Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025, which is set to be held between June 9 and June 13, is expected to feature major announcements across its software and platforms. While primarily for developers, the Cupertino-based tech giant’s annual event typically offers enough previews to interest a broader audience. This year’s conference is expected to introduce an entirely new look for much of Apple’s software, aiming for a more unified experience across iPhones, tablets, and computers. Apple Intelligence, which was the focus of last year’s WWDC, is expected to return in 2025 as Apple seeks to build momentum for its AI tools. The appearance of new hardware is also a possibility, though considered less likely this time.The event, which will be livestreamed on YouTube, is set to kick off with a keynote on June 9, starting at 1 PM ET (10.30 PM IST). This keynote will set the stage for the software updates Apple plans to release later this year. Here are the top 5 announcements that the company is expected to make at WWDC 2025:
Apple may introduce a new interface
Apple’s WWDC 2025 is expected to focus on a broad interface refresh across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, rather than solely on new features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the redesign, codenamed “Solarium”, will borrow visionOS elements like rounded icons and translucent menus to create a unified look. This will update app layouts, window styling, system buttons, and overall visual language. The last major iPhone interface change came with iOS 7’s shift away from skeuomorphic design. Solarium aims to modernise Apple’s software appearance, though users may need time to adjust to the new design when it debuts at WWDC.
New names of its software and other expected features
As per Gurman, Apple may also replace traditional version numbers for its software with the upcoming year. Beginning at WWDC 2025, iOS 19, macOS 19, and watchOS 19 would become iOS 2026, macOS 2026, and watchOS 2026, and so on. This change likely aims to standardise naming across platforms, making it easier to reference releases by year rather than by disparate version counts.The upcoming iOS 26 is expected to focus more on the interface redesign yet reports indicate several new features for Apple’s phones. One report by Tom’s Guide suggests iOS 26 will include a simplified Wi-Fi sign-on, allowing login credentials to be shared across Apple devices. Another feature, powered by AI, is expected to optimise battery life and predict charging times. While these additions may be modest, they could enhance the user experience.Additionally, the iPhone may also gain a desktop mode; compatible models (iPhone 15 or later with USB-C). This feature may allow users to connect their iPhones to an external display for expanded screen space. iPadOS 26, which builds on iOS with tablet-specific enhancements, is said to receive a Mac-style menu bar at the top of the screen and an updated Stage Manager for improved multitasking.
Apple may introduce a new gaming app
Apart from this, Gurman also reports that WWDC 2025 may introduce a new cross-platform gaming app from Apple. The app is expected to integrate existing Game Center features, such as leaderboards and friend lists, while also allowing users to launch games directly and providing deeper access to Apple Arcade. Details still remain limited, yet the gaming app is expected to be available not only on iPhone but also on iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
New updates may arrive for Apple Intelligence
Apple continues to develop its Apple Intelligence features, focusing in 2025 on refining existing capabilities rather than introducing many new ones. Key unfinished projects from last year include a redesigned Siri that can interpret on-screen content, such as creating calendar entries from email and offer proactive, context-aware suggestions. Apple acknowledged challenges in delivering these Siri improvements consistently and now plans to include them in software updates later this year, though no exact timeline has been given. Rumored additions to Apple Intelligence include AI-powered battery management and a health-coaching tool that aggregates fitness data to offer personalized advice. At WWDC 2025, Apple is also expected to unveil developer tools to simplify integrating Apple Intelligence into third-party apps.
Apple may make some hardware announcements as well
Apple sometimes unveils hardware at WWDC, as it did with Vision Pro and new Macs in 2023. Any 2025 hardware announcements would likely target developers, making a Mac Pro with an M4 chip a plausible candidate. Devices that use new software features such as a touchscreen HomePod or AirPods with gesture-control cameras have been rumored but face technical and timing challenges. Reports also suggest that Apple is developing smart glasses as a Vision Pro successor, which may potentially arrive in 2026, and WWDC could serve as an early preview for such developer-focused hardware.
