Apple’s 2025 Software Reveal: What to Expect at WWDC

Apple’s major software reveal for 2025 is scheduled for June 9, during the Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) keynote. This event will highlight the upcoming changes across its software platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

Leaks indicate that this year will be particularly significant for Apple. In addition to the customary humor from Craig Federighi, attendees can anticipate a substantial visual overhaul—one of the largest in Apple’s history—and new features across its platforms.

Visual Redesign

The company is reportedly preparing to unveil a dramatic redesign. This revamp is said to draw inspiration from various design trends, with the goal of unifying the visual language across its operating systems.

According to Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser, the redesign may feature nearly round icons on the home screen and in the Control Center. He also noted subtler changes, such as a redesigned tab view within apps and the relocation of the search box in Messages to the bottom of the screen.

One of Apple’s core objectives with the new software is to unify the design language of its operating systems. The intention is to create a seamless experience when transitioning between devices. If executed effectively, switching from iPhone to iPad to Mac will feel like navigating different variations of the same operating system.

Apple’s last significant macOS makeover occurred with macOS Big Sur. For the iPhone’s software, the last major change dates back to 2013, when iOS 7 introduced a flat, minimalistic design, moving away from skeuomorphic elements. Since then, only iterative changes have been made, and the current user interface remains largely unchanged.

A New Naming Scheme

Alongside the visual refresh, Apple is rumored to be changing its operating system naming conventions. Instead of using random version numbers, the company plans to unify the names by year. For instance, iOS 19 would become iOS 2025, reflecting its status as Apple’s platform for the year. This change would apply to all of Apple’s software, including iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. However, it is expected that macOS will still retain a California-themed name.

The iPad Goes to Work

Could 2025 be the year the iPad Pro starts to feel more like a professional device? The high-end versions of Apple’s tablet have been capable on a hardware level for generations, especially when paired with accessories. However, software limitations have historically held it back, as Apple has been cautious not to cannibalize Mac sales.

While the iPad will not transition to macOS, iPadOS is expected to receive significant updates focusing on productivity, including improved multitasking and app window management.

Apple has gradually moved the iPad’s software in this direction, with incremental updates in previous versions. For instance, iPadOS 16 introduced new features, and the year before, it added a new multitasking interface. However, many users felt these changes did not fully address their productivity needs. Reports suggest that this year’s updates will likely satisfy most power users.

Apple Intelligence

Given the current tech landscape, it is no surprise that Apple will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) during the keynote. AI has become a central theme for many tech companies since the rise of ChatGPT. Expect a substantial portion of the presentation to highlight Apple’s advancements in AI, including enhancements to existing features and the introduction of new ones.

Siri

Last year, Apple promised significant updates to Siri, which many users have been eagerly awaiting. However, the latest updates indicate that these enhancements may take longer than anticipated. Apple recently acknowledged that the new features would arrive \”in the coming year,\” a vague timeline that leaves much to be desired.

A recent report suggested that the upgraded Siri was not yet ready for public demonstration. The 2024 demo, which showcased Siri’s ability to condense multi-app planning into seconds, reportedly surprised even the development team, indicating potential delays.

Further reports suggest that updates to Siri may not be highlighted at WWDC 2025, as they are still months away from being ready for release. Additionally, Apple is reportedly separating its AI initiatives from Siri marketing, as user dissatisfaction with Siri has negatively impacted the perception of Apple’s AI efforts.

During the 2024 presentation, Apple demonstrated a more context-sensitive Siri that could understand user intent better, pulling information from various apps seamlessly. It showcased capabilities such as recording specific types of videos in third-party apps and sharing meeting summaries via email. However, the anticipated updates for Siri at WWDC 2025 are expected to be more subtle, including the option to use alternative AI models instead of ChatGPT.

AI Battery Management

Another anticipated feature in iOS 19 is an AI battery management system that analyzes user behavior to optimize power consumption. If successful, this feature could significantly enhance battery life, especially for a new device rumored to be called the \”iPhone Air.\” This device is expected to join Apple’s lineup this year, and the AI battery management feature could help it last longer despite a smaller battery capacity.

However, it is unlikely that the iPhone Air will be unveiled at WWDC, as new iPhones typically debut in September. Historically, Apple has not introduced new iPhones during the WWDC event since the iPhone 4 in 2010.

Virtual Health Coach

Apple is reportedly working on a new AI feature, codenamed Project Mulberry, which would integrate a refreshed Health app with an AI-powered virtual coach. This feature aims to provide personalized health advice based on data collected from users’ Apple devices.

The virtual coach would utilize AI to offer guidance typically sought from healthcare professionals, with training provided by company physicians and educational content created by external experts. While the feature may not be ready for immediate release, it could be a focal point at WWDC.

A New Gaming App

Reports indicate that Apple will introduce a centralized gaming app that will be pre-installed across its devices, including Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV

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