It’s bringing the slick UI elements used in the Vision Pro to iPhones, iPads, Macs and more.

In addition to renaming its core operating systems, today at WWDC Apple announced a major update to the visual design of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and more. Inspired by some of the fancy graphics used in the Vision Pro, this UI overhaul not only features revamped icons and an emphasis on translucent elements, it also looks to bring a much more unified look to Apple’s flagship software platforms.

Based on a design theme called liquid glass, Apple’s new visual language brings increased consistency across the company’s OSes. The company says the UI is informed by surrounding content and can intelligently adapt to light and dark modes while supporting sophisticated traits like real-time rendering and specular highlights.

Apple

Navigation buttons, toolbars and controls have been redesigned to match the rounded corners of the iPhone’s display and can shrink to keep relevant content front and center. Apple uses multiple layers of liquid glass to help people see more information at a glance without making them relearn how to use the OS.

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In iOS 26, the home screen has been completely revamped with new app icons (including fresh all-clear options). Wallpapers and the lock screen can dynamically scale to better accommodate things like photos, album art and on-screen text. Many buttons also have a new floating design that makes them easier to see without becoming distracting or taking away from usable screen space.

Apple

Some important apps have also gotten individual makeovers such as the Phone app, which now has a floating toolbar alongside new features such as Call Screening and Hold Assist, which are similar to the AI-powered tools available from Google’s Pixel handsets.

Meanwhile, the Camera app’s interface has been significantly simplified with the ability to quickly swipe between photo and video modes. There’s also a dedicated tab for your library and improved organization for other categories like albums. In iPadOS and macOS, Apple says that adaptive sidebars also makes watching shows in Apple TV more immersive.

Apple

In macOS 26 Tahoe, users will be able to customize the desktop and dock with updated liquid glass-style widgets and icons while new transparent menu bars are meant to make your display seem even larger than it is. You’ll also have more customization options in places like the Control Center thanks to a new selection of folder colors, app icons and widgets. There’s even a brand new Apple Games app, which features an overlay and the ability to quickly launch games, discover new titles and find your friends, all from a single place.

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Similar UI updates are also heading to CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra, which is getting a matching visual refresh featuring a revamped home screen, widgets for things like Live Activities and translucent design elements. Users can set new “tapback” responses so you can reply to incoming messages with a single touch.

Apple

Alternatively, if there’s someone you regularly talk to while driving, you’ll also be able to pin favorite conversations in CarPlay similar to how it works in Messages. And in keeping with Apple’s goal of making more information available at a glance, incoming calls will no longer dominate the entire display and instead will be confined to a small window.

All of Apple’s redesigned liquid glass UI elements and features are expected to be available when the next versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS and more are officially released sometime later this year.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Some of the best apps for iPad are the professional strength audio and video editing tools: Logic and Final Cut Pro. Now, Apple is offering new workflow options for audio and video files, in addition to new recording methods. Apple is even optimizing recording audio from AirPod earbuds, with special tuning that will make the tiny microphones sound more natural and professional. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

(Image credit: Apple) Ok, now Apple is talking about Files, and while this isn’t very exciting, the poor file management was holding back the iPad from being a true computing powerhouse. The iPad ships with an incredibly powerful processor inside – no matter the iPad you buy – so it’s great to see Apple finally take advantage of that power and give users more reasons to use the iPad as a full-time computer, even if you need to make money and get work done.

While we’re checking out the new windows and interface on iPadOS, we’ve also got live video of the new Personas on VisionOS! Check out the new look for spatial chatting on our TechRadar TikTok! @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) There are tons of Vision Pro updates coming, but now we’re onto a huge update for iPadOS. Apple’s iPad has been falling behind Android tablets when it comes to basic interface features for multitasking, so it’s great to see Apple catch up its tablet devices. Yup, Apple is improving multitasking windows, file handling, and new audio and video file management. First the new windowing system. Now iPad windows will have robust controls that let you resize, maneuver, and place your windows where you like. You’ll be able to go full screen or use apps in a floating window instead.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) After some business and enterprise news, Apple says Logitech’s Muse and Sony’s Playstation VR controllers will be supported by VisionOS. This could make Vision Pro a much more compelling gaming platform, especially if there are more partnerships with Sony or other gaming powerhouse companies on the way. You’ll be able to edit and preview spatial videos in Vision Pro. Apple is also working with GoPro and other camera makers to improve support for 180, 360, and other immersive video formats.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Apple’s VisionOS is getting widgets unlike anything you’ve seen. Widgets like a clock or photo album may be familiar on your phone, but on VisionOS these are spatial objects that look realistic, and they will stay wherever you put them in your virtual space. You can leave a clock on your mantel, or put a photo widget next to your desk, and they will be there every time you wear your Apple Vision Pro. There is also a new photos app and a spatial gallery app. The biggest new update may be to Apple’s Personas, the visual representations of you when you chat while wearing Apple Vision Pro. The latest personas are much more realistic, with realistic facial expressions and hair.

Before we get to Apple Vision Pro, if you want to check out more of MacOS and the new interface design changes, the new apps and new features, check out our live videos recorded from Apple Park at WWDC 2025! @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Apple) Just like iOS 26, the new MacOS Tahoe will get a Games app, with new features that will help you connect with other friends and share content, as well as tools that help you tweak settings while you play. There are also new developer tools that will hopefully help more developers port games to MacOS. Okay, enough of MacOS Tahoe, now it’s time for VisionOS and Apple Vision Pro news!

If you want to check out the new look of MacOS Tahoe, here’s our live video from WWDC 2025! You can find this one and many more on our TechRadar TikTok channel. @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Apple) Whoa, Apple has remembered that Spotlight exists! This is the search feature that is system-wide on MacOS, and it has languished for years as other features advanced. Spotlight will now get more intelligent and will use more AI features to improve searching. Spotlight will now be able to search within apps, even for individual features. You can search within apps to find the feature, and then there might be a quick key shortcut assigned to that setting to help you get things done even faster.

(Image credit: Apple) We are finally on to the crown jewel of Apple’s OS collection, MacOS. The latest version of MacOS won’t be MacOS 26, it will be called Tahoe, continuing Apple’s convention of naming after places in California. The current MacOS is called Sequoia, for instance. The new design will use the Liquid Glass design language. Now Apple is showing off new Continuity features, the selection of features that let you connect your iPhone and other Apple devices to your MacBook. There will be an actual Phone app on the Mac, which will give you all of your recent calls and other Phone-based features straight from your iPhone and iOS device. Now we’re seeing updates to Shortcuts, which may be Apple’s most underrated and powerful MacOS features. Apple Intelligence will let you create new shortcuts with help from AI, like summarizing texts or creating images. You can use Shortcuts to access ChatGPT. Ugh. Don’t do that. Just figure out the other cool Shortcut macros and leave AI image generation alone.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) AppleTV is getting its moment in the spotlight. There will be a new Liquid Glass interface update, with improved artwork and better interface navigation. Apple is showing off some of its upcoming originals for AppleTV+. We’re getting new seasons of Foundation, Slow Horses, Loot, the Morning Show, Platonic, as well as a slew of new movies with big Hollywood stars at the helm.

(Image credit: Apple) We’re seeing more updates to WatchOS and Apple Watch. There are a lot of Apple Intelligence features, but it’s not clear where the AI processing is happening: in the cloud, on your phone, or on the Apple Watch itself. Finally, Apple Watch is getting Notes! This long-requested app will finally let you synchronize and create new Apple Notes on your watch, and read your shopping lists from your wrist. There are also plenty of updates for messages on Apple Watch, as well as new gestures and features to support motion tracking.

(Image credit: Apple) If you want to see the latest Liquid Glass elements and new features for Apple Music, check out our video on TikTok, live from Apple’s WWDC 2025 at Apple Park! @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Now it’s Apple Watch and WatchOS time! WatchOS is getting the Liquid Glass update, along with new Apple Intelligence features that will help with workout tracking. Workout Buddy gathers data from your workout and your fitness history and offers advice and insight. It will give you a pep talk that will speak in a generative voice taken from a real trainer. (Image credit: Jacob Krol / Future)

(Image credit: Apple) Apple is showing off Visual Intelligence, a feature that uses the camera on your iPhone to feed images to a multimodal AI that can answer questions about what it sees. Frankly, Apple is so far behind on these features that this demo only highlights how bad the situation has become. Google’s Gemini, among other AI apps, can do this with a live view from your camera, but Apple requires a screenshot of what you see before Visual Intelligence will get to work. Google also has Circle to Search, which should frankly just be an iPhone feature now, because it would seem an immediate improvement over the multi-step process we are seeing to get Visual Intelligence to help with image searching.

What do you think about Messages getting a Polls feature? You can let us know over on TikTok, and check out the new feature in action live from WWDC 2025! @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) After buzzing through a number of new features (we’ll have live videos on TikTok!), Apple is talking about gaming on iPhone. There is going to be a Games app to collect all of your games, just like you’ll find on most popular Android flagship phones. There is a tab for Apple’s flagging Apple Arcade service, which will hopefully start to get some new games soon. The Games app will also work with a controller, so you don’t have to disconnect to jump from one game to another. Nothing too new here, especially if you’ve ever used a phone from Samsung, OnePlus, or Asus, which all offer similar apps with all of these features and more. Too bad Apple didn’t have more news about actual, you know, games.

Here is the new Apple CarPlay Ultra interface, in a live video from our reporters on the scene at Apple Park! @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Apple) Apple Intelligence is going to be catching up to Google’s AI with more live translation features. Frankly, I didn’t realize that Apple was so behind on translation, because there are so many options that are more advanced that I never bothered to rely on my Apple AI. Now Apple is adding AI to Apple Music, mostly to help with lyrics, translating lyrics, and mixing your music tracks together. Apple’s AI will also help you search and find your favorite music and artists. Already done with Music, now we’re on to Apple Maps. Apple Maps is going to recognize your preferred route, and offer your favorite path in Maps. So instead of taking the highway, Maps will remember your favorite breakfast stop where you always stop for coffee, and it will suggest that route instead.

If you want to check out more of Apple’s Liquid Glass designs, we’ve got video direct from WWDC here on our TikTok channel! @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Apple is adding more features to messaging and group chats. You’ll see typing indicators when friends in your group are typing. You can now set backrgounds in messages that will be shared with your recipients and your groups. There will be more control for unknown senders, and better organization for your group chat lists. Group chats are a big part of iMessage’s appeal. Now we are moving on to Apple Intelligence, and how it will help create new emojis and other messaging tools.

You can check out our live videos from the event here, showing off the new Liquid Glass interface. @techradar ♬ original sound – TechRadar

(Image credit: Jacob Krol / Future) Apple’s CarPlay is going to take over your entire car, not just a single screen. Now that there are multiple displays across your dashboard, Apple CarPlay Ultra will work on select cars, which started launching this year, to allow iPhone users more control over the entire interface of the display, including the speedometer and tachometer.

