The 2025 WWDC event by Apple is set to commence at Apple Park on June 9, 2025, at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST. We’re on the brink of discovering the new generation of software for iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and beyond.
What can we anticipate from this significant Apple event? While product debuts are uncommon at WWDC, they do occur. This keynote presentation shapes the entire direction of Apple’s year ahead. Notably, it will showcase the upcoming version of iOS, paving the way for the iPhone 17 series, anticipated for a September release.
This WWDC will also commemorate the first anniversary of Apple Intelligence’s debut. Given that the company delivered only part of its promises from June 2024, it’s uncertain how they will tackle this AI situation moving forward.
There are numerous reports of behind-the-scenes challenges as Apple reorganizes its AI team, aiming to enhance Siri to compete with products like Gemini and ChatGPT.
Some speculate that Apple might not mention Siri directly, instead focusing on Apple Intelligence as it is, possibly hinting at feature improvements without promising any groundbreaking generative capabilities, especially after past over-promises.
Let’s delve into what we and industry experts expect from Tim Cook and the team on June 9…
1. iOS 26 arrives with a new look
It’s highly unlikely that Apple will fully reintroduce Siri at WWDC 2025, but we might catch glimpses of upcoming functionalities. After all, how can Apple roll out iOS 26 (rumored to reflect a shift to year-based naming) without an upgraded Siri experience infused with Apple Intelligence?
More detailed insights have surfaced from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, whose predictions from June 6 are quite thorough. He indicates that the most significant change will be a fresh software design influenced by visionOS.
This implies a lot of “digital glass” elements and an emphasis on “light and transparency” across iOS 26 and Apple’s other operating systems. Why Apple would opt for its struggling mixed reality headset framework as a visual template remains an intriguing question for June 9.
In comparison, other new features in iOS 26 might seem somewhat modest. A new dedicated Games app for accessing Apple Arcade is expected, alongside enhancements like AI-driven battery management. Moreover, three of Apple’s core apps—the Phone, Safari, and Camera—are slated for “major updates,” particularly with the Camera seeing a beneficial decluttering.
According to TechRadar’s phone specialist, James Rogerson, substantial advancements in AI-related photo editing tools or Siri upgrades are unlikely. However, there is speculation about an AI enhancement for Apple’s Health app.
2. iPadOS 26 incorporates Mac-like functionalities
It will be intriguing to hear how Apple’s executives explain what we assume will be a deeper integration of iPadOS and macOS in iPadOS 26 (which could also revert to iPadOS 19 if Apple maintains its existing naming scheme).
TechRadar’s iPad expert, Jamie Richards, believes improved multitasking will be a priority for iPadOS advancements at WWDC 2025. This is based on a clear demand and rumors from reliable sources like Majin Bu, who has hinted at a major overhaul of Stage Manager.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has corroborated this, asserting that “Apple is entirely reworking multitasking on the iPad to make it feel more like a Mac interface.” This is a long-awaited change! The downside? This might necessitate connecting your iPad to pricey accessories like Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Apple’s motivation behind these changes seems to arise from a longstanding desire to enhance the iPad’s desktop functionality, given that many users treat their iPads with physical keyboards like lightweight laptops. Yet, the limitation of supporting only a handful of open windows at a time and a lack of Mac-like interface customization can be frustrating.
The message conveyed during the announcement will be crucial. Apple needs to attract new iPad users while ensuring they do not alienate loyal customers who have been with the device since its debut in 2010.
3. A gaming focus for macOS 26
Many anticipate that Apple Software Lead Craig Federighi will introduce a significant redesign for macOS 26, similar to iOS 26, likely drawing inspiration from the Vision Pro interface.
While the gaze and gesture-based controls of the headset have received acclaim, how these will translate to the Mac remains uncertain. Federighi is expected to present engaging demonstrations during the event.
There’s speculation that this could be the moment Apple finally unveils a touch-friendly macOS. This expectation stems from the anticipated convergence of iPadOS and macOS. However, this remains a long-shot possibility.
According to a Bloomberg report, a more pragmatic development is a new Games app. This app is theorized to consolidate Apple’s gaming assets, such as Apple Arcade and games sourced from the App Store. Additionally, for Macs, it could potentially incorporate games from other third-party platforms.
