WWDC 2025: A Fresh Start for Apple's Software
Latest Developments at Apple's WWDC 2025 🔴 (Live)
It's nearly time for Apple to unveil its software updates for all its platforms at the annual WWDC 2025 developer conference on June 9. Rumors swirl that every OS will jump straight to version "26."
The connected interfaces of iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will undergo a cosmetic makeover inspired by the Vision Pro's glassy and translucent visionOS, aiming for a more unified and consistent look across devices. For iPhone users, this marks the first major software facelift since Jony Ive's iOS 7 flattened software in 2013.
AI, notably Apple's brand of artificial intelligence called Apple Intelligence, is a major topic of anticipation. Will Apple address the fumbling of its next-gen Siri voice assistant, still missing in action despite initial plans? Or will Apple brush off its lagging AI features as Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI giants continue to drop leadings in advanced LLM-powered chatbots and generative features?
Jump aboard with Senior Consumer Tech Editor Raymond Wong, who will be in Cupertino, Calif.'s Apple Park, delivering live WWDC 2025 coverage. Senior Writer James and Staff Reporter Kyle Barr will also be on deck, breaking down news announcements for you. Keep an eye on our site on Monday for live updates!
A Sunroom Redesign for Apple's OS?
After journeying through a lengthy tunnel, Apple's next round of software updates is finally within sight. If the whispers are true, all operating systems will skip to "26," abandoning the 18, 16, 18, 11, and 2 labels in favor of a new naming convention. This shift to "26" suggests Apple may focus on unifying the design of its software, reportedly inspired by the Vision Pro's visionOS.
The Mac menu bar, iPhone app icons, and widgets will don a glassy appearance, alongside potential additions like a Preview-type app for iPhone and iPad. The mobile gaming scene may also receive a new "Gaming" app. Though "Apple Intelligence" updates might be limited to new live translation features for phone calls and texts.
WWDC25: WhatWe're Expecting
Simultaneously, one of the biggest changes – though also the most superficial – could be a shift in Apple's naming conventions, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. All of Apple's software – iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS – may now jump directly from their respective numbers (18, 16, 18, 11, and 2) to version "26." This change will streamline the yearly updates into services that align with the release year, plus one, similar to Toyotas or other vehicles.
In essence, the update may not bring significant changes in functionality, but it could signal a significant shift in Apple's software strategy – a clear meaning, but potentially a bit of whiplash for poor visionOS.
Siri: Can It Deliver Its AI Promise?
Apple announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, promising generative AI features like Genmoji, notification summaries, and writing tools. However, a revamped Siri with on-screen awareness and agentic functionality missed its mark, even after months of delay. Reports indicate that the new Siri features were mere pipe dreams, with marketing driving premature showings before the features were fully functional.
Our Senior Writer James Pero believes Monday will be a make-or-break moment for Apple's AI trajectory, more about settling appearances than groundbreaking innovations. Will Apple step onto the AI stage as an industry leader or lag behind in the ever-evolving AI race?
- The mobile gaming scene might welcome a new "Gaming" app within Apple's software updates, accentuating the possible influence of artificial intelligence on their offerings.
- Amid the anticipation for Apple's upcoming software updates, the cosmetic makeover could extend to various interfaces such as the Mac menu bar and iPhone app icons, emulating a glassy and translucent aesthetic reminiscent of artificial intelligence technology.
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