(Image credit: Apple) Apple is officially renaming its system software after the, um, next year? So in 2025 we’ll get iOS 26. While it would make much more sense to name after the current year, I guess Apple wants to get a head start on not seeming behind next year. Of course, presumably we’ll get iOS 27 in 2026. So it’s like the year, plus one, which is not at all confusing. Apple is adding features to Lock Screen photos, including 3D image effects, as well as new animations that artists will be able to add to album artwork that displays on the lock screen. Now Craig is showing off a new Camera app. Apple has dramatically simplified the camera interface. The redesigned apps are coming very quickly. We’re already moving on to new CarPlay interface designs on iOS 26. You’ll have to check out our ongoing coverage to see more, there is quite a lot of new features and design concepts to see.

(Image credit: Apple) Apple is now showing off its big interface redesign, which will be called Glass. First we’re getting a tour of all the glass on the buildings at Apple Park. Apple says this is the biggest redesign we’ve seen since iOS 7. The new design will be universal across the products lines, so your iPhone will start to look more like your MacBook. The glass description is quite literal, as the interface seems to emulate the properties of glass beads and panels. This all looks very reminiscent of Apple’s Aqua redesign for the original Mac OS X. The look is much more physical than the digital environments we’re used to since iOS 7.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Apple has started with Tim Cook talking about the new Brad Pitt F1 movie, after Apple VP Craig Federighi drove an F1 car around a track for a few laps. Now Craig is talking about Apple Intelligence, the first topic Apple wants to address at WWDC 2025, no surprise. The news is light so far. There will be more language, more powerful models, and it will show up in more places throughout the Apple ecosystem. Presumably every product will be touched by Apple Intelligence, for better and for worse. Apple is also opening access for any app to tap Apple Intelligence, which means it will start to show up in even more apps beyond Apple’s first-party offerings.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) The live stream is about to start, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken the stage live in Cupertino at Apple Park. We’ll have all the news once the keynote starts streaming, but stay tuned! We’re just getting started.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) We are less than 10 minutes from the start of the event, and the crowd is decidedly in Apple’s camp. Our Editor-at-Large Lance has never seen so many people wearing Apple Vision Pro headsets out in public. Many of the Apple faithful have taken to customizing or decorating Apple’s now-iconing face computer as well. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

(Image credit: Jacob Krol / Future) Let’s not forget that WWDC 2025 is happening at the beginning of Pride month! Old school Apple fans are out in force in original Apple logo gear, which blends nicely with the Pride theme. Apple’s own campus is also decked out in a massive rainbow arch. Kind of makes me miss the old days of Apple (before the iPod even, not just before AI) (Image credit: Jacob Krol / Future)

What else could we see from Apple today? Our Mobiles writer Jamie Richards says: I want to see Apple jump in and fix some of the weirdness that comes with the iPad’s suite of default apps. For example, Freeform is a great canvas app for notes and ideas, but it chews through battery like a starved alligator and has limited tools for PDFs. The Notes app needs the ability to adjust document size for easier diagrams. And why does the Files app allow me to create a new folder when downloading something, but prevent me from adding said download to the new folder without saving it elsewhere first? It’s as confusing as it sounds. These aren’t deal-breaking issues, but I’d love to be able to say that iPad runs as smoothly as MacOS given the likely Mac-style updates

Good morning American Apple fans waking up on the West Coast. The rest of the world has been waiting for you! I am Phil Berne, your Mobiles editor, taking over this live reporting from the scene and across the world. We’ve been polling our editors for what they hope to see: Matt Evans, Senior Fitness and Wearables Editor:

Apple loves to showcase its Apple Watch health and fitness features at WWDC, and there’s usually a spotlight on one particular health and fitness feature. watchOS 9 had advanced running metrics, watchOS 10 had the ability to turn your phone into a cycling computer, and watchOS 11 prioritized recovery and sleep. Where could Apple go next?I’d love to see some strides made when it comes to strength workouts. Apple Watch users are crying out for useful first-party gym features, while third-party apps like SmartGym continue to steal Apple’s lunch. I’ve been testing the Whoop MG, and it’s got a fantastic strength workout builder in its fitness app that interfaces well with the on-wrist device. I’d love to see this from Apple: with a few exceptions, Apple Watches are by far the most popular gym accessory from my (anecdotal) experience, and it’s time to throw those feature-starved gym rats a bone. Give us a strength workout builder in the iPhone’s Fitness app that we can export to our watches once complete, with heat maps of muscles worked with each exercise.

Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large: “We’re early, so there aren’t that many people here. But the small group of developers that are here seems very pumped. Or it might just be all the Apple people pumping them up. Most of them, by the way, are wearing white or blue hats. We think white might be to signify the new ‘glass’ interface.”

Mark Wilson, Managing Editor for News, UK: “I’m expecting a brief appearance from Mark Scout and maybe the Lumon Terminal Pro. Severance doesn’t have much overlap with a developer conference, but it did get a mention last year – and Apple will surely milk its success, even if it’s just a cameo.”

Jamie Richards, Phones Writer: “I’d love to see Freeform get an update to make it more efficient. As it stands, the app absolutely devours my iPad’s battery. It’s also [expletive] at PDFs.”

John-Anthony Disotto, Senior AI Writer: “I’m gambling on a Siri live demo, I think we’re being undersold the AI stuff to temper expectations.”

Some more pre-show thoughts from around the TechRadar team coming up:

A big year for iPad? (Image credit: Apple) Passing the reigns to TechRadar’s resident phones and tablets aficionado Jamie Richards for a second, who’s keen to tilt the spotlight onto the iPad: With this year’s WWDC, we’re looking at what could be the biggest software update the iPad has ever received. In short, the latest rumors point to Apple pushing the iPad further into Mac territory, with better multitasking capabilities and the possible addition of the iconic Menu Bar. We don’t know yet whether these new features will come to all iPads, or just those equipped with the desktop-class M-series chipsets. I guess we’ll find out soon! iPad users have been asking for a more Mac-like experience for years, and as an iPad user myself, I’m genuinely excited to see what Apple has in store.

Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) It’s a hive of activity at Apple Park right now, and it looks like the sun will arrive just in time for today’s 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST start time. (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future) It looks like Apple is giving WWDC-goers a groovy selection of commemorative pins on arrival at Apple Park. The ‘purple octopus atop an iMac keyboard’ is my personal favorite of the above selection, though Lance has supposedly been told that there’s ‘one more pin’ to find at today’s event. Make of that what you will.

Good news, Apple TV fans (Image credit: Apple) Unsurprisingly, iOS 26 is going to be the star of today’s Apple event, but Apple TV – specifically tvOS – is in line for a visual refresh, too. And there’s good news on that front: a new report says Apple hopes to bring tvOS 26 to Apple TV models going back a decade, meaning models as far back as the Apple TV HD (2015) should benefit from whatever TV-related upgrades Apple has in store.

(Image credit: Future) The sky above Apple Campus is looking a tad gray right now, but let’s hope that’s not an omen for what’s to come (today’s Cupertino forecast is positive, at least).

Touchdown at Apple Park (Image credit: Future) Boots on the ground! TechRadar’s Editor at Large, Lance Ulanoff, and US Managing Editor for News, Jake Krol, have arrived at Apple Park in California. They’ve got just over two hours to wait before WWDC 2025 gets underway, so we can expect to hear some musings about the weather, the catering, and the ambience in the meantime.

Apple Intelligence at 1 – what’s gone right? (Image credit: Apple) Yes, you read that right. Apple Intelligence is a year old today, but rather than focusing on what’s gone wrong with Apple’s AI-based feature suite (broken promises, unreleased features, confusing marketing, and so on), our Senior AI Writer John-Anthony Disotto has taken it upon himself to give Apple Intelligence some rare kudos. What Apple Intelligence features are actually worth using in 2025? According to John-Anthony, there are at least three: 1. Genmoji “While Genmoji didn’t go viral in the way I expected, it has become a staple on my iPhone, and I find myself generating a new emoji almost weekly. […] Genmoji isn’t groundbreaking, and it sure isn’t worth upgrading your iPhone for, but it’s fun, and I’ve found it to be my favorite Apple Intelligence feature over the last 12 months. 2. Writing Tools Writing Tools is a tricky one to recommend, after all, as a journalist, the only thing I use it for is proofreading. That said, I think Writing Tools might be one of the best AI-powered content products on the market, up there with the likes of Grammarly. Throughout iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, you can select text and quickly proofread, rewrite, and even get advice on how to improve the copy. It’s an excellent companion for writing emails, taking notes, and even sending text messages. 3. Visual Intelligence Visual Intelligence is good enough to help anyone who incorporates it into the way they use their iPhone to be a genuinely useful Apple Intelligence feature. Whether that’s pointing the camera at a flyer and adding an event to your calendar, or finding out the name of a plant you spotted in your garden, Visual Intelligence is useful, it’s just not useful enough to be the standout Apple Intelligence feature on its own. As for WWDC 2025, we expect Apple to focus more on iOS than Apple Intelligence specifically, but it will certainly be interesting to see how the company addresses (or not) its shaky AI rollout…

Speaking of VisionOS, we haven’t seen too many rumors hinting at a major overhaul for Apple’s mixed reality software, especially if the current version of VisionOS is due to serve as the inspiration for iOS 26. That hasn’t, however, stopped developers from talking about an imminent VisionOS update. This just in from TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff, who is on the ground in California: “Sitting in one of the hotels filled with WWDC attendees and listening to some developers talk about how they hope Apple shows off a tethered-to-iPhone and much cheaper Vision Pro. They also think a huge Vision OS update is coming.”

A vision of the future? Translucent visuals in VisionOS (Image credit: Apple) Let’s talk more about glass. Apple looks set to overhaul iOS with rounded, see-through visuals akin to those already in place throughout VisionOS, introducing menus, windows, and app icons that wouldn’t look out of place on the wall of your shower. Presumably, Apple is making this switch to a) bring its entire product ecosystem under one UI design roof and b) wow expectant iPhone fans with the illusion of newness. Of course, translucent visuals aren’t anything groundbreaking – Microsoft debuted similar visuals with the Windows Vista Aero Effect way back in 2007 – but I’m not surprised that Apple is keen to embrace the more futuristic look and feel of VisionOS, which proved universally popular among reviewers (even if the Apple Vision Pro as a whole failed to take off).

Happy WWDC day, folks! Phones Editor Axel Metz here, taking over from Roland for the next few hours as we approach KO time for today’s Apple event (as a reminder, the livestream begins at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST). Over the next few hours, I’ll be digging through some more predictions, hopes, and dreams for all things Apple, before passing this blog off to our resident on-the-ground reporters, who are probably waking up in California right about now. Let’s get to it.

