The highly awaited Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) organized by Apple is just around the corner, set to unveil a host of significant updates. While the focus of this yearly event is primarily on developers, the announcements will impact all users of Apple devices, covering the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and more. However, it is important to note that major hardware launches are not on the agenda. To stay informed on the latest developments, check out our live blog.

Dates for WWDC

Scheduled from June 9 to 13, 2025, the keynote on June 9 will be the highlight, showcasing the new features and updates everyone anticipates. For those eager to experience the announcements live, tune in at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on that day.

Renaming Apple’s Operating Systems

Recent analysis from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Apple may change the nomenclature of its operating systems to reflect the calendar year rather than the version numbers. This could mean that the next iteration of iOS 18 might be termed iOS 26, following the naming convention of the year 2026. Similar rebranding could happen with macOS 26, watchOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, and others. This is a trend seen in various software products, probably aimed at streamlining Apple’s growing software portfolio as new product categories are introduced.

iOS 19 (or iOS 26) Featuring a “Glassy” Aesthetic

In conjunction with the renaming strategy, a substantial redesign of Apple’s operating systems is anticipated. Both iOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe are expected to adopt a new “glassy” design reminiscent of visionOS, the operating system for the Apple Vision Pro headset. Look forward to seeing “squircle” icons, semi-transparent windows, and elements with depth. Accessibility enhancements have also been previewed, including Vehicle Motion Cues for Macs and a novel Accessibility Reader for iPhones.

Notable YouTuber FrontPageTech has provided a glimpse into a possibly overhauled Camera app for iOS 26. If verified, the new Camera interface may streamline options, swapping between Photos and Videos with a simple swipe, while additional choices will emerge upon tapping.

Updates for Apple Intelligence

The integration of AI into Apple services continues, with expectations ranging around Siri and Apple Intelligence. Although a roll-out date remains uncertain, the goal is to produce a contextually aware AI experience that can rival other market players. However, many features seem to be delayed, indicating that Apple is managing to catch up in this domain. There’s speculation on forthcoming features linked to the Health app as stated in a Bloomberg report.

Updates for watchOS 26

Similar to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, watchOS 26 will embrace the new “glassy” interface along with several user-friendly updates. According to MacRumors, new watch faces will debut, which is customary with watchOS revisions. Additionally, support for third-party Control Center tiles may be introduced, offering greater customization options for users.

Battery Life Improvements

Reports suggest that Apple is developing an AI-driven battery optimization feature for iPhones, aimed at enhancing battery longevity based on usage patterns. While this idea seems promising, prior experiences have shown that utilizing Apple Intelligence has led to reduced battery efficiency in some cases.

A Desktop Mode for Your iPhone

Speculation indicates that you might soon connect your iPhone to external displays for enhanced productivity, whether for presenting, watching content, or video editing purposes. This could revolutionize how iPhone users interact with their devices, particularly for those familiar with Samsung’s DeX. While current AirPlay features exist, they come with limitations; a direct connection to larger displays could minimize lag.

Live Translation Capabilities for AirPods

There are whispers that Apple might introduce a live translation function for AirPods, potentially accessible through AirPods Pro 2. This feature could prove invaluable for international travelers, raising hopes for smooth operations and reliability.

An iPad That Functions Like a Mac

Rumblings suggest that the latest iPadOS update may shift the iPad experience closer to that of a Mac. While iPads won’t run macOS, enhancements in “productivity, multitasking, and app window management” are expected to enrich the user experience, making it feel more like desktop computing.

Apple’s New Gaming Application

Apple may be amplifying its focus on gaming through the upcoming “26” updates. The company is rumored to be developing a dedicated gaming app to replace the existing Game Center. This would encompass familiar gaming functionalities, like leaderboards and achievements, while also allowing for game launches directly from the app.

With the Apple Arcade subscription already in the mix, this could mark a significant advancement in Apple’s gaming commitment, positioning it more competitively within the industry.

Enhancements for Vision Pro

Although Vision Pro may not have achieved the anticipated success, Apple continues to pursue new features for the headset. According to Gurman, upcoming capabilities may include eye scrolling and support for third-party hand controllers.

Preview Support on iOS

It has been reported that Preview, the PDF viewer and markup tool of macOS, is set to be introduced to both iOS and iPadOS. Should this come to fruition, it will be a valuable enhancement for users who edit or review documents on iPhones and iPads, further bridging the gap between mobile and desktop computing.