Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is set to kick off on June 9, marking one of the most anticipated tech events of the year, second only to the annual iPhone launch in September. This year’s keynote, beginning at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT, promises to unveil sweeping changes across Apple’s software ecosystem, including major redesigns, new versioning schemes, and a cautious but notable approach to artificial intelligence (AI).
The event, livestreamed on Apple’s website, YouTube channel, and covered extensively by outlets like Engadget and TechRadar, serves as the company’s premier platform to showcase upcoming features for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Apple executives will present enhancements expected to roll out over the next 15 months, aiming to unify and refresh the user experience across all devices.
One of the most talked-about highlights is the introduction of a new interface design dubbed "Liquid Glass." Inspired by the aesthetics of visionOS—the operating system behind Apple’s Vision Pro headset—this redesign will bring translucent, glassy, and see-through visuals to Apple’s software. Users can expect rounded app icons, pill-shaped bottom navigation bars, floating buttons, and pop-out menus that lend a modern, cohesive look reminiscent of the mixed reality platform.
Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface, Alan Dye, who played a pivotal role in crafting iOS 7’s transformative design over a decade ago, is anticipated to have a prominent role in presenting this overhaul. The "Liquid Glass" UI is considered the most significant visual change since iOS 7, aiming to unify the company’s platforms under a consistent, sleek design language.
Complementing the aesthetic revamp, Apple is reportedly renaming its operating systems to align with the year following their release, streamlining version numbers for clarity. Instead of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and so forth, users will see iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 (rumored to be called Tahoe), watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. There’s even talk of a new homeOS for smart home devices. This shift helps unify Apple’s ecosystem and reflects a modernized approach to software naming conventions.
The iPad is expected to receive notable productivity enhancements, including new multitasking and window management features to make it more Mac-like. Additionally, the Apple Pencil may gain a standalone calligraphy pen mode, catering to creative users. macOS Tahoe is set to introduce a fresh look matching the new design language, a dedicated gaming app, and improved AirPods integration. Meanwhile, watchOS and tvOS will also adopt the "Liquid Glass" aesthetic and are rumored to integrate live translation features for AirPods users, expanding accessibility and convenience.
On the AI front, the spotlight is more subdued compared to last year’s WWDC 2024, which heavily emphasized Apple Intelligence. That debut was met with mixed reactions, as many promised features—including an advanced Siri capable of understanding personal context—have been delayed or remain unreleased. Apple has since acknowledged these setbacks, with no clear timeline for some features. Consequently, WWDC 2025 is expected to focus more on refining existing AI tools rather than unveiling groundbreaking innovations.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple’s AI strategy will be central but without major breakthroughs. He foresees a rebranding of Apple Intelligence and Siri, deeper AI integration at the operating system level to enhance user experience, new tools for third-party developers to incorporate AI, strengthened privacy protections, and partnerships with leading AI service providers. However, the company is unlikely to lean heavily on AI branding during the event, instead emphasizing the software redesign and incremental AI improvements like AI-powered battery management and expanded live translation capabilities.
Apple’s AI-powered features currently praised include Genmoji, a fun emoji generator; Writing Tools, which offers proofreading and rewriting assistance comparable to Grammarly; and Visual Intelligence, useful for tasks like identifying plants or adding calendar events from flyers. These features highlight Apple’s approach to integrating AI subtly and practically across its platforms.
Hardware announcements at WWDC 2025 are expected to be minimal. While rumors suggest a redesigned Mac Pro—marking the first overhaul since Apple’s transition to its own silicon—the event’s software focus likely precludes major hardware reveals. The long-anticipated AirTags 2 are reportedly ready but unlikely to debut at the conference, as WWDC traditionally centers on software. Instead, hardware updates may come later in the year.
HomePod is set for an upgrade with a new display, enhancing HomeKit device control, and deeper Siri integration with Apple TV, alongside AI-powered home automation features. AirPods, while unlikely to receive new hardware, may gain software-driven enhancements such as head gesture controls for calls and messages, music auto-pause when falling asleep, camera control triggers, a "studio-quality" microphone mode, and improved pairing for shared use.
Compatibility details for the new operating systems have begun to emerge. macOS 26 Tahoe will support Macs from 2019 or later and all models with Apple’s M-series chips, while watchOS 26 is expected to support Apple Watch Ultra 2, Ultra, Series 10, 9, 8, and possibly Series 7, excluding Series 6 and older. For iOS 26, devices from 2018, like the iPhone XR and XS series, might miss out on the update but will continue receiving security patches.
Developers and attendees arriving at Apple Park are greeted with commemorative pins and a palpable buzz. Tech journalists on-site and online eagerly await the keynote, ready to deliver live coverage and analysis. The event will last just under two hours, offering a packed schedule of announcements and demonstrations.
Beyond software and hardware, Apple’s cultural footprint at WWDC remains strong. The hit Apple TV+ series "Severance" has garnered attention, and while a third season teaser is unlikely, Apple may confirm that production is underway, tying entertainment into the technology showcase.
Despite the excitement, Apple faces challenges. The company is navigating regulatory scrutiny over its App Store policies and managing developer frustrations. The rocky rollout of Apple Intelligence has raised questions about the company’s AI roadmap, especially as competitors like Google and OpenAI advance rapidly. Yet, the "Liquid Glass" redesign and unified software vision signal Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience.
WWDC 2025 is poised to be a pivotal moment for Apple, blending aesthetic transformation with pragmatic software evolution. Whether the company can regain momentum on AI and address developer and regulatory concerns remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Apple is aiming to dazzle users with a fresh, cohesive look and smarter, more integrated features that span its entire ecosystem.
As the keynote unfolds, millions will tune in worldwide, eager to glimpse the future of Apple’s hardware and software. The "Sleek peek" tagline hints at elegance and refinement, setting the tone for what could be the most visually striking Apple software update in over a decade. For fans, developers, and industry watchers alike, WWDC 2025 promises a blend of innovation, challenge, and anticipation.