Fingers crossed for some Severance stuff (Image credit: Apple TV Plus) Let’s bounce over to my college and streaming supremo Tom Power, who has some thoughts on how WWDC could tease out what’s next for hit Apple TV Plus show Severance: “Severance is the new jewel in the Apple TV+ crown (sorry, Ted Lasso!). The sci-fi thriller’s second season was a massive hit earlier this year, with viewers new and old tuning in every week to not only see where the story would go next, but also to find out if any of their fan theories were correct,” said Power. “Audience interest has never been higher than it is now, so what are the chances of Apple announcing something Severance-related at WWDC? “We won’t get a season 3 teaser and I’d be equally shocked if Apple officially reveals one of the spin-off projects that executive producer/director Ben Stiller has teased. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple confirm filming is either underway on Severance season 3, or due to start shortly.”

Third big point from Kuo: “3. Apple’s on-device AI implementation will likely focus on several aspects: 1) Rebranding Apple Intelligence/Siri, 2) Integrating AI at the OS level to improve overall user experience, 3) Providing tools for third-party developers to incorporate AI into their apps, 4) Strengthening privacy protections through software and infrastructure, and 5) Forming partnerships with more leading AI service providers.” Pretty much agree with those, though the most interesting point will likely be the integration at OS level; I want Apple Intelligence to be seamless to use, and actually useful.

On to the second Kuo point: “2. No major breakthroughs in Apple’s AI technology are expected. Still, with the market’s limited expectations, Apple can meet them by clearly explaining how AI features will work on devices and outlining a development timeline.” Yep. Apple Intelligence has a rocky launch and potentially struggled to galvanise Apple fans. So I can see Cupertino taking time to qualify AI in terms of the Apple ecosystem.

So let me quickly pick over Kuo’s predictions. “1. Apple’s AI strategy takes center stage, with updates like UI changes and OS improvements playing a secondary role.” Yep, I can see that happening but expect a rapid slew of small-ish updates.

Apple oracle predictions Apple oracle and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has just popped up to offer three key points to look out for at WWDC: “1. Apple’s AI strategy takes center stage, with updates like UI changes and OS improvements playing a secondary role. 2. No major breakthroughs in Apple’s AI technology are expected. Still, with the market’s limited expectations, Apple can meet them by clearly explaining how AI features will work on devices and outlining a development timeline. 3. Apple’s on-device AI implementation will likely focus on several aspects: 1) Rebranding Apple Intelligence/Siri, 2) Integrating AI at the OS level to improve overall user experience, 3) Providing tools for third-party developers to incorporate AI into their apps, 4) Strengthening privacy protections through software and infrastructure, and 5) Forming partnerships with more leading AI service providers.”

What Macs could support macOS 16 Tahoe? (Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer) So onto macOS 16, which is tipped to carry the Tahoe moniker. Expect compatibility to cover the MacBook Air M1 or later, MacBook Pro 2019 or later, iMac 2020 or later, Mac mini M1 or later, Mac Pro 2019 or later Mac Studio all models. That should be a fairly robust lineup of Mac support, which is to be expected given Macs tend to last longer than other Apple devices in terms of usable lifespan.

Which Apple Watch models could support watchOS 12? (Image credit: Future) Building upon Mark’s observations around compatibility, I expect we’ll get a good look at watchOS 12 today. That’ll be the next generation of the Apple Watch operating system, which is tipped to get more AI features, blood pressure monitoring and more; though we’re a tad limited on how much we think we know about watchOS 12. But what’ll be curious to see is how far back Apple will go to offer watchOS support for older Apple Watches. Expect support on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and original Ultra, as well as the existing Series 10, Series 9, Series 8, and potentially the Series 7. As such, expect support to not reach the Series 6 and older watches. Read more: watchOS 12: 3 things I expect to see Tim Cook announce at this year’s WWDC 2025.

Good morning and good afternoon, depending on where you are. Managing Editor of Mobile Computing Roland Moore-Colyer here, taking over from Mark. So I’ll be chewing over what to expect from WWDC today and what I hope to see.

Which iPhones will support iOS 26? (Image credit: Future) Watching WWDC events can be a nervy experience for those with older tech – after all, with every new platform upgrade like iOS 19 (or iOS 26), a few older models are cut loose from the new features. For the next version of iOS, the latest rumors are that 2018 iPhones could miss out – that’s the the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max (above). Those phones would still continue to get security updates for a while, they just wouldn’t be able to upgrade to the latest iOS features or design. Depending on what we see at WWDC 2025, that may not be a disaster. But it could also make some start to think about their upgrade plans…

A taste of ‘Liquid Glass’ #WWDC25 is next week! Can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on. See you June 9 at 10am PT. pic.twitter.com/qhrzevDbMHJune 2, 2025 Get ready to see a lot of frosted glass on your iPhone and other Apple tech – that appears to be the design language Apple is going for with iOS 26, as teasers like the above from Apple SVP of Marketing Greg Joswiak show. The idea certainly makes sense for Apple – it’s seemingly committed to visionOS, despite the Vision Pro being largely tumbleweed as a platform since last year’s WWDC. And having a cohesive visual language across all of its major platforms would be a sensible improvement. But Apple may also be legitimately accused of busying itself with window-dressing, while ignoring the bigger AI picture outside its front door. There also likely won’t be drastic changes to the likes of iOS 26, otherwise Apple users could feel too disorientated.

Will there be new hardware at WWDC? (Image credit: Future) The WWDC bingo card (scroll down for that) has an entry for “no Mac hardware announced” at this year’s event – and I’m inclined to extend that to “no new hardware” across the board. There haven’t been any credible rumors or leaks suggesting otherwise, and we would typically have heard whispers at this stage if Apple was planning something unexpected like an M5 chip reveal. The M5 isn’t expected until later this year, when we should also the M5 MacBook Pro. But could Apple at least tease something at WWDC 2025? I’m not ruling that out, partly because it feels like Apple needs something to spark some excitement and positivity going into the next few months – and I’m not sure a software redesign is enough to do that. It’d be out of character, and still very unlikely, but a short ‘one more thing’ glimmer of the iPhone 17 Air isn’t impossible…

The work is mysterious and important (Image credit: Apple TV Plus) It hasn’t been a great year for Apple, but one success story has been Severance on Apple TV Plus. It’s been the cultural force that Apple used to be able to create with its tech launches. So will we see some kind of Severance teaser at WWDC? Ben Stiller recently spoke to Variety about there being “two specific ideas” for spinoffs from the show, and that work has already started on Season 3. Still, it seems highlyunlikely that we’ll hear anything concrete about the latter, even if Mark Scout et al did get a mention at WWDC 2024. If we’re lucky, we might get some Lumon Terminal Pro keycaps at least…

Poll: what you’re most excited about in iOS 26 (Image credit: Future) We recently ran a poll on our WhatsApp channel – which is well worth signing up to for the latest tech news – and over 1,000 of you told us what you’re most looking forward to in iOS 26. The winner, with 43% of the vote, was the visionOS-style overhaul that Apple insider Mark Gurman now says will be described as ‘Liquid Glass’. Given the other rumored features on the list, that doesn’t surprise me – it is, after all, expected to be the biggest visual change for iPhones since iOS 7. Elsewhere, the rumored AI-powered battery management (which may simply turn out to be ‘better battery management) came in second with 17% of the vote, while third place (with 12%) went to the live translation feature that’s apparently coming to the Apple AirPods. A significant minority are also looking forward to CarPlay news – and with the in-car platform rumored to be getting two upgrades, it seems likely that Apple will give it a prominent shout-out (alongside CarPlay Ultra).

Why isn’t it called macOS Taco? (Image credit: Apple) Back to the important questions of WWDC 2025 – software name changes and an apparent missed opportunity with this year’s version of macOS. According to rumors, Apple will today follow up macOS Sequoia with (drum roll) macOS Tahoe . This would, unfortunately, be a very sensible name that’s entirely in keeping with Apple’s strategy of naming its desktop OS after locations in California, with Lake Tahoe being a popular ski resort in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But I also remember the innocent days when Google would give versions of Android names like ‘Donut’ and ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’, which is probably why I keep reading the new version of macOS as a rather delicious folded tortilla. It’d probably get me more excited about it, anyway – so far, the rumors about new features been very thin on the ground apart from a new look, some fresh accessibility features, a new gaming app and, er, a Wi-Fi timesaver.

It’s time for WWDC bingo (Image credit: Basic Apple Guy) Credit where it’s due – Apple blogger Basic Apple Guy has crafted the WWDC 2025 bingo card above, and it’s so strong I’d highly recommend not turning it into a drinking game. We have staples like a “memorable Federighi moment” and flying into a secret location via a “whimsical transition”, but also a good mix of pre-event rumors. These include the expected reveal of macOS Tahoe and a Live Translation feature for AirPods. I’ll reluctantly agree with the “no Mac hardware announced” entry, too – my wait for an M5 MacBook Pro will almost certainly continue into late 2025, despite macOS 26 likely cutting my 2018 MacBook Pro adrift from its Tahoe party. Let’s be honest, we’d all much rather it was called macOS Taco, too…

Your WWDC 2025 cheat sheet (Image credit: Future / Apple) If you want a quick, five-minute primer on what to expect at WWDC 2025 I’d suggest checking out our list of the 7 biggest things to expect, according to Apple experts. We’ve combined our in-house specialist knowledge with the latest rumors from the likes of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman to give you the latest predictions across iOS 26, macOS Tahoe and more. And if you haven’t got time for that, well here’s a quick list of the headline rumors so far: iOS 26 to get ‘Liquid Glass’ redesign that’ll appear across Apple’s software platforms

iPadOS 26 to bring more Mac-like features like improved multitasking

A new, dedicated gaming app that’ll also come to macOS 26 Tahoe

The arrival of watchOS 26 with new tracking features for outdoor exercise

tvOS 26 to get the visionOS-like redesign and Apple Intelligence features

Apple AirPods to get a new Live Translate feature among other iOS 26 upgrades

Debate: what’s been the biggest iOS upgrade? (Image credit: OldOS – Zane Kleinberg) We’re taking a quick break from the WWDC 2025 rumor mill to bring you an internal TechRadar debate – what’s been the best iOS upgrade from over the years at WWDC? The votes are in. Senior AI Writer John-Anthony Disotto went old-school, rightfully highlighting the arrival of the App Store (iOS 2.0) and FaceTime (iOS 4.0) as massive moments. Nods of approval also greeted the suggestion of the Files app (iOS 11), from our Managing Editor (Entertainment), Matt Bolton. A late contender from Jamie Richards (Mobile Computing Staff Writer) was iOS 16’s customizable lock screen overhaul, later aped by Android. All are valid suggestions in my book, with my personal take being iOS 4’s multitasking and folders. As my friend noted about iOS 4 in 2010, “it’s like getting a new phone”. I wonder if we’ll be saying the same about iOS 26…

The most important person of WWDC 2025? (Image credit: Apple) Apple’s cast of WWDC execs have become a bit stale in recent years, but fortunately a lesser-known face will apparently have a bigger role at this year’s event: Alan Dye. That’s because Mr. Dye is Apple’s vice president of human interface and one of the key players behind what could be the biggest iPhone software overhaul since iOS 7. Interestingly, Alan Dye actually helped craft iOS 7 under the watchful eye of Jony Ive over a decade ago, and seemingly inherited his black-rimmed glasses. The rumors are that iOS 26 is going to have a more glass-like quality, including translucent and shine effects ported from visionOS. I’m not against that, but I would also like my iPhone’s keyboard to work as well as did before iOS 18…

How convenient: Apple pops the AI hype bubble (Image credit: Shutterstock) As spotted by the ChatGPT subreddit , an interesting new paper about AI has just emerged on the eve of WWDC 2025 from Apple’s Machine Learning Research division, called “The Illusion of Thinking”. It appears to cast doubt on the logic and puzzle-solving abilities of today’s LRMs (large reasoning models) and their ability to get close to the AGI heights promised in some quarters. I haven’t read the full paper yet, but its raising of “crucial questions” about the “true reasoning capabilities” of some AI models does feel conveniently timed, given Apple’s struggles (so far) to deliver on the lofty Apple Intelligence promises of WWDC 2024. Seeing how it addresses those is going to be one of the most interesting parts of WWDC.

