Apple WWDC: Today-June 9th, marks Apple’s major developer gathering, the Worldwide Developers Conference, better known as WWDC 2025. All eyes are truly fixed on what the tech giant plans to unveil. Interestingly, while many other companies are sprinting ahead with bold artificial intelligence features, Apple appears to be charting a slightly different course this time. Instead of making grand pronouncements about Apple AI, the focus is largely anticipated to be on refreshing designs, introducing practical tools, and making thoughtful, smaller improvements to how all their devices actually work. It’s less about flashy new tech, and more about refining the everyday experience.
A Fresh Coat of Paint for All Your Apple Gear
One of the most talked-about changes we’re expecting to see is a comprehensive visual overhaul across the entire Apple device ecosystem. Think of it as a fresh design for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and even the Vision Pro headset. The new aesthetic is rumored to bring a more modern, lighter, and airier feel. We’re talking more transparency, cleaner buttons, and crisper icons, making everything just feel a bit more open and inviting.
While the basic shapes of those familiar app icons aren’t likely to change drastically, elements like toolbars and pop-up menus are slated for a new appearance, ideally making them more intuitive to navigate. Plus, even your handy widgets – the ones for things like weather, your calendar, or stock updates – are expected to get a facelift to perfectly match this refreshed look.
Say Hello to the Class of ’26
You know how Apple usually numbers its software updates, like “iOS 18” or “macOS 15”? Well, that’s reportedly changing. This year, Apple is set to start naming its major software updates by year. So, the upcoming versions will be iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and so on, even though they’re being launched this calendar year. It’s a subtle but significant shift in how they label their core operating systems.
Beyond the new naming convention, a few essential apps are in line for substantial makeovers. The Phone app, for instance, is getting a redesign to offer a unified view of your favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails. The Safari browser is also expected to sport a sleeker, more transparent look, feeling lighter as you browse. And the Camera app? It’s reportedly getting a much-needed clean-up to simplify its interface, especially considering all the advanced photo and video features Apple has added in recent years.
Small Steps for Apple AI, Not a Leap
Despite many hopeful whispers about groundbreaking Apple AI announcements, the company is widely predicted to take a more measured, low-key approach this year. One of the most prominent AI features we might see is live translation, which could work seamlessly across calls, texts, and even through AirPods. Imagine real-time language translation in your ears!
Furthermore, developers, the talented individuals who build all those apps we use daily, are expected to finally gain access to Apple’s internal AI tools. This pivotal move will empower them to integrate new smart features directly into their own applications, potentially leading to a new wave of intelligent app experiences. Other smaller, yet useful, AI-powered upgrades might include an enhanced Shortcuts app, a power-saving mode for iPhones leveraging AI, and a fun new emoji feature called Genmoji, allowing users to combine existing emojis to create unique new ones.
Elevating iPads for Work and Vision Pro Updates
Apple seems to be seriously committed to making iPads even more capable work companions. A forthcoming update is expected to allow iPads to function more akin to Macs, particularly when paired with a keyboard and trackpad. Additionally, Preview, that beloved Mac app for opening and editing PDF files, is finally anticipated to become available on both iPhones and iPads, streamlining document workflows across devices.
The Vision Pro headset is also slated to receive some intriguing updates. These include eye-scrolling, which means you could potentially navigate simply by moving your eyes, and support for external motion controllers, similar to those used with PlayStation VR. Such features aim to make the headset more intuitive to use and enhance its potential for gaming and creative applications.
New Apps on the Horizon: Preview and Games
We’re also anticipating two new applications to come pre-installed with the upcoming software updates. First up is the Preview app. A long-time favorite on macOS for handling PDFs and various documents, its arrival on iPhone and iPad should significantly simplify tasks like digitally signing forms or highlighting text on the go.
Secondly, a brand-new Games app is expected. This app would serve as a central hub where users can find games they’ve downloaded and explore titles available through Apple Arcade all in one convenient place. Apple hopes this will give mobile gaming a notable boost on its platforms, though early impressions suggest its initial impact might be somewhat modest.
What’s Not Quite Ready Yet
For those holding out for a significant revamp of Siri, or entirely new versions of the Calendar or Health apps, you might need to exercise a bit more patience. Apple is reportedly working on substantial updates in these areas, but they are not expected to be ready in time for tomorrow’s event.
Overall, it feels like Apple is approaching WWDC 2025 with a thoughtful, perhaps even cautious, strategy. Instead of aiming for flashy, bold Apple AI moves like some of their competitors (think Google or Microsoft), Apple seems intent on sticking to its strengths: meticulously polishing its software, enhancing device usability, and gradually integrating smart features where they genuinely add value. It might not be the most sensational approach, but for loyal Apple fans, it could represent a solid, user-centric step forward.