Other focal points for the macOS 26 presentation—which will reportedly be branded as ‘Tahoe’—are said…
Enhancements include improved Wi-Fi management, new battery features, integration of Google Gemini, and, importantly, the announcement of the key name.
4. Fitness Features Friendly for Apple Watch Ultra
There’s a chance that WWDC 2025 could delight Apple Watch enthusiasts, with watchOS 12 (or likely, watchOS 26) possibly introducing blood pressure monitoring and a new AI health coach, though it’s unclear whether it will be labeled “Apple Intelligence Health Coach” or simply “AI Health Coach.”
Health and Fitness Editor Matt Evans pointed out that “Blood pressure measurement through LED technology is considered the holy grail for watches, but the Whoop MG takes a different approach by using a cuff to establish a baseline before estimating variations based on other vital signs like heart health.”
Additionally, Evans mentioned that Apple Intelligence may offer basic control features for the Apple Watch, which is expected to be more about integrating functionality from iOS rather than a significant expansion.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman appears less certain about any major announcements at WWDC 2025, remarking that the revamp of Apple’s Health app and the AI doctor service are “unlikely to be displayed at WWDC” due to delays. Yet, we remain hopeful for a sneak peek of future updates, even if the full launch is still ahead.
TechRadar’s fitness contributor Lloyd Coombes suggests a more practical focus on outdoor exercise tracking capabilities that leverage the rugged design and rucking-friendly aspects of the Ultra series, especially considering an Apple Watch Ultra 3 may debut later this year.
5. Upgraded tvOS
I spoke with Matt Bolton, our Managing Editor for Entertainment, about potential announcements for the next iteration of tvOS, the operating system for the Apple TV streaming device. He mentioned we can look forward to incorporating some level of intelligence into tvOS.
“In tvOS, you’ll likely be able to make more natural requests for movies and shows, even if you’re unsure of the title – or ask for personalized recommendations based on your preferences. This functionality is common in other AI-driven smart streaming devices.”
Bolton also anticipates a redesign of tvOS but has some hesitations. “I envision a home screen with a 3D layered aesthetic, similar to visionOS. The app icons would float in the foreground, complemented by an image behind them, ideally something more captivating than a plain backdrop,” he noted. However, there’s a concern that background videos could be exploited by trailers or promotional content, though it’s improbable that Apple would follow this path.
As per MacRumors, we can expect a redesign inspired by visionOS, which is anticipated to also enhance iOS 26, macOS 26, and more, extending to tvOS. Fortunately for users with older models, the upcoming tvOS 26 might still be compatible with devices as far back as the 2015 Apple TV HD, along with the subsequent three generations of Apple TV 4K.
6. Live Translation for AirPods
For AirPods, TechRadar’s Matt Bolton is anticipating “AI-powered live translation and a generally more intelligent Siri experience,” depending on how Apple Intelligence might evolve within Siri.
This speculation has been echoed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who states Apple is “preparing live conversation translations for AirPods users,” along with plans to integrate its Translate app across all operating systems as part of an Apple Intelligence feature.
Bolton also hopes to see “Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support integrated into iOS, along with corresponding AirPods compatibility. This would enhance wireless music quality and improve accessibility.”
Recent rumors also suggest that AirPods might incorporate improved gesture controls and sleep detection at WWDC 2025, promising an exciting event for fans of Apple’s wireless earbuds.
7. One more thing – Teaser for iPhone 17 Air?
In any Apple keynote, surprises are always a possibility. In the past, we’ve seen sneak peeks of new Mac Pros, updated MacBooks, and the Vision Pro.
This year, the debut of new Macs seems very unlikely, as does any mixed reality or AR headgear, such as a Vision Pro Lite or Apple Glasses.
There’s even a slim chance that Tim Cook may tease Apple’s first foldable iPhone or more probably, the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.
Let’s face it, Apple could use some attention this year to divert from what has been a rather turbulent year. Rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Air are gaining traction, with predictions suggesting it may be thinner than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, measuring just 5.5mm.
Stay tuned to TechRadar.com for all the latest updates from Apple’s major developer event.
