WWDC 2025, Apple\u2019s annual developers conference, starts at 10 a.m. PT \/ 1 p.m. ET. Monday. Last year\u2019s event<\/a> was notable for its focus on AI, and this year, there is considerable pressure on the company to build on its promises, and to make amends to developers<\/a> as it lags behind in AI and faces continued legal challenges over its App Store.<\/p>\n As in previous years, the company will focus on software updates and new technologies, including the next version of iOS, which is rumored to have<\/a> the most significant design changes since the introduction of iOS 7. But iOS 19 (or 26, if other rumors about the new naming system are true)<\/a> isn\u2019t the only thing the company will announce at WWDC 2025.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how you can watch the keynote<\/a> livestream.<\/p>\n When Apple introduced a major overhaul to iOS back in 2013 with the launch of iOS 7<\/a>, it felt jarring for many users with the shift from the prior skeuomorphic design with gradients and real-world textures to the more colorful, but flat, design style that reflected Apple\u2019s then chief design officer Jony Ive\u2019s taste for minimalism.<\/p>\n Now, new reports suggest that an upcoming redesign could provoke a similar level of reaction.<\/p>\n Reports suggest the new design may have elements referencing visionOS, the software powering Apple\u2019s spatial computing headset, the Apple Vision Pro. If true, that means the new OS could feature a transparent interface and more circular app icons that break away from the traditional square format today. <\/p>\n This visual redesign could be implemented across all of Apple\u2019s ecosystem<\/a> (including even CarPlay), according to Bloomberg, providing a more seamless experience for consumers moving between their different devices.<\/p>\n According to Bloomberg<\/a>, Apple will announce a change<\/a> in the naming system for iOS at this year\u2019s WWDC. Instead of announcing the next version of iOS as iOS 19, Apple\u2019s operating systems will shift to being named by year. That means we could be set to see the launch of iOS 26 instead, alongside the OSes for other products, including adOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.<\/p>\n While it might be challenging to top the news related to Apple Intelligence<\/a> at WWDC 2024, the company is expected to share a few updates on the AI front. <\/p>\n The company has seemingly been caught flat-footed in the AI race, making announcements about AI capabilities that had yet to ship, leading even some Apple pundits<\/a> to accuse the company of touting vaporware. While Apple has launched several AI tools like Image Playground, Genmoji, Writing Tools, Photos Clean Up, and more, its promise of an improved Siri, personalized to the end user and able to take action across your apps, has been delayed<\/a>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Apple has turned to outside companies like OpenAI <\/a>to give its iPhone a boost in terms of its AI capabilities. At WWDC, it may announce support for other AI chatbots, as well. With Jony Ive now working with Sam Altman on an AI hardware device<\/a>, Apple is under pressure to catch up on AI progress. <\/p>\n In addition, reports suggest that Apple\u2019s Health app could soon incorporate AI technology<\/a>, which could include a health chatbot and generative AI insights that provide personalized health-related suggestions based on user data. Additionally, other apps, such as Messages, may receive enhancements with AI capabilities<\/a>, including a translation feature and polls that offer AI-generated suggestions, per 9to5Mac.<\/p>\n Apple will likely make the most of a number of smaller OS updates that involve AI, given its underwhelming progress. Reports suggest that these updates could include AI-powered battery management features and an AI-powered Shortcuts app, for instance.<\/p>\n Bloomberg\u00a0confirmed<\/a>\u00a0a 9to5Mac\u00a0report<\/a>\u00a0that said Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app that will replace the aging Game Center app. The app could include access to Apple Arcade\u2019s subscription-based game store, plus other gaming features like leaderboards, recommendations, and ways to challenge your friends. It could also integrate with iMessage or FaceTime for remote gaming. <\/p>\n Along with the new design, reports suggest that Apple\u2019s other operating systems will get some polish, too. For instance, macOS may also see the new gaming app and benefit from the new AirPods features. It\u2019s also expected to be named macOS Tahoe, in keeping with Apple\u2019s naming convention that references California landmarks.<\/p>\n Apple TV <\/a>may get a visual overhaul, but also changes to its user interface<\/a>, the new gaming app, and other features.<\/p>\n In addition to Messages getting a translation feature, Bloomberg reported that Apple could also bring a live-translate language feature to its AirPods<\/a> wireless Bluetooth earbuds, allowing real-time translation during conversations. The iPhone will translate spoken words from another language for the user and will also translate the user\u2019s response back into that language.<\/p>\n A new report from 9to5Mac also suggests that AirPods may get new head gestures<\/a> to complement today\u2019s ability to either nod or shake your head to respond to incoming calls or messages. Plus, AirPods may get features to auto-pause music after you fall asleep, a way to trigger the camera via Camera Control with a touch, a studio-quality mic mode, and an improved pairing experience in shared AirPods.<\/p>\n According to reports, the Apple Pencil is also receiving a new update, one that will benefit users who wish to write in Arabic script. In an effort to cater to customers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, Apple is reportedly launching a new virtual calligraphy feature in iPadOS 19<\/a>. The company may also introduce a bi-directional keyboard so users can switch between Arabic and English on iPhones and iPads.<\/p>\n There haven\u2019t been any rumors regarding new devices, because no hardware is ready for release yet<\/a>, according to Bloomberg. Although it\u2019s always possible that the company will surprise us with a new Mac Pro announcement<\/a>, most reports are saying this is highly unlikely at this point.<\/p>\n Some reports indicate that Apple may also announce support for a new input device for its Vision Pro: spatial controllers<\/a>. The devices would be motion-aware and designed with interaction in a 3D environment in mind, 9to5Mac says. In addition, Vision Pro could get eye-scrolling support, enabling users to scroll through documents on both native and third-party apps. <\/p>\n Bloomberg had reported<\/a> in November that Apple was expected to announce a\u00a0smart home tablet in March 2025, featuring a 6-inch touchscreen and voice-activated controls. The device was said to include support for Home Control, Siri, and video calls, but has yet to launch. Following the discovery of a\u00a0filing\u00a0<\/a>for \u201cHomeOS\u201d by PMC\u2019s\u00a0Parker Ortolani<\/a>, speculation has arisen that Apple may unveil<\/span> the software for the device at WWDC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\niOS is getting the most dramatic design change in over a decade<\/h2>\n
iOS will change its naming system<\/h2>\n
Apple may keep the AI news light this year<\/h2>\n
iPhone users may get a dedicated gaming app<\/h2>\n
![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-1196692235.jpg?w=680\")
Updates to Mac, Watch, TV, and more<\/h2>\n
AirPods to get new features<\/h2>\n
![\"AirPods](\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Airpods-Pro-2-USB-C-4.jpg?w=680\")
Apple Pencil upgrade<\/h2>\n
No hardware announcements?<\/h2>\n