WWDC 2025 sneak peek: Anticipated AirPod enhancements on the horizon; details on how to catch the keynote on Monday
Next week, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) begins on Monday, June 9. Rumors have been swirling about what we can expect from Apple during the event.
Specifically, it seems like a smaller-scale event with fewer major announcements than in recent years might be in store. A new naming system for Apple operating systems and a revamped iOS design are in the works, and we might get a few sneak peeks at what's coming in 2026 and beyond.
Wall Street isn't feeling overly optimistic about what Apple may announce next week due to hiccups in the development of Apple Intelligence and a stalled revamp of Siri.
Here's a rundown of what we think might happen at WWDC, plus the latest nuggets of information that have emerged in the last few days:
iOS 19, or iOS 26?
One announcement that's all but certain to appear at WWDC 2025 is the 19th version of iOS, referred to as iOS 26. iOS is Apple's most widely used platform, so it's always a part of the main keynote.
Rumors suggest that iOS 26 could include some major changes, specifically a massive overhaul to iOS's visual style, which hasn't seen a revamp since iOS 7.
There have been leaked images claiming to show the visual changes, but these are apparently not representative of what we'll see at WWDC. So while it sounds like visual changes to iOS are likely, it's still up in the air how extensive those changes will be and what they'll look like.
Additionally, there are rumors that the long-awaited Siri update will finally arrive in iOS 26, although it's unclear when this will happen. The new-and-improved AI Siri has been delayed several times, so it's possible it won't be part of the first release of iOS 26, but will arrive in a later OS update.
iPadOS 26
Alongside iOS 26, we're expecting to see the 19th version of iPadOS, which will be called iPadOS 26. Expect it to have a similar set of updates as iOS 26, including potential visual overhauls and AI improvements.
macOS 26
Another certainty for WWDC 2025 is the 16th edition of macOS, christened macOS 26. Apple has a tradition of giving macOS updates California-themed names, and there are still dozens of options they haven't used, like Adobe, Grizzly, Sequoia, Diablo, or even Death Valley.
Regardless of the name, we expect macOS 26 to get a visual overhaul similar to iOS/iPadOS 26. Changes could include circular app icons, translucent windows, and simplified navigation.
Score some tears of joy from the Apple diehards by implementing Markdown support in Notes for people who use it.
Revamp and update CarPlay to give iPhone drivers a long-overdue new look for their in-car entertainment system.
watchOS 26
While it may not be the centerpiece of the show, the Apple Watch is expected to get an update with the 12th version of watchOS, watchOS 26. You can bet on visual updates, possibly more AI-powered features, and potential integration with the long-awaited Siri update.
Hardware Surprises
While WWDC is mainly focused on software announcements, there might be a few hardware surprises. Apple may reveal the Mac Pro M4 Ultra, the top-of-the-line version of its M-series chip that has yet to be released.
Don't forget to mark your calendars: The major keynotes start at 9 a.m. Pacific/12 p.m. Eastern on June 9. You can watch it live on Apple's website, YouTube, Apple TV, or through the Apple Developer app. Will Apple drop some game-changing updates, or will it fizzle this year? Stay tuned for updates as WWDC 2025 unfolds!
- The rumored iOS 26, the 19th version of Apple's most widely used platform, might undergo a massive visual overhaul similar to iOS 7, but the extent of the changes remains uncertain.
- Leaked images suggesting the changes in iOS 26's visual style may not be representative of what will be shown at WWDC 2025.
- Siri, Apple's AI assistant, is rumored to get an update in iOS 26, although the specifics about its release are unclear.
- iPadOS 26, the 19th version of iPadOS, is expected to have similar updates as iOS 26, including potential visual overhauls and AI improvements.
- MacOS 26, the 16th edition of macOS, is set to get a visual overhaul, possibly featuring circular app icons, translucent windows, and simplified navigation.
- Apple Notes on macOS 26 might gain Markdown support to bring joy to its diehard users.
- CarPlay, Apple's in-car entertainment system, is said to be due for a revamp in macOS 26.
- Hardware surprises may include the unveiling of the Mac Pro M4 Ultra, the top-of-the-line version of Apple's M-series chip yet to be released.
