WWDC 2025: What to Expect at Apple’s Annual Developer Conference

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is set to begin at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET on Monday. Following last year’s emphasis on AI, this year’s event holds significant expectations for Apple to advance its AI initiatives and address developer concerns related to ongoing legal challenges and competitive pressures.

This year, the spotlight will again be on software advancements, including the highly anticipated new iteration of iOS rumored to feature the most extensive design overhaul since iOS 7. However, enhancements extend beyond iOS, with updates expected across Apple’s ecosystem.

For those interested, a livestream of the keynote will be available along with live updates throughout the event.

Significant Visual Redesign for iOS

Apple’s last major design shift occurred with iOS 7 in 2013, transitioning from skeuomorphic elements to a minimalist and flat design aesthetic championed by Jony Ive. Reports indicate that the upcoming iOS update will trigger a similar strong reaction.

The new design is expected to borrow visual cues from visionOS, the software used for Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing headset. This could include features such as a translucent user interface and circular app icons, replacing the classic square shapes, aiming to unify the user experience across Apple devices, possibly extending to CarPlay as well.

New Year-Based Naming Convention for Operating Systems

Apple is reportedly shifting its operating system naming scheme from sequential integers to a year-based system. Instead of "iOS 19," the company might label its software releases as iOS 26, paralleled across other OSes like macOS, watchOS, and even visionOS, promoting consistent branding within its product line.

Anticipated AI Updates

Although topping last year’s AI announcements could be challenging, Apple is expected to present several improvements. Despite launching AI features such as Image Playground and Genmoji, the company has faced criticism for delays in delivering promised AI enhancements, including a more personalized Siri.

Apple has partnered with external AI firms, including OpenAI, to boost its AI capabilities and may add support for other AI chatbots at the event. Additionally, the Health app is rumored to integrate AI-driven health insights and chatbots, while apps like Messages may receive AI-powered translation and interactive features.

Other AI-based functionality may include battery management optimizations and an AI-enhanced Shortcuts app.

Dedicated Gaming App for iPhone Users

Improvements Across macOS, watchOS, and tvOS

Alongside iOS changes, macOS 26 (potentially named Tahoe) may benefit from the new gaming app integration and enhanced AirPods features. The Apple TV operating system is also expected to see interface upgrades and additions like the gaming app.

New Features for AirPods

AirPods could gain a live translation capability, allowing real-time conversational language translation hosted on the paired iPhone. Improvements may include new control gestures, sleep detection for auto-pausing music, camera control triggers, improved microphone quality, and enhanced pairing experiences.

Apple Pencil Enhancements

Apple Pencil will receive updates aimed at users writing in Arabic script, including a virtual calligraphy function for iPadOS 19 and potentially a bi-directional keyboard to toggle between Arabic and English on iPhones and iPads.

No Major Hardware Launches Expected

Currently, there are no rumors of imminent hardware releases due to development delays. While a surprise Mac Pro announcement remains possible, it is generally considered unlikely.

However, new spatial controllers for the Vision Pro headset might be announced, enabling more natural 3D interactions. Eye-scrolling capabilities could also be introduced for document navigation on native and third-party apps.

Additionally, Apple may reveal software for a rumored smart home tablet, codenamed HomeOS, featuring touchscreen and voice control functionalities, enhancing smart home integration.

DeepFounder AI Analysis

Why it matters

WWDC 2025 illustrates Apple’s continuing shift towards unifying its software ecosystem with a heavy emphasis on user experience redesign and AI integration. For startups and founders, this signals Apple’s increasing prioritization of AI-powered features across a broad range of devices, expanding the foundation for innovative app development. The new year-based OS naming convention also reflects an organizational strategy aiming for clearer, more cohesive branding.

Risks & opportunities

One risk involves Apple’s apparent struggle to keep pace in AI development, exposing it to potential criticism and loss of developer confidence if promised features are delayed or under-delivered. On the opportunity side, the launch of a dedicated gaming app and enhanced AI features opens new markets for app developers and startups focusing on gaming experiences and AI-driven health or messaging enhancements, areas with rapidly growing user demand.

Startup idea or application

A promising startup opportunity lies in creating AI-powered tools tailored for the new Apple ecosystem — for instance, an AI-based health advisory platform leveraging the AI enhancements in Apple’s Health app, or social gaming extensions that integrate with the new gaming app ecosystem linking iMessage and FaceTime users. Founders could also explore developing spatial interaction tools compatible with the new Vision Pro controllers for immersive user experiences.

Apple iOS 26 AI WWDC 2025 Apple Arcade Gaming

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