When Apple introduced a massive overhaul to iOS in 2013 with the launch of iOS 7, it felt uncomfortable for many users as they shifted from the previous Zetmorphic design with gradients and real-world textures to a more colorful, flat design style that reflected the minimalism preferences of Apple's then Chief Design Director Jony Ive.
Now, new reports suggest that future redesigns could trigger similar levels of response.
The report suggests that the new design has elements that refer to Visionos, the software that drives Apple's spatial computing headset, Apple Vision Pro. In the truest case, it means that the new OS has a transparent interface and a more circular app icon that breaks away from today's traditional square format.
According to Bloomberg, this visual redesign can be implemented across all Apple ecosystems (and even CarPlay), providing a seamless experience for consumers moving between different devices.
iOS changes naming system
According to Bloomberg, Apple will announce changes to its iOS naming system at WWDC this year. Instead of announcing the next version of iOS as iOS 19, Apple's operating system is named year by year. This means you can see iOS 26 launch along with other OSES products such as the Ados 26, Macos 26, Watchos 26, TVOS 26, Visionos 26, and more.
Apple may hold AI News Light this year
While it may be difficult to top news related to Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, the company is expected to share some updates on its AI front.
The company has announced AI features that appear to have been flattened with AI races and have not yet been shipped, and even some Apple critics have accused them of promoting the steam engine. Apple has launched several AI tools, including Image Playground, Genmoji, writing tools, and photo cleanup, including end-user personalised and improved Siri promises that allow you to perform actions across the app, but it's been late.
Meanwhile, Apple is looking at external companies like Openai to improve the iPhone in terms of AI capabilities. WWDC may also announce support for other AI chatbots. As Jony Ive is currently working with Sam Altman on AI hardware devices, Apple is under pressure to keep up with AI progress.
Image credits: Nikolas Kokovlis / Nurphoto / Getty Images
Furthermore, the report suggests that Apple's health apps can quickly incorporate AI technology. This could include health chatbots and generation AI insights that provide personalized health-related suggestions based on user data. Additionally, other apps such as messaging may receive enhancements with AI features, such as translation features and voting, which provide AI-generated suggestions per 9TO5MAC.
Given the overwhelming advancements, Apple could potentially make the most of many small OS updates, including AI. Reports suggest that these updates include AI-powered battery management features and AI-powered shortcut apps.
iPhone users may get dedicated gaming apps
Bloomberg has confirmed the 9TO5MAC report that Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app to replace the Aging Game Center app. In addition to accessing the Apple Arcade subscription-based game store, the app can include other gaming features such as leaderboards, recommendations, and how to challenge friends. It can also be integrated with imessage or FaceTime for remote games.
Image credits: Gabby Jones / Bloomberg / Getty Images
Updates for Mac, Watch, TV, etc.
In addition to the new design, it has been reported that other Apple operating systems can also obtain Polish. For example, MacOS may also view new gaming apps and benefit from the new AirPods feature. It is also expected to be named Macos Tahoe in line with Apple's naming treaty, which refers to California landmarks.
Apple TV may get a visual overhaul, but will also be changed to the user interface, new gaming apps and other features.
airpods to get new features
In addition to messages that get translation capabilities, Bloomberg reported that Apple could bring live translation language capabilities to AirPods wireless Bluetooth earphones, allowing real-time translation during conversations. The iPhone translates spoken language from another user's language and translates the user's response into that language.
A new report from 9TO5MAC also suggests that AirPods may complement today's ability to get new head gestures and shake their heads to respond to incoming calls or messages. Additionally, AirPods can get a way to trigger the camera with the ability to auto-stop music after falling asleep, touch, studio-quality microphone mode, and improved pairing experience with shared airpods.
Image credit: Darrell Etherington
Apple Pencil Upgrade
Reports say the Apple Pencil has also received new updates. This benefits users who want to write in Arabic scripts. To cater to customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India, Apple is reportedly launching a new virtual calligraphy feature on the iPados 19.
Are there any hardware announcements?
According to Bloomberg, the hardware is not ready for release yet, so there were no rumors about new devices. There is always a chance that the company will surprise us with the announcement of a new Mac Pro, but most reports say this is highly unlikely at this point.
Some reports indicate that Apple may also announce support for new input devices for its spatial controller, the Vision Pro. The device is motion-recognized and is designed to interact with the 3D environment in mind, says 9To5MAC. Additionally, Vision Pro can get support to close your eyes, allowing users to scroll through documents for both native and third-party apps.
Bloomberg reported in November that Apple was expected to unveil a smart home tablet in March 2025, featuring a 6-inch touchscreen and voice activation control. The device is said to include home control, SIRI and video calling support, but it hasn't been booted yet. Following the discovery of the “Homeos” submission by PMC's Parker Ortolani, speculation has arisen that Apple could announce software for its devices at WWDC.