What’s the big theme of WWDC 2025? iOS 26 could also simplify the iPhone’s camera app as part of the ‘Liquid Glass’ redesign, according to rumors we saw back in May from the YouTube channel Front Page Tech (Image credit: Front Page Tech) The two words for your WWDC 2025 bingo card are ‘Liquid Glass’. That’s according to Apple soothsayer Mark Gurman, who’s just followed up his prediction that we’ll see a switch to year-based software names (iOS 26, macOS 26 and, hilariously, visionOS 26) with some specific details about the rumored software facelift. This new interface will apparently be the biggest visual change since iOS 7, which swapped a literal form of skeuomorphism for a then-modern ‘flat’ look. iOS 26 has apparently also been designed to set the stage for a 20th anniversary iPhone that will launch in 2027 with curved glass sides, no cutout section, and “extraordinarily slim bezels”. For me, the rumored redesign sounds a bit like a ‘look over here’ distraction from Apple’s lack of progress on AI features. But it’s also something Apple is typically very good at pulling off without royally screwing it up – in theory, at least.

Rewind: what happened at WWDC 2024? (Image credit: Apple) A year ago, Apple Intelligence didn’t exist. And twelve months on… well, it kind of still doesn’t, at least not to the extent that Apple promised at WWDC 2024. There’s no doubt that AI is going to be the elephant in the room at this year’s event – and Apple needs to make sure it’s a cute, Genmoji-style Dumbo rather than a shadow that hovers over the whole event. Still, WWDC 2024 wasn’t all about Apple Intelligence. The Apple Vision Pro got a worldwide launch, iPadOS got a calculator app (gasp), AirPods Pro 2 owners got a handy Voice Isolation feature, and Apple TVs got a modest equivalent of Amazon’s X-Ray feature. If, as has been rumored, there’s little in the way of concrete Apple Intelligence news at WWDC 2025, I’m hoping Apple serves up a bigger platter of software upgrades than the slightly meager selection of luke-warm canapés we got last year…

Refresh

Audio and video improvements in iPadOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) You’ve got controls for selecting specific microphones when recording audio, and there’s an audio isolation feature, too. A Local Capture feature works with video conferencing apps that captures audio and video from those conversations — an ideal tool for podcasters. Background Tasks allow your iPad to run tasks like exporting in the background while you work in other apps.

Files in iPadOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Files gets an update, with similar customization feature to macOS. You can put folders in the dock of your iPad. The Preview app from the Mac is coming to the iPad if you want to edit and annotate files.

iPadOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but you’re getting a new look with iPadOS that uses Liquid Glass. The improvements from iOS 26 to Messages and other apps are coming here, too. But for tablet-specific changes, you’re getting improved multitasking, with a new windowing system for the iPad. When you open apps, they show up full-screen, but you also have the option to fluidly resize apps into windows. You can place those windows where you want. There’s a pointer that’s more responsive, too. Flicking windows toward the edge lets you tile them on your iPad. Exposé shows all your open windows. A menu bar is coming to apps, so you can find features more quickly.

Spatial scenes (Image credit: Appl) Remember in the iOS 26 Photos app discussion where Apple talked about how 2D photos are adding more depth? It’s apparently called Spatial Scenes and it’s part of visionOS 26, too. In a related featured, the Persona tool — in which you appear as a hologram-like figure — will get improved, more detailed graphics. There’s a few more details which should appeal to the people who’ve got $3,500 to spend on a headset.

visonOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Now it’s visionOS’s turn in the spotlight, and Apple is calling this an expansive update. Widgets are coming to visionOS, becoming spatial and staying right where you place them. You can customize frame width, color and depth of your widgets. In addition to built-in app widgets, a developer tool will let app makers introduce their own widgets.

Gaming on the Mac (Image credit: Apple) That Games app we talked bout earlier is coming to the Mac, too, for all the games on your Mac. There’s a panel for adjusting and optimizing settings for your games. macOS 26 adds support for Metal 4

Shortcuts and Spotlight (Image credit: Apple) The Shortcuts app is getting an update that incorporates more AI with a feature called Intelligent Actions. Spotlight also gets a dose of AI help, as it will now surface documents and files relevant to what it is you’re working on. Spotlight is also contextually aware, as it recognizes what app you’re working in. And you can search for features within individual apps, which is helpful for building shortcuts.

Continuity (Image credit: Apple) Live Activity support comes to the Mac, with activities that start on your iPhone — say, a delivery — also available on your Mac. Clicking on the Live Activity on your Mac launches a mirrored version of your phone. The Phone features Apple is introducing in iOS 26 are coming to the Phone app on your Mac, too, for when you do phone call handoffs between devices.

macOS Tahoe (Image credit: Apple) As has been reported, this year’s California landmark for the macOS 26 update is Tahoe, as in Lake Tahoe. We’re getting a new design with Liquid Glass, with sidebars that add a sense of depth. The Menu bar is now transparent to make your display feel more ample. You can personalize the look of your Mac by changing colors of folders and adding icons or emoji to give yourself a visual cue.

tvOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) tvOS 26 gets the interface changes you’d expect. Profiles let you set up a profile for everyone in the home so that everyone can jump straight to the shows they like Apple Music in tvOS lets you use your iPhone as a microphone for sing-along karaoke sessions. There’s an Apple TV Plus sizzle reel showing all the upcoming shows. No new season of Ted Lasso though.

watchOS 26 apps (Image credit: Apple) The Notes app is coming to the Apple Watch in watchOS 26. You also get the benefits of auto-translation in Message that Apple talked about in iOS 26.

Workout interface on watchOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Back to watchOS 26, which is introducing a more streamlined interface to the Workout app so you can get to popular menu items more quickly. The Smart Stack feature is getting an update so that it better anticipates what widgets you need. There’s a new wrist flick gesture for dealing with notifications later, silencing alerts and other tasks.

Unannounced iOS 26 features (Image credit: Apple) Before we get back to watchOS, there were a lot of iOS 26 features that Apple didn’t have time to announce, as you can see from the screenshot above.

watchOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Liquid Glass brings a new look to your Apple Watch, though it’s still familiar if you’ve used past watchOS versions. The big story here is greater AI-integration in features like Workout Buddy. It gathers info from your workout and crunches the data to provide meaningful insights in real-time. There’s a generative voice feature to offer words of encouragement, too. Think of it as Siri meeting a personal trainer. (Though it sounded a little robotic in Apple’s demo.)

Visual Intellgience (Image credit: Apple) Apple is expanding Visual Intelligence in iOS 26, giving you the ability to search screenshots — the example given is a photo of a woman wearing a jacket in a social media app, where you can tap to find similar jackets on sale. The same feature works for adding information to you calendar when you see a post with dates and times.

Games app (Image credit: Apple) A new Games app is coming to the iPhone. You can see all the games you’ve ever downloaded from the App Store, and launch those games straight from the app. There’s a friends tab to challenge friends, compare scores and more. Basically Apple is treating Games as an all-in-one destinaton for all the gaming you do on the phone.

Maps and Wallet in iOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Maps gets tools like Preferred Routes to recognize the way you like to get to frequent stops and Visited Places that stores the places you’ve been for easy reference later. (There’s end-to-end encryption to keep that info from prying eyes.) Twenty brands already support keys in the wallet, and 13 more are adding suport. More states will be adding digital IDs this year. And boarding passes are getting a new look in Wallet.

Apple Music (Image credit: Apple) That translation feature also work with Apple Music, as Apple is adding lyric translation. An AutoMix feature lets you seamlessly segue from one song to the next. A Music Pin feature lets you pin favorite artists, albums and songs to the top of your library.

Live translations (Image credit: Apple) Apple intelligence will support live translation across the iPhone. It’s a feature that will work on phone calls, FaceTime sessions and more. (There’s a developer tool to integrate it in other communication apps.)

Apple Intelligence and Messages (Image credit: Apple) Apple confirms the new Genmoji feature that lets you combine emoji. You can also change expressing in emoji. Image Playground is gaining new styles like an oil painting. There’s also more ChatGPT integration with Image Playground, and app makers will be able to use an API to integrate Image Playground into their apps.

Messages (Image credit: Apple) Messages now lets you add backgrounds to a chat, and group chats get a poll feature for getting votes on things like where to eat or where the group trip is coming. Group chats also gets support for the send cash feature where you can send and receive payments. Unknown senders can now appear in a separate part of Messages so that your interface is less cluttered.

Phone app (Image credit: Apple) The Phone app is getting a unified look that combines recents and favorites. Apple Intelligence provides summaries of voice mail. Apple’s also adding a Call Screening feature similar to Google’s Call Assist, where the phone is answered in the background — the caller’s identity is then provided to you and you can decide whether to answer. Hold Assist helps you when you’re put on hold by detecting hold music. You’re free to go about your business, getting notified when a live agent comes on the line.

Safari, FaceTime, CarPlay (Image credit: Apple) We’re getting looks at how the interface changes work in Safari and FaceTime. CarPlay has a new look, too, and it’s getting support for Live Activities.

Camera app and Photos (Image credit: Apple) The Camera app in iOS 26 is getting a redesign with more streamlined menus. When you need to get more menu controls at your disposal, you simply slide up. Photos gets a new look, too, with the return of some tab controls. And there’s a 3D effect made possible by the Liquid Glass redesign.

iOS 26 (Image credit: Apple) Speaking of iOS 26, Federighi is showing off what’s new with the iPhone software. First off is a look at how the interface changes and Liquid Glass affect the home screen and lock screen.

New version numbers (Image credit: Apple) It’s official. All the apps will have the same version number marking the year that the update will carry you through. That means this year’s update for the iPhone is iOS 26 since you’ll be using it through 2026.

New look that’s still familiar (Image credit: Apple) A lot of interface elements adjust as you use your phone, shrinking and resizing depending on what you’re looking at. A lot of this has been covered in the pre-WWDC rumors, though one thing that’s not changing is the icons — they look pretty square to me, not rounded.

