Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, is one of the most anticipated events in the tech calendar, serving as the stage for the company to unveil its latest software innovations and, occasionally, new hardware. WWDC 2025, or dub-dub 2025, is scheduled for June 9–13, 2025.
The keynote address, kicking off on June 9 at 10:00 a.m. PDT (1:00 p.m. EDT), is the highlight of the event, which will give us a glimpse into the future of Apple’s software systems and technologies. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the WWDC 2025 keynote and what to expect from Apple’s announcements.
How to Watch the WWDC 2025 Keynote
Apple has made WWDC accessible to a global audience through various online streaming platforms. Below are the primary ways to watch the keynote live:
Livestream Timing
The keynote begins on June 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PDT. This means 10:30 p.m. IST. Here’s how that translates to other time zones:
- 1:00 p.m. EDT (New York)
- 6:00 p.m. BST (London)
- 7:00 p.m. CEST (Berlin)
- 2:00 a.m. JST (Tokyo, June 10)
What to Expect from the WWDC 2025 Keynote
WWDC is primarily a software-focused event, but Apple often uses the keynote to set the tone for its ecosystem’s evolution. This year, expectations are high for a major software redesign, updates to Apple Intelligence, and maybe even hardware surprises. Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect based on rumors, leaks, and industry analysis.
A Unified Operating System Overhaul: iOS 26, macOS 26, and More
Apple is reportedly planning one of its most significant software redesigns since iOS 7 in 2013, codenamed “Solarium” or “Liquid Glass.” The goal is to create a cohesive, modern design language across all Apple platforms, drawing inspiration from the translucent, glassy aesthetic of visionOS (the operating system for Apple Vision Pro). Even the keynote title says “Sleek Peek.” Key elements include:
Rounded “Squircle” Icons: Home screen and Control Center icons may adopt a nearly round shape with prominent rounded corners.
Translucent and Glassy UI: Expect layered transparency, frosted glass effects, and subtle 3D elements in menus, windows, and apps, similar to visionOS.
Simplified Navigation: The redesign aims to streamline user interactions, making navigation more intuitive across devices.
New Naming Convention: Instead of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, etc., Apple may adopt a year-based naming scheme, aligning all operating systems under the “26” branding (e.g., iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26). This shift, similar to Windows 95’s naming, aims to simplify version tracking and reflect more frequent updates.
iOS 26
iOS 26 is expected to get a redesign with a “digital glass” aesthetic. A translucent, glassy interface inspired by visionOS, with layered transparency and subtle 3D effects. “Squircle” app icons (near-round with rounded corners), redesigned toolbars, tabs, buttons, and pop-out menus.
AI based battery management to analyze usage patterns and disable background processes, supporting the thinner iPhone 17 Air’s smaller battery. Charging status improvements, showing time remaining (similar to macOS).
The camera app is said to get a simplified interface with streamlined controls for video modes (e.g., cinematic, slow-motion, spatial video). The Safari app is said to get a redesign with translucent elements and AI-powered browsing features.
The Phone app is said to get a unified view combining recents, contacts, and voicemail, with a toggle option. The Messages app will get custom AI-generated backgrounds that sync across devices and new group chat polls.
The new Preview app will be ported from macOS for photo cropping, PDF editing, and exports. A new Games app will consolidate Apple Arcade, Game Center, and third-party games into a pre-installed hub.
iOS 26 Device Support and Availability
Likely supports iPhone 11 and newer; iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max may lose support (to be confirmed at WWDC).
The Developer Beta will be available post-keynote, and the Public Beta in late June/early July. The full release will be available in September 2025.
iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 is expected to carry the same features as iOS 26, with enhanced multitasking and window management to make the iPad more Mac-like, along with improved Apple Pencil functionality.
macOS 26 (Tahoe)
macOS 26, or macOS Tahoe, is expected to adopt the same glassy UI, with features like better Wi-Fi management, new battery controls, and more. The name “Tahoe” follows Apple’s tradition of California-themed macOS names.
watchOS 26
watchOS 26 will include new watch faces, third-party Control Center tiles, and AI-powered health features, though major health upgrades like blood pressure monitoring may be delayed.
tvOS 26
Not much has leaked, but it is also expected to feature translucent menus, simplified app designs, and a focus on content.
visionOS 26
As Apple’s newest platform, visionOS may see refinements but fewer dramatic changes, given its influence on other OS designs. New apps and Vision Pro content could be highlighted.
homeOS 26
Speculation suggests Apple may introduce homeOS for a rumored smart home tablet or HomePod Hub, though a launch is more likely later in 2025.
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Less Focus on Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence, introduced at WWDC 2024, has faced criticism for slow rollouts and delays, particularly with the promised Siri overhaul. WWDC 2025 is expected to address these challenges, though analysts predict a tempered approach to AI announcements. Highlights include:
Siri Updates: While the major Siri revamp (envisioned as a contextually aware assistant rivaling Gemini and ChatGPT) is reportedly months away, Apple may introduce smaller updates, such as integrating Google Gemini as an alternative to ChatGPT.
Expected AI Features
- Siri Shortcuts: The AI will allow you to prompt and create Siri shortcuts automatically within the Shortcuts app.
- Battery Optimization: An AI mode that analyzes usage patterns to extend battery life, potentially critical for the rumored ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.
- Photos and Safari Enhancements: AI upgrades for image editing and web browsing, building on features like Image Playground and Photos Clean Up.
- Health App Integrations: Possible AI-driven health features, though major updates like an AI health coach may be delayed.
- Possible Gemini Integration: Apple could also finally introduce Gemini to iPhones, which has been a massive success on Android.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman describes WWDC 2025 as an “AI gap year,” suggesting Apple will focus on branding and incremental improvements rather than more AI improvements as it plays catch-up with competitors like Google and OpenAI.
ALSO READ: Apple WWDC 2025 Tonight: iOS 26 Design Overhaul, Dedicated Gaming App, WatchOS 26 & More
Final Words
WWDC 2025 comes at a critical juncture for Apple. The company faced setbacks in 2024, with Apple Intelligence features like the Siri overhaul delayed, leading to a leadership shake-up and accusations of “vaporware.” Meanwhile, competitors like Google and OpenAI have advanced their AI offerings, putting pressure on Apple to deliver.
The rumored software redesign and unified naming convention signal a strategic pivot, aiming to refresh Apple’s ecosystem and make it “more intuitive” for users and developers alike. However, Apple’s cautious approach to AI have led some analysts to predict a “gloomy” WWDC, with the focus on design over breakthroughs, like it has always been. What are your thoughts on all of this? Let us know in the comments section below.
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