- I recommend the Pixel 9 to most people looking to upgrade - especially while it's $250 off
- Google's viral research assistant just got its own app - here's how it can help you
- Sony will give you a free 55-inch 4K TV right now - but this is the last day to qualify
- I've used virtually every Linux distro, but this one has a fresh perspective
- The 7 gadgets I never travel without (and why they make such a big difference)
Apple WWDC 2025: What to expect from iOS (19 or 26?), Apple Intelligence, VisionOS, and more
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is only a week away. The WWDC 2025 kicks off on Monday, June 9 at 10 a.m. PT at Apple Park, with the full conference running through June 13.
The event will feature the new software generation for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Vision Pro, and Apple TV.
This developer conference also marks one year since the company entered the AI space with the announcement of Apple Intelligence. As a result, all eyes are on Apple and its much-awaited updates on the progress of Apple Intelligence, such as when the upgraded Siri update will be rolled out to devices and what new features will be coming next.
How to watch
Apple begins the event with a keynote that debuts the latest software updates to iOS, MacOS, WatchOS, VisionOS, and tvOS. This year, you can also plan to hear a lot more about the company’s AI initiatives at Apple Intelligence
Also: iOS 19 may give your iPhone a big battery life upgrade – without you needing to do a thing
Each year, Apple hosts media, developers, and students at its WWDC event. Developers attending in person or virtually can learn, connect, and engage in multiple activities and consultations to optimize their apps. Those not invited to Apple Park can watch the keynote livestream on Apple TV, YouTube, and Apple’s website.
“We’re excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We can’t wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate.”
ZDNET will be attending in person, bringing you the latest updates, hands-on images, videos, and demo experiences on our website and social media platforms.
iOS 26, MacOS 26, WatchOS 26, and VisionOS 26
Apple is reportedly planning to rebrand its operating system names, moving from generation numbers to years. According to the Bloomberg report, instead of getting iOS 19, MacOS 16, WatchOS 13, and VisionOS 3, you’ll be getting iPadOS 26, MacOS 26, WatchOS 26, tvOS 26, and VisionOS 26.
Also: Is Apple’s iOS 26 rebranding a gimmick or pure genius? My verdict as an iPhone and Mac user
Apple is also expected to make big changes to the iPhone user experience, including redesigned icons, menus, apps, and windows that will give iOS a new look. The major software overhaul would be the first in at least 12 years, as Apple hasn’t made significant design changes to its user interface since the release of iOS 7 in 2013. Apple is reportedly focused on making these changes to iOS, MacOS, and iPadOS to unify the user experience across the iPhone, Mac, and iPad and make navigation more intuitive.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of marketing, posted on X a “Sleek peek” at what to expect at WWDC, including a short animation that is likely a nod to the redesign coming to Apple’s operating system.
Apple Intelligence
When Apple launched Apple Intelligence, the company positioned its AI as a personal assistant that — equipped with the context of your daily interactions — could deliver advanced assistance, centered around a Siri upgrade. However, Apple so far has only unveiled some less advanced features, such as Genmoji, Writing tools, and Photo clean-up, while repeatedly delaying Siri 2.0. The result has been frustrated users and a consensus that Apple may not be as ready to compete in the AI race as it claimed.
Therefore, the world will be closely watching Apple’s announcements surrounding its AI developments. While Apple could use the WWDC 2025 stage to make a comeback, people close to the matter told Bloomberg that it likely will not be the case.
Also: 3 Apple Intelligence features that would convince me to ditch Gemini and ChatGPT
According to the report, the company will be taking a gap year, with bigger AI projects — such as a revamped version of its Shortcuts app, Apple’s AI doctor via the improved Health App, and a ChatGPT competitor — coming at a future date. The event may include some sneak peeks, but it is likely that Apple will approach this carefully after receiving some backlash from showcasing Apple Intelligence features at last year’s WWDC that were nowhere near ready.
The biggest AI-related announcement will reportedly be that Apple is opening up its Foundation Models to third-party developers, which should spur some innovation and growth in the AI sector, with developers building deeper integrations of their offerings into a more helpful experience on devices.
Swift Student Challenge
Before each WWDC event, Apple holds a Swift Student Challenge, an annual coding competition for students worldwide. The competition encourages developers 13 years and older who are enrolled in high school or other educational programs to create an app using Swift Playgrounds. The winners get Apple swag and prizes, and the top 50 participants can attend the WWDC in person in Apple Park.
Also: Your iPhone is getting these useful features with iOS 19 – including a big one for multitaskers
Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