New redesign (Image credit: Apple) Sounds like we’ll hear about Apple Intelligence additions peppered throughout the software update previews today, but that’s all for AI at the moment. Apple’s now talking about interface changes — something so big it only happens every decade or so, Federighi says. Apple is calling this the broadest design update ever, with a universal design across its platforms. And yes, it’s inspired by visionOS.. Liquid Glass is the name Apple is giving the new look, with translucent menus that react to touch and your perspective of the screen. There are more rounded interface elements and controls are grouped together to free up more space.

Access to AI (Image credit: Apple) A new Foundation Models framework will let Apple’s developers directly access the large language models Apple is using, with the idea that will add new AI features to apps. Examples include Kahoot creating a quiz based on your notes, and All Trails suggest hikes based on your input.

Apple Intelligence (Image credit: Apple) Craig Federighi kicks things off with a recap of last year’s Apple Intelligence launch and all the tools that actually made it to Apple devices. (Siri is notably missing from the list.) In fact, Federighi mentions that Sir needs more time, and that Apple will have more to share later this year.

Start your engines (Image credit: Apple) And we begin with an Apple video to kick off the keynote. It’s Apple’s Craig Federighi driving an F! car on the roof of the Apple headquarters in what we can only take to be a bit of cross-promotion with the Brad Pitt F1 movie coming to Apple TV Plus.

Tim Cook on stage (Image credit: Future) You won’t see this on the live field, but just ahead of the keynote presentation, Tim Cook is greeting the assembled crowd in Cupertino.

Controller support for Apple Vision Pro? (Image credit: Tom’s Guide) Apple Vision Pro can do a lot, and there are already plenty of ways to get stuff done. That doesn’t change the fact that the lack of any kind of controller support was a glaring omission. Hand controls are cool, and the traditional keyboard and mouse combo is very practical, but it’s nice to have all the options. Especially when gaming is concerned. We have heard rumors that Apple had partnered with Sony to support PSVR 2’s Sense controllers . On top of that 9to5Mac reports that Sony’s VR controllers will also be joined by support for PlayStation and Xbox controllers too. It’s also mentioned that some games will require controllers, and will be labelled as such in the App Store. Those would all make gaming on the Vision Pro a more realistic prospect, especially for VR games that don’t really work with a keyboard and mouse.

Another view (Image credit: Future) Alex Wawro from our computing team is also in Cupertino today to get his first look at the new version of macOS (most likely macOS Tahoe). And he sends along the above photo as we hit the 10-minute-warning mark.

Live stream is available (Image credit: Future) If you’re not in Cupertino and watching the WWDC 2025 keynote through the courtesy of a live stream, it’s now available, either through YouTube or in Apple’s TV app on your device of choice. It’s entirely place-holder images at the moment, but the translucent, glass-like visuals could be a sneak preview of the interfaces Apple will launching shortly.

CarPlay changes (Image credit: MacRumors) It sounds like CarPlay will be getting an update as part of the iOS 26 preview coming out today, though specific details about what’s changing are few and far between. Like most of the iPhone software update, though, it sounds as if the biggest difference will be a new interface as the Solarium / Liquid Glass AI makes its way to your car.

Take your seats From the looks of this TikTok video, it seems like people are filing into the seating area for the keynote a half-hour or so before it gets underway. @mspoonyg ♬ original sound – mspoonyg

Rainbow in Cupertino (Image credit: Future) Kate Kozuch is biding her time before the keynote by snapping some photos of the Apple campus. This rainbow sculpture usually features prominently in Apple product launch videos, so this isn’t going to be the last time you see it today.

Genmoji changes (Image credit: Apple) We may not be getting big Apple Intelligence changes today, but we will see some improvements. One of the additions being floated around in rumor talk is an update to Genmojis, the AI-generating emoji tool Apple added last year. Apparently, you will now be able to create new Genmoji by combining two existing emoji — the example that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman gives is taking emojis for a basketball and a trash can and creating single emoji in which a basketball is going into a trash can. I confess that the appeal of Genmoji is elusive to me, though I don’t think I’m the target audience. I don’t see this as being the salve to Apple’s AI woes, but perhaps some users will find the more fully featured Genmoji tool more vital than I do.

An hour to go… (Image credit: Future) We’ve got less than an hour before the start of the keynote, so here’s a glimpse of the stage that those actually on the Apple campus in Cupertino will see. Even with the live stage, though, we’re expecting a pre-recorded keynote similar to how Apple has handled events like this in recent years.

The pins…what do they mean!? (Image credit: Future) My colleague Jason England weighs in with a little sleuthing about this year’s collection of WWDC pins: So it’s an annual tradition at WWDC that everyone gets a collection of pins, and every year I don my tin foil hat to get to the bottom of what they mean. Because without fail, we look back at these pins and realize they were definitely more than just cute swag. They were clues. Starting from the top right: Octopus at a keyboard: We’ve been hearing about iPadOS 26 becoming more like macOS with vastly improved multitasking. With eight arms, an Octopus can be rather productive to say the least, so this is my bet for this one!

We’ve been hearing about becoming more like macOS with vastly improved multitasking. With eight arms, an Octopus can be rather productive to say the least, so this is my bet for this one! Apple Intelligence: This is probably the most obvious one of the bunch. Apple Intelligence has had a bit of a rocky start to say the least, but with AI being at the center of literally all consumer tech, it’s not something that can be ignored. Expect plenty of announcements at WWDC about this.

This is probably the most obvious one of the bunch. has had a bit of a rocky start to say the least, but with AI being at the center of literally all consumer tech, it’s not something that can be ignored. Expect plenty of announcements at WWDC about this. Colorful “helloooo” spiral: Low key the one that has confused other team members, but I have a theory. You see, that friendly, curvy design just screams “Liquid Glass.” You know, the translucent, vibrant UI overhaul expected across iOS 26 , macOS Tahoe, and more.

Low key the one that has confused other team members, but I have a theory. You see, that friendly, curvy design just screams You know, the translucent, vibrant UI overhaul expected across , macOS Tahoe, and more. California poppies: Did you know that California poppies can be found in lower-elevation areas around Tahoe? Given the rumored name macOS Tahoe , I found that interesting…

Did you know that California poppies can be found in lower-elevation areas around Tahoe? Given the rumored name , I found that interesting… Pedal to the Metal: This one gets me the most excited. It’s the logo for Metal — Apple’s proprietary graphics AI used primarily for game development. We’ve been hearing that there could be some big gaming news coming to WWDC , and I think this just gave us the biggest indication yet.

Name changes look set (Image credit: Shutterstock/Tom’s Guide) For more proof that Apple is changing the names of its various software platforms today, look no further than a report from AppleInsider that offers yet more convincing evidence. According to that site’s sources, placeholder names for the upcoming releases have been changed. Specifically, the report claims that placeholder names for developer betas no longer contain labels like “macOS16” — instead, the label merely says “macOS beta.” Maybe that’s not evidence in and of itself, but combined with the report that Apple is moving away from version numbers and toward software named after release years, things certainly seem to be headed in that direction.

AI photo editing face-off (Image credit: Future) If you needed a reminder of where Apple sits in the pecking order of AI features, my colleague John Velasco ran an AI photo editing tools face-off between the iPhone and the top devices from Google and Samsung. His verdict on the iPhone? “Let’s say there’s a lot of work needed to get it up to par.” That’s another reason why Apple’s reported decision to go light on AI announcements at this year’s WWDC is a little bit baffling… and certainly risky.

Show us your badge (Image credit: Future) We’re a little more than 90 minutes away from the start of the keynote as I type this, but both Kate Kozuch and Mark Spoonauer (pictured above) are in place for our WWDC 2025 keynote coverage.

Live from Cupertino Kate Kozuch is in Cupertino for us today, reporting from WWDC, and she’s filed this video preview from the Apple campus. @tomsguide ♬ Routine Vlog Day – Drew

Tim Cook is ready See you soon #WWDC25! pic.twitter.com/xna3JqcGvpJune 9, 2025 Wow, Tim Cook is up early. Guess he has somewhere to be this morning.

Last minute WWDC 2025 rumors — check out our video WWDC 2025 Last-Minute Rumors: iOS 26, Apple Intelligence, SURPRISE Hardware?! – YouTube Watch On Our global editor-in-chief, Mark Spoonauer, talks about some last minute WWDC 2025 rumors in our latest YouTube video. He goes into detail about what we could be in store for with Apple’s announcements around its new software redesign, codenamed Solarium, along with what features tipped for iOS 26, macOS 26, iPad OS 26, and more. While software and Apple Intelligence updates are expected to be the biggest news, he also shares about potential hardware releases we could see at the event, like a rumored new Mac Pro, AirPods Max 2, and more.

We’re on the ground and ready for WWDC 2025 (Image credit: Future) We’re still a little over 2 hours away from the start of the WWDC 2025 keynote, but we’re finally on the ground at Apple’s campus ready to share everything we’ll learn about the company’s software updates. There’s a lot expected out of this event, including what could end up being the biggest makeover to all of Apple’s software, like this rumored ‘Solarium’ interface, which is believed to unify the visual look of its platforms. Stay locked into our live blog to hear about the latest news and updates from our reporters on the ground.

Rumored upcoming AI features (Image credit: Future) While WWDC may be lacking any significant Apple Intelligence news, that doesn’t mean there are new features on the horizon. Even if some of them were supposed to have arrived a few months ago. The big one is the redesigned Siri, often referred to as “LLM Siri” , which will give Apple’s voice assistant an AI-infused overhaul. Effectively it would be a brand new Siri with capabilities closer to that of Google Gemini or ChatGPT than the current version. We’ve also heard reports of AI being used to update the shortcuts app, featuring various new actions that will take advantage of Apple Intelligence. There’s also rumors that the Apple Health app will also get an AI-centric update, and it’s claimed that some kind of AI doctor may be involved.

AirTag 2 may be coming — but not at WWDC 2025 (Image credit: Apple) It’s been a while since Apple released the first AirTags, and we’ve been hearing rumors about a possible follow-up for years now. According to Mark Gurman the AirTags 2 are more or less ready to launch — but they probably won’t be appearing at WWDC 2025 . Why not? Apparently it’s all down to the key fact that WWDC is a software-focussed conference. It’s rare to get any major new hardware announcements during the keynote, Gurman says that AirTags aren’t really a good match for this type of event. AirTags 2 are rumored to look the same as the originals, but may be coming with upgraded ultra wideband to help the precision finding feature work at a much larger distance, as well as a tamper-proof speaker to keep people safe from potential stalkers. As for when they’ll be revealed, we can’t say.

