Apple is gearing up for what could be one of its most visually transformative announcements in years at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. Scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (6 p.m. UK), this year’s event is less about unveiling new gadgets and more about reimagining the software that powers them.
A New Look for iOS — and Beyond
At the heart of the keynote will be a dramatic redesign of Apple’s operating systems, with iOS leading the charge. Leaks and speculation suggest that iOS 26 will debut a sleeker, glass-like aesthetic, inspired by the interface style of the Vision Pro headset. The WWDC invitation itself hints at this change, showcasing a translucent, layered visual motif that many believe mirrors the new direction for Apple’s UI.
This design philosophy is expected to ripple across the entire Apple ecosystem — not just iPhones, but also macOS, tvOS, and potentially even watchOS. While Apple remains characteristically tight-lipped, developers and tech enthusiasts are bracing for the company’s boldest software design update in over a decade.
A Shift in Naming Strategy
In a move that aligns Apple more closely with mainstream naming conventions, the company is also expected to rebrand its operating systems based on release years. That means we’re likely saying goodbye to iOS 17-style names, and hello to titles like iOS 26 and macOS 25 — a subtle but strategic change that simplifies marketing and syncs with industry standards.
AI Takes a Backseat (For Now)
Despite last year’s WWDC being dominated by the buzz of “Apple Intelligence,” many of those highly anticipated features — including the much-hyped next-gen Siri — never made it to user devices. The enhanced Siri, which promised a deeper understanding of personal context (like pulling flight info from emails), was shelved in early 2025 with no release timeline in sight. This fueled criticism from both users and insiders, including prominent Apple commentator John Gruber, who questioned the company’s internal execution.
As a result, WWDC 2025 is expected to tone down the AI hype. There may be light updates or minor enhancements branded under Apple Intelligence, but nothing on the scale of last year’s promises. Apple, it seems, is opting for design polish over tech dazzle this time.
The Quiet on Vision Pro
The AR headset that once commanded the spotlight is also expected to play a more subdued role this year. While VisionOS will likely receive minor updates — such as improved eye-tracking features or immersive content showcases — don’t expect any game-changing announcements. The initial excitement around Vision Pro has cooled, and Apple appears content to let the platform simmer quietly in the background for now.
How to Watch WWDC 2025 Live
Apple’s WWDC keynote will be streamed live on its official website, the Apple TV app, and YouTube. The presentation typically runs just under two hours and sets the tone for Apple’s software direction for the next year. WWDC 2025 is shaping up to be a recalibration moment for Apple. Instead of doubling down on delayed AI dreams or unfulfilled AR ambitions, the company seems ready to deliver on what it does best — refined design, integrated ecosystems, and a user experience that leads the industry. For developers and Apple fans alike, June 9 could mark the beginning of a new era — one where software elegance once again takes center stage.