Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is just around the corner, set to take place from June 9 to June 13. The keynote on June 9 at 10 a.m. PDT will be Apple’s big moment to showcase its latest software advancements, and this year’s event promises some exciting updates. With a major design refresh across its operating systems and significant progress in artificial intelligence (AI), there’s a lot to look forward to.
iOS 26: A Major Redesign in the Works
Sources indicate that a comprehensive visual redesign is coming to iOS 26, codenamed “Solarium.” This update is expected to feature a translucent, glass-inspired aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the visionOS interface seen on the Apple Vision Pro. Think floating on-screen windows, rounded navigation menus, and refined pop-up options. Buttons and elements will have a subtle lift, thanks to shading and lighting effects. Widgets on both the Lock Screen and Home Screen will adopt this new look, though their core functions will remain unchanged. App icons might also undergo design tweaks, and the overall user interface is set to feature more rounded corners for a smoother, modern feel.
A Unified Design Across Apple Devices
One of the most notable changes will be the unification of interfaces across all of Apple’s operating systems. iOS, macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS are all expected to share a similar visual language, making the user experience more consistent across devices. Additionally, Apple might shift to year-based naming conventions for future operating systems—so iOS 19 would be renamed iOS 26. The overarching design theme will likely lean toward a frosted glass look, with an emphasis on transparency and subtle visual enhancements.
Apple is also reportedly working to simplify navigation in iOS 26, focusing on making menus, buttons, and overall interactions more intuitive and easier for users to navigate.
AI Takes the Spotlight
While some have speculated that WWDC 2025 could be a “gap year” for groundbreaking AI announcements, Apple is still introducing some noteworthy AI-driven features under its “Apple Intelligence” umbrella. The company is placing a strong emphasis on on-device processing to preserve privacy, positioning itself apart from competitors who rely more on cloud-based AI models.
Here are some key AI features expected in iOS 26:
- AI Battery Management: This feature would leverage AI to analyze user habits and optimize battery performance. It could even limit power consumption for apps and features based on usage patterns, helping to extend battery life.
- Siri Overhaul: Siri is expected to undergo significant improvements, enabling the assistant to better understand on-screen content and perform more complex actions within apps. While it may not be fully conversational just yet (that might come in 2026), these upgrades should make Siri much more useful.
- Generative Shortcuts: The Shortcuts app is set to get an update, making it easier for users to create and execute complex actions using Apple Intelligence models.
- Live Translation: A new live translation feature for the Phone app will allow for real-time translations between speakers of different languages. This functionality may even extend to AirPods, enabling spoken-word translation during conversations.
- Mixmoji: Apple is set to update Genmoji, allowing users to create custom emojis by combining two existing ones—”Mixmoji,” as it’s being called.
- Health and Fitness Coaching: There’s also talk of an AI-powered health coach within the Health and Fitness apps. This coach would provide personalized advice based on data collected from the iPhone and Apple Watch, possibly even integrating a new food-tracking feature.
App Updates and New Features
Several key Apple apps will also see updates in iOS 26:
- Phone App: The Phone app will get a redesigned, unified view that combines favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into one scrollable window. Users will still be able to choose between this new layout and the existing tabbed interface.
- Safari: Safari’s address bar will get a more transparent, glass-like design, in line with the system-wide visual changes.
- Camera App: The Camera app is set for a major overhaul, likely simplifying options for features like spatial video and panorama.
- Messages: New features could include the ability to create polls and add custom background images to chats.
- Preview App: The Preview app, a staple on macOS, is reportedly coming to iPhone and iPad, allowing users to annotate, edit, and manage PDFs directly on their devices.
- Games App: Apple is set to introduce a dedicated Games app, replacing Game Center. This app will offer game suggestions, achievements, leaderboards, and social features.
- Apple Music: Apple Music might soon support full-screen animated artwork on the Lock Screen, with larger album art displays.
- Notes: The Notes app could gain the ability to export content in Markdown, making it more versatile for users working across different platforms.
Ecosystem-Wide Changes
Beyond iOS 26, other Apple operating systems are also due for updates:
- iPadOS 26: iPads are expected to see enhanced multitasking features, making them feel more like Macs. This might include improvements to Stage Manager or the addition of free-floating windows. The Apple Pencil could also get an upgrade, possibly featuring a virtual reed calligraphy pen.
- macOS 26 (Tahoe): macOS is expected to adopt the new visual design, with key features like Apple Intelligence, a new password manager app, and enhanced window tiling. “iPhone Mirroring” might also make its debut.
- watchOS 26: watchOS will likely get the updated design, along with AI improvements that could enhance health tracking and connectivity features.
- tvOS 26: Apple TV will adopt the visionOS-inspired design, and the new Games app will also make its way to tvOS, boosting gaming capabilities. Wi-Fi syncing for captive networks (like those in hotels) is also rumored to be included.
- visionOS 3: For the Apple Vision Pro, visionOS 3 will introduce new features like eye scrolling, which will allow users to navigate content with just their eyes. There’s also a possibility that third-party controller support will be expanded, further enhancing gaming and interaction.
In sum, WWDC 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Apple, with a major visual refresh across its software lineup and exciting AI enhancements. The design overhaul will bring a more unified experience across devices, and the AI features, while not groundbreaking in every sense, will refine Apple’s offerings and make its devices more intelligent and intuitive. This event is sure to set the tone for Apple’s software and AI strategies in the years to come.