Apple Intelligence and Siri could in store for a rebrand Three Key Points to Watch at Apple WWDC 20251. Apple’s AI strategy takes center stage, with updates like UI changes and OS improvements playing a secondary role.2. No major breakthroughs in Apple’s AI technology are expected. Still, with the market’s limited expectations,…June 9, 2025 Just mere hours away from the start of the WWDC 2025 keynote, there’s a report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who says that Apple Intelligence and Siri could be getting a major rebrand. He also goes on to say that Apple could show off demonstrations on how AI could be integrated across the OS, along with third-party developers getting access to include AI in their respective apps. This could be the result of how people perceive the company’s AI strategy with Apple Intelligence to be a failure, and as a result, this alleged rebranding could be the bigger announcement from WWDC — putting the company’s new transparent redesign in the backseat as a secondary role.

macOS 26 could spell the end of more Intel Macs (Image credit: Shutterstock) MacOS 26, or Tahoe as it’s rumored to be called, is set to be a pretty huge upgrade. But it may also spell the end of software support for even more Macs that still use Intel chips. Which is no huge surprise given how old those machines are getting. Earlier rumors suggested that the 2017 iMac Pro, 2018 Mac mini, 2018 MacBook Pro and 2020 Intel MacBook Air could be on the chopping block. Now another leaker has suggested that the 2020 Macbook Pro 13-inch could earn a spot on that list. Though even the leaker doesn’t quite believe it. It’s not the absolute end for Intel Macs, and there are still a few reportedly getting the macOS 26 upgrade, but the number is only going to dwindle with each passing year. Here are the machines we still expect to get the Tahoe upgrade: iMac: 2019 and later

iMac Pro: 2018 and later

Mac Pro: 2019 and later

Mac Studio: 2022 and later

MacBook Air: All models with M-series chips

Mac mini: 2019 and later

MacBook Pro: 2020 and later with M-series

watchOS 26 could be friendlier to third party apps (Image credit: Future) The watchOS 26 redesign could come with more than just a visual overhaul. In fact, rumor has it that Apple may make its wearable software a little friendlier to third party apps — and open up the Control Center in the process. Sources speaking to 9to5Mac claim that watchOS 26’s Control Center could be opening up to third parties . That means you wouldn’t be restricted to Apple tiles and toggles, and could make it easier to activate certain non-Apple features, since you won’t have to go to the app itself. The report also claims that Apple will let users customize the Control Center layout from the Watch app on iPhone, rather than forcing them to do it on the watch itself. Which certainly sounds a lot more convenient for everyone.

Apple can’t afford to give Apple Intelligence a year off (Image credit: Tom’s Guide / Shutterstock) Word is that Apple Intelligence is not going to be a major part of this year’s WWDC 2025, and we’re still waiting for features announced at last year’s conference to materialize. To the point where people suspect Apple will be taking a break from AI, at least for the immediate future. My colleague Tom Pritchard has argued that this is a very bad idea, and the exact opposite of what Apple should be doing . The company has a muddied, albeit short, history with AI, since it jumped on the bandwagon much later than the likes of Google and OpenAI. To the point where its attempts to catch up are reportedly only causing more problems. But as much as Apple may want to take a break, its competitors are still pumping out new updates and features all the time. If Apple ever wants to catch up and better compete, it can’t afford to sit back and let itself fall even further behind. And WWDC 2025 is the place Apple has to confirm its commitment to AI going forward.

Will iPadOS get the productivity upgrades it needs? (Image credit: Tom’s Guide) Early rumors didn’t paint Apple’s design upgrade as quite such a big thing. In fact it was originally expected to be a way for Apple to close the gap between iPadOS and macOS , potentially cementing the tablets’ productivity prowess in the process. Part of that update was to focus on productivity itself, alongside improved multitasking and app window management. While the specifics weren’t really elaborated on at the time, a lot of us hoped that this would at least allow users to have multiple app windows open and the ability to place them freely — rather than in the confines of Apple’s pre-set layouts. Whether those changes could make an iPad rival the capabilities of a Macbook aren’t clear. But as someone that has resorted to working on an iPad on the go, I can say that these kinds of improvements are sorely needed. Especially if Apple wants to make sure the tablets aren’t just glorified reading and streaming devices.

What Apple can learn from Google (Image credit: Future) My colleague John Velasco is a big fan of many of the AI-powered features on Google’s current lineup of Pixel phones — he’s right, too, as Google probably has the most polished AI suite of all the phone makers. And he sees a few Pixel 9 AI features Apple should copy for iOS 26 if the company wants to bolster Apple Intelligence. One of John’s recommendations resonates with me, in particular: Call Screen. This is the Pixel feature that uses Google AI to essentially screen your calls, with an AI assistant asking the person on the other end of the line why they’re calling and delivering any contextual responses that you select. The closest the iPhone has to anything like that is Live Voicemail , which arrived with iOS 17. When you get an incoming call from an unknown number, you can send it to voicemail, and the transcribed message will appear in close to real time on your iPhone’s display, just in case it turns out to be something important. That’s not a bad alternative, but it still requires some intervention on your part to send the call to vociemail and then make sure your phone is unlocked so you can see the message transcription. A version of Google’s Call Screen would be far more immediate.

iOS 26 should be used to make AI easier to access (Image credit: Future) If you’ve ever tried to use AI features on a phone, you may be painfully aware of how difficult some of them are to find and use. To the point where you have to do a bunch of research to figure it out, making AI feel a lot like homework.

So things need to be a lot easier, and UK Phones Editor Tom Pritchard thinks that the upcoming iOS 26 design upgrade should take this into consideration — and make it a lot simpler to get to grips with AI features. Because if phone makers like Apple don’t do this, then the number of people actually using AI features is going to be a lot smaller than it could be.

What’s happening with visionOS 26? (Image credit: Future) With the big new redesign reportedly taking inspiration from Apple’s mixed reality software, it makes you wonder what Apple may have in store for visionOS 26 itself. We’re not expecting much in the way of design changes, for obvious reasons, though reports say that we will get some “minor design changes.” It’s unclear what they might be, but presumably it will be to ensure greater consistency with the rest of the Apple ecosystem. Bloomberg also reports that the new version will be “feature-packed.” Some of the rumored features include eye-scrolling, which should be a nice upgrade from the existing eye-tracking software, and support for third party VR controllers — including Sony’s PSVR 2. There’s also word of better accessibility and the addition of Apple Intelligence, both of which are sorely needed on Apple’s headset.

(Image credit: Shutterstock) We’re not likely to see new AirPods at WWDC. Wireless earbuds are the kind of consumer-facing product Apple launches when it’s having a phone or tablet rollout. But the software updates getting previewed this week — specifically, iOS, iPadOS and macOS — could bring some AirPod-enhancing features . For starters, Apple could increase the number of hands-free controls for your earbuds to join already supported features like shaking your head to accept or decline calls. Similarly, there’s talk of a Camera Control-esque feature coming to the AirPods that would trigger the camera on your phone when you squeeze the AirPods’ stem. Other rumored AirPod additions include a sleep detection feature that would automatically pause playback if you start dozing. (The rumor’s less clear on how the AirPods would figure that out.) And there could be new pairing features that allow you to pair Apple’s earbuds with shared iPads — ideal in classroom settings.

New hardware or not? (Image credit: Future) New hardware isn’t unheard of at WWDC. Just two years ago, WWDC 2023 gave us a preview of the Vision Pro headset, a bigger screen 15-inch MacBook Air and the Mac Studio. The year before, we had a MacBook Air launch. That said, most of the chatter around this year’s WWDC is about software changes, not hardware releases. So I’d be very surprised if Apple takes the time out what figures to be a busy keynote to talk about new products. In the event that I’m wrong, though — it happens more than I care to admit — any product that Apple does show off at WWDC 2025 is likely to be one that appeals to the developers in the audience. That’s why a Mac Pro powered by an M4 chip is probably the most likely hardware announcement, as that’s a desktop machine that’s big among people who build software. But even then, it’s a remote possibility as that machine may not ship until later in the year. So if you’re planning on tuning into WWDC 2025 with new hardware on the brain, adjust your expectations accordingly.

Apple Intelligence’s ‘gap year’ (Image credit: Apple) Apple Intelligence was the story at WWDC 2024, as Apple previewed its upcoming suite of AI tools. And while many of those arrived as part of Apple Intelligence’s staggered rollout starting last October, several key updates — including a smarter, AI-powered Siri — remain missing in action. Apple figures to discuss some Apple Intelligence updates in this year’s developer conference, but the consensus expectation is that it won’t be to the extent that we heard about AI last year. You can certainly understand the thinking — Apple took a lot of heat for treating the Siri updates as a done deal, so it’s likely wary of talking up any feature it can’t guarantee the launch of in a timely fashion. Still, I think Apple runs some risks by not giving AI more of a role at WWDC 2025 . Besides the loss of momentum, there’s the fact that Apple lags behind Google and Samsung when it comes to integrating meaningful AI features into its products. And that perception could deepen if WWDC doesn’t at least address AI in some way.

Tim Cook checks in If you’re wondering how Tim Cook spent his day ahead of the WWDC keynote — other than rehearsals probably — the Apple CEO checked in with an X post from the company’s Swift Student Challenge recognizing young coders. Love starting #WWDC25 with our Swift Student Challenge winners! pic.twitter.com/DiL29bcfieJune 9, 2025

(Image credit: Ekaterina_Minaeva / Shutterstock) Arguably, Notes is the app I rely on the most when using my iPhone. I use it to jot down notes when I’m covering events, tasks that I want to take care of during a given week and even research into upcoming vacations. And though a lot of the chances in iOS 26 are supposed to focus on a new interface, there are new features apparently coming to select apps including Notes. 9to5Mac reports that the Notes app is gaining the ability to export Notes in Markdown. That’s a particularly popular format for online writers, including a lot of the ones that work with yours truly. So maybe Markdown support isn’t at the top of your iOS 26 wish list, but it’s a big deal among the creatives that make up Apple’s core audience.

WatchOS 26 supported models (Image credit: Future/Tom’s Guide) Rumors have been pretty clear about which iPads, iPhones and Macs are expected to support the latest software updates coming later this year for Apple. It’s a lot less clear with watchOS 26. The current version — watchOS 11 — works on the Apple Watch 6 or later, as well as the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and any Apple Watch Ultra model. But the Apple Watch 6, which came out in 2020, may be running out of time. Our best guess is that watchOS 26 will support the Apple Watch 7 or later as well as the 2022 Apple Watch SE and every Apple Watch Ultra model. We’ll find out if we’re right later today.

iOS 26 Messages upgrades (Image credit: Shutterstock) There’s apparently two notable upgrades coming to the Messages app in iOS 26.

The first is the ability to create polls, which could come in handy for things like deciding where to get dinner. This is a feature that’s already available in WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

The second new rumored iOS 26 Messages feature is the ability to set a background image for your conversations. This could be a lot of fun so long as it’s easy to use.

Get ready for ‘Liquid Glass’ (Image credit: Front Page Tech / YouTube) Hey, it’s Mark Spoonauer, and I’m in Cupertino ahead of WWDC 2025 for Apple’s big event.

Apple is about to introduce a pretty major change to the look and feel of its interface, and it looks like it’s going to be called Liquid Glass. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Liquid Glass will “include transparency and shine effects in all of Apple’s tool bars, in-app interfaces and controls.”

This is not just about the iPhone 17 series and iPhone 17 Air but also Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone for 2027, which will reportedly sport curved glass sides around the whole phone, super slim bezels and no notch at all.

And the winners are (Image credit: Apple) Another WWDC announcement that came early this year involved the Apple Design Awards. Apple normally announces those during the week of its developer conference, and it still plans to honor the winners at the 2025 event. But the winners and finalists were unveiled in the build-up to this week’s WWDC. All told, Apple recognizes two winners — an app and a game — in six different categories: Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, Visuals and Graphics. Expect to hear more about the winning apps as WWDC week goes on.

Software accessibility improvements (Image credit: Apple) Apple doesn’t always wait until WWDC to let you know what software improvements are coming. As part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day back in May, Apple announced software improvements coming later this year to all its different platforms, with the goal of making its devices more accessible. Highlights include accessibility “nutrition labels” on offerings in the App Store that will detail accessibility features for each app. macOS is getting a Magnifier feature to help you read small print, similar to the tool that’s already on the iPhone and iPad. You’ll also be able to open any app on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Vision Pro by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. There’s a new Accessibility Reader coming to Apple devices that simplifies text for users with low-vision, dyslexia and other conditions. And Live Captions are coming to the Apple Watch. We’ve got a full list of these accessibility features announced last month.

macOS 26 rumored supported devices (Image credit: Future) If reports about macOS 26 support are true, the release of that software update later this year will truly put a pin in the Intel-based Mac era. Among currently supported Macs, it sounds as if those with Intel chips are the ones that won’t be able to run the new software. Here’s the list of Macs that are set to lose support with macOS 26, according to rumors. 2017 iMac Pro

2018 Mac mini

2018 MacBook Pro models

2020 MacBook Air (with Intel chips) The most recent device on the no-no list is the 2020 MacBook Air, and even then, the lack of support only affects Intel-based versions of the laptop. By the process of elimination then, here are the Macs that can run Sequoia that should also be running macOS Tahoe later this year: 2019 MacBook Pro 2019 or later

2019 Mac Pro or later

2020 iMac or later

MacBook Air M1 or later

Mac mini M1 or later

Mac Studio — all models

Tariff talk (Image credit: AppleTrack) It won’t come up at WWDC 2025, but this year’s conference takes place as Apple finds itself trying to mitigate the effects of tariffs being imposed — or threatened — by the Trump administration. CEO Tim Cook told analysts that Apple estimates tariffs adding $900 million to the company’s costs in the current quarter as it shifts around production. And just a few weeks ahead of WWDC, President Trump raised the prospect of imposing a 25% tariff on Apple products (including the iPhone) unless they’re manufactured in the U.S. That could translate to higher iPhone costs come the fall when the iPhone 17 lineup debuts, though Apple will reportedly go out of its way to not ascribe any blame to tariffs. Again, none of the above figures to be a part of Apple’s keynote on Monday. Though if Tim Cook does spend any time talking up Apple’s plans to invest $500 billion over the next four years on U.S. expansion efforts including manufacturing, you’ll know the message is intended for an audience of one.

iOS 26: AI for better battery life (Image credit: Future) As part of the iOS 26 update, your iPhone could add a new charging feature that will be familiar to Android users — a better idea of how long it will take to top off your phone’s battery. The rumored power management feature coming via this year’s iOS update will reportedly draw on AI to look at your phone usage, determining which apps can be deprioritized to reduce power draw. The end result is that your phone will adjust on the fly so that your battery life remains solid for longer. Here’s the part that would mimic a feature found on Android phones. As part of iOS 26, a charging time indicator could come to the lock screen that will list how much time it will take to fully charge your iPhone.

iPadOS 26 compatibility (Image credit: Future) From the sound of reports involving iPadOS 26, only one tablet is set to lose compatibility when the new iPad software arrives later this year. Apparently, only the 7th-generation iPad — also known as the iPad 10.2 — won’t make the grade for iOS 26 compatibility. Considering that tablet came out in 2019, that’s a pretty good track record of support. So what iPads will support iOS 26? Here’s the current models that are expected to make the grade: iPad Pro (2018 or later)

iPad Air (3rd generation or later)

iPad mini (5th generation or later)

iPad (8th generation and later)

Is this the new name for macOS? (Image credit: Getty Images) It’s not just a question of whether Apple is going to call its new Mac software macoS 16 or macOS 26. There’s also the matter of what California city/landmark/point of interest gets used as the nickname for this year’s update. Dating back to 2013’s OS X 10.9, Apple stopped using big cats as the nomenclature for its annual OS updates and instead turned to the California-based naming system, dubbing that release Mac OS Mavericks, after the surfing spot off the California coast. Since then, we’ve had a dozen updates culminating in last year’s macOS Sequoia release. If you’re interested, here’s the complete list. Mavericks

Yosemite

El Capitan

Sierra

High Sierra

Mojave

Catalina

Big Sur

Monterey

Ventura

Sonoma

Sequoia A Mark Gurman report from earlier this month lists macOS Tahoe as the likely name for the new update. And that makes sense, in light of the Solarium code-name Apple is using for its interface overhaul. After all, Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border is known for its crystal blue waters, much like the glassy, reflective look Apple is rumored to be bringing to its software this year.

iOS 26 supported devices (Image credit: Future) The arrival of any new iPhone software raises the question of which devices will be able to upgrade to the new version and which will be left behind. Based on early reports, it sounds like a few aging iPhone may get left off the list of iOS 26 supported devices. Specifically, it’s expected that the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max will be on the outside looking in once the full version of iOS 26 arrives this fall. That’s sort of understandable — by the time Apple’s new software is ready for download, it will have been seven years since those phones debuted. Google and Samsung now promise seven years of software and security support for their top devices. Apple doesn’t have an official policy in place, but five years seems to be the minimum and lately, older iPhones have been retaining compatibility for around six years. At least if you’re clinging on to an iPhone XR or one of the XS models, you’ve got a few months to decide which of the best iPhones to upgrade to — assuming you want to make the jump to iOS 26.

On tap for the iPad (Image credit: Tom’s Guide) iPadOS updates often get overshadowed by iOS — after all, the iPad software is really just the iPhone software but fine-tuned to run on Apple’s tablets. But sometimes, Apple includes some iPad-specific changes that aren’t a part of iOS, and that appears to be the case with iPadOS 26. In addition to interface changes, reports have Apple boosting the multitasking features available to iPad users with this update. There’s been talk of a menu bar coming to iPads similar to what macOS offers, but specifics on how multitasking will improve with iPadOS 26 remain up in the air. There’s another potential change set for both the iPhone and iPad, though you would imagine the iPad would reap the bigger benefit — the addition of a mobile version of the Preview app. That’s a mainstay on the Mac, of course, but an iPad version would let you view, edit and annotate PDFs from your tablet. For its part, 9to5Mac says its sources have confirmed the addition of Preview to the iPad, along with more robust file management features.

(Image credit: Shutterstock/ Tom’s Guide) We can talk about what’s rumored for iOS 26 and what we’ll see when Apple previews its new iPhone software this week. But my colleague Josh Render believes Apple has some unfinished business from iOS 18 — namely beefing up Apple Intelligence and delivering a more robust Siri.

Games take center stage (Image credit: Radu Bercan / Shutterstock) Apple does have a gaming app of sorts in the form of Game Center, though it’s really more a setting for managing lists of your gaming friends and tracking high scores in different games. But gaming will take a far more front-and-center role, particularly on the new version of iOS, with Apple likely to announce a standalone gaming app at WWDC. As described in reports on Apple’s gaming app plans, the new offering would offer similar services to the current Game Center, letting you connect to other players and log your achievements in specific games. But this rumored gaming app will supposedly let you launch games directly, and it’s also supposed to promote the Apple Arcade subscription gaming service. You can certainly expect to see the app on iPhones, should it arrive as expected, but I can see it as part of the iPadOS and macOS updates, too. Perhaps even tvOS as Apple has used its Apple TV platform as a place to play games as well.

A glasses sneak preview? (Image credit: Martin Hajek/ iDrop News/ Shutterstock/ Tom’s Guide) Apple isn’t expected to have a pair of smart glasses ready until the end of 2026, according to reports. But one thing we do know is that Apple is very keen on releasing such a product, taking what it’s learned from the Vision Pro and bringing that spatial computing experience to a more affordable piece of hardware that more people are likely to wear. By some accounts, this is what CEO Tim Cook is focused on. So do smart glasses get any sort of mention at WWDC 2025? Probably not. The launch window is too far off, and Apple is pretty circumspect when it comes to unannounced products. That said, if Apple is seriously about mixed reality glasses, it’s going to need developer support, and those developers will need to get cracking on apps at some point so that they’re ready by the time the Apple Glasses are ready to ship. At some point, you’d expect some sort of outreach to developers, most likely at WWDC. It’s not unprecedented, after all. Apple showed off the Vision Pro headset at WWDC 2023 — some eight months before the hardware went on sale. You could easily see smart glasses taking a similar route to retail shelves, with a big preview at a developer event to get people thinking about software for the devices. But again, that seems more likely for WWDC 2026 than this year. Still, keep it in the back of your mind, if you’re trying to anticipate possible surprise announcements during Monday’s keynote.

(Image credit: Apple) Keep in mind all the previews we’re going to see at WWDC 2025 are exactly that — previews of full releases that will be coming out later this year. But based on Apple’s recent track record of software updates, we can go into WWDC with some expectation as to how the iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates will roll out. This week — possibly as soon as Monday’s keynote ends — Apple will release developer betas. You used to have to be a paying member of Apple’s developer program to download these betas, but lately, just having an Apple ID will suffice. That said, the betas coming out during WWDC will be very early stage, and you’ll likely want to avoid installing them on any device you rely on as part of your daily routine. Better to wait for the public beta program to launch. That typically takes place a few weeks after WWDC — either the end of June or the start of July. Public beta updates will appear throughout the summer. The full releases typically show up in the fall, around the same time as Apple’s new iPhones and Apple Watches appear. Our best guess to the iPhone 17 release date is an event taking place during the second week of September — again, that’s based on Apple’s track record. Assuming the phones ship a week to 10 days later, you’d certainly imagine that iOS 26 — and all the other software updates — would arrive a few days before that.

What’s coming with watchOS (Image credit: Tom’s Guide) Whether you call it watchOS 12 or watchOS 26, Apple’s smart watch software is going to get a preview at WWDC. And while the redesign affecting all Apple software should also be visible on the Apple Watch — particularly the glassy look that’s expected to mirror the visionOS interface — some other watchOS changes could be in store. Specifically, it’s rumored some sort of blood-pressure monitoring feature could find its way to the Apple Watch. We’d also expect some sort of new training metric — maybe a daily energy score to match a feature found on watches and fitness trackers from Samsung, Google and Garmin. And while Apple Intelligence figures to take a back seat at WWDC this year, some AI-powered features could debut on the Apple Watch. It’s rumored that AI-powered notification summaries could appear on the Apple Watch as part of this watchOS update.

tvOS 26 in the spotlight (Image credit: Apple) tvOS is often the forgotten software update at WWDC, but I don’t think that will be the case this year. Along with the rest of Apple’s software, the operating system that powers the Apple TV set-top box is slated for a new look . (And a new name as well, with tvOS 26 taking the place of tvOS 19. Interface changes include translucent menus, a new glossy glass look, and rounded icons in tvOS that are forecasted for other Apple software. The updated interface could also herald the arrival of a new Apple TV device , though we likely won’t find out about that until later in the year. You’d imagine that tvOS might also power the screen-equipped version of the HomePod that’s supposedly in the works from Apple as well.

How big will the interface overhaul be? (Image credit: ShutterStock) In his reporting on Apple’s Solarium plans — specifically the changes coming to the iOS software — Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has called the new look potentially “the most dramatic overhaul” in Apple’s history . It’s certainly the biggest change to the look of Apple’s phone software in a long time, as the basic elements of the iPhone software have pretty much remained in place since iOS 7. That’s a dozen years. I’m not typically inclined to embrace change — particularly widespread change — but heading into WWDC 2025, I’m pretty sanguine about the new interface . Yes, iOS 19 (or iOS 26 if you prefer) is going to look different from what’s come before it. But from what I’ve seen of interface renders, the software is largely going to operate the same way. With the exception of the search bar moving to the bottom of the screen, most of what you already have in the iPhone software will still be there — it’ll just look different. At least that’s my hope ahead of the iOS preview.

Name changes: iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and more (Image credit: BongkarnGraphic / Shutterstock) We thought WWDC 2025 would bring us iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16 etc. We’re still getting previews of those updates, but they may arrive under different names. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman broke the news last month that Apple may move to a new naming system for its software releases . The current approach just uses the version number, but Apple is reportedly ready to move to a year-based system. So, instead of iOS 19, the version of the iPhone software we’re going to see at WWDC will likely be iOS 26 . We’ll have to wait for an official explanation from Apple for the change, but we’re guessing this is a move to stress a uniform experience across Apple devices — much like the software overhaul that figures to be a big part of WWDC, too.

Get ready for Solarium (Image credit: Apple) The big news out of WWDC figures to be an interface overhaul for all of Apple’s software, with the new look being called “Solarium” within the walls of Cuperinto. That code-name provides something of a hint as to what features are coming via the redesign — a solarium is an enclosure with a lot of glass, allowing light to pass through. Think translucent panels and menus appearing in the next versions of iOS, macOS and more. The new look is apparently inspired by Apple’s visionOS, and if you’ve never had a chance to try on the headsets powered by that software, be sure to read our Apple Vision Pro review , paying particular mind to the section on the software interface.

If you want a look at how Solarium might impact the look of your Apple devices, Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech has put together some sample iOS screenshots based on pre-release builds of Apple’s upcoming iPhone software. Besides the translucent menus, we’re seeing design touches like rounded icons and controls, search bars moving to the bottom of Apple’s built-in apps and more.

Mark Gurman’s WWDC announcement forecast (Image credit: Tom’s Guide/Shutterstock) There are few better sources for pending Apple announcements than Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, and just ahead of WWDC’s kickoff, he posted a list of two dozen or so upgrades and updates. We’ve boiled it down to key WWDC 2025 announcements . Here they are in brief: A unified interface and naming convention across all of Apple’s software platforms

Big redesigns for the Phone, Camera and Safari apps on the iPhone

A dedicated games app on iOS

Improved multitasking for iPadOS

Support for eye-scrolling and third-party controllers in visionOS

Synced Wi-Fi network logins across different Apple platforms

AI-based translation features coming via Apple Intelligence

Developers get access to Apple’s AI models to build AI features into their apps

A Genmoji update that lets you mash together existing emoji

Updated Shortcuts app with greater Apple Intelligence tie-ins We’ll have more on these potential announcements and more throughout the hours leading up to the WWDC 2025 keynote.

Refresh

(Image credit: Apple) iPadOS is getting improved audio and video capabilities and background tasks. For instance, you can now do things like export a video in the background while working on something else on your iPad. There will be an API for this, as well, so third-party app developers can also use it. This should be a really helpful features for people who use their iPad for creative tasks like video or photo editing. Plus, the Journal app is coming to iPadOS and it sounds like the iPad is getting a 3D graphing feature in Math Notes, which will be helpful for students.

(Image credit: Apple) Apple is finally improving the iPadOS Files app. It still looks effectively the same as before, but with the new file customization options from macOS. You can also pin files to your dock now and you’ll have more options for how you open individual files. The Preview app, previously only on macOS, is coming to iPadOS, too. You can use this to more easily edit and export files and images.

(Image credit: Apple) iPadOS 26 is up next! As expected, it’s getting the big Liquid Glass redesign. We’re also getting improvements to Multitasking and file management. It’s finally here: an updated windowing system on iPadOS! It looks a lot more like the windowing system on macOS, which is a huge relief. App windows will still default to full screen like normal, but you can also resize them and stack them on top of each other anywhere you want on your screen. The trackpad pointer in iPadOS looks more like a Mac pointer now, too, and it can even activate Mac-like window controls. Plus, we have more tiling options for quickly optimizing and resizing windows to fill your screen. This new windowing system looks like it will work best on larger iPads, but it will also likely make using your iPad like a laptop much more functional and intuitive.

(Image credit: Apple) The Vision Pro is getting new accessories, like the Logitech Muse pen along with PSVR controllers. Both could go a long way toward expanding precision controls on Apple’s mixed reality platform, especially for gaming. Will PlayStation VR controller compatibility bring more VR games to visionOS? We’ll have to wait and see.

(Image credit: Apple) Next up is visionOS 26. You can now create customizable widgets in visionOS 26, which you can “place” geographically, like placing a clock or photo widget on your wall. The WidgetKit API will allow third-party developers to offer widgets in visionOS, too. Plus, Spatial Scenes is getting an update to bring more 3D photos to visionOS (and the Photos app on iOS). You can use it to transform 2D photos into 3D and streamline web pages. Personas, the 3D digital version of you rendered when you’re talking to others on FaceTime while wearing the Vision Pro, is getting an update, as well. It will make personas look a bit cleaner, sharper, and more realistic.

(Image credit: Apple) As expected, the new Games app is coming to macOS, too. It will integrate Metal 4 rendering along with social features like calling and chatting with friends during games. Inzoi is coming to macOS, but it doesn’t sound like we’re getting many gaming updates this year.

(Image credit: Apple) The Shortcuts app is getting an update in macOS. Now you can automate your shortcuts and use Apple Intelligence to create “intelligent actions,” including a dedicated Apple Intelligence shortcut. For instance, you can create a shortcut to have Apple Intelligence summarize your notes for you. Spotlight Search will use Apple Intelligence now, too, with help from Quick Keys, a new feature that’s essentially keyboard shortcuts. For example, you can type the “sm” command to send a message. You can use these commands throughout macOS apps, too, such as in Pages. Plus, you can view and access your clipboard history from the Spotlight Search bar. Third-party app developers can use the App Intents API to integrate those new features in their macOS apps, too.

(Image credit: Apple) The Phone app is coming to macOS! You can now access your contacts and call history and answer and start calls directly from your Mac. It includes all the same new features coming to the iOS Phone app, as well, which is a nice update.

(Image credit: Apple) Craig Federighi is back to cover macOS 26! This year’s version will be called “Tahoe.” The Liquid Glass UI is the highlight, as expected, with many of the same new features as iOS like backgrounds in the Messages app. The desktop still looks familiar overall, though. The Liquid Glass aesthetic simply adds a subtle, cleaner look, but everything is effectively still laid out the same. You can now customize the control center on macOS, which is a nice update. Plus, you can customize how your folders look with different colors and emojis. macOS has access to the same dark mode and tinted color modes you can use to customize iOS, as well.

(Image credit: Apple) tvOS is getting a cute karaoke feature that allows you to use your iPhone as a mic, which will adjust the volume automatically and highlight lyrics on your TV as you go.

(Image credit: Apple) tvOS is up next! Liquid Glass makes it less disruptive to access and tweak playback features while watching something, thanks to the transparent, glassy UI. We’re getting a new slew of AppleTV originals, too! This year’s upcoming slate looks to include new seasons of Foundation, Slow Horses, Loot, The Morning Show, Invasion, a slew of new movies, and more. Looks like there won’t be a new season of For All Mankind just yet, though.

(Image credit: Apple) Smart stacks in watchOS 26 will use GPS and Apple Intelligence to predict what widgets you need based on your locations and activity. For example, when you enter a gym, your workout widget will pop up in your watch’s smart stack. The new wrist flick gesture will also make it easier to do things like silence notifications. Plus, Live Translation is coming to watchOS, too, as are backgrounds from the Messages app. The Notes app is coming to watchOS, as well.

(Image credit: Apple) That’s all for iOS 26 for now. Next up, David Clark on watchOS 26. For starters, watchOS is of course getting the Liquid Glass redesign. watchOS 26 will also utilize Apple Intelligence significantly more now. For instance, the “workout buddy” feature can analyze your fitness data to track your progress and give you encouragement based on it. So, you can have an customized AI-generated voice give you a pep talk at the start of your workout and announce benchmarks and performance updates during your workout. It could be a cool feature if the AI voices don’t sound too uncanny.

(Image credit: Apple) Next, we’re getting an update to Visual Intelligence. Now when you take a screenshot, you will also have an option to search for the content in the screenshot using Visual Intelligence. Likewise, you can use Visual Intelligence to add an event your calendar by taking a screenshot. You can also use it to ask questions with ChatGPT.

(Image credit: Apple) Next up, gaming! As rumored, Apple is launching a new gaming app called the Games app. Here you can see updates on games you’ve been playing, suggestions for new games, access Apple Arcade, and view and manage your game library. The Games app will also integrate social features allowing you to view and compares your scores to friends’ and see what everyone is playing. There will be a leaderboards feature third-party developers can use, too.

The Maps app is getting an update to “remember” your preferred routes to places you frequently visit. It will even adapt if you start using a different preferred route to get to the same place. Plus, you can now review places you’ve previously visited in case you want to go back. If your iPhone remembering where you go sounds a little creepy, don’t worry. Like the rest of your Apple Intelligence data, even Apple won’t be able to access it.

(Image credit: Apple) Apple is announcing Live Translation! This is an exciting feature, assuming it can translate accurately. It will use Apple Intelligence to translate in real-time in the Messages app or even generate live translated captions in FaceTime. Live Translation can do translated voice overs in phone calls, too. It sounds like this feature will work regardless of whether the other person has an iPhone. Translation will even work in Apple Music to translate song lyrics.

(Image credit: Apple) Now on to Darin Adler, VP of Internet Technologies, to cover updates to a handful of iOS apps. First, the phone app is getting a slight redesign that will include voice mail summaries generated by Apple Intelligence. Plus, Call Screening will automatically (and silently) answer calls from unknown numbers, a feature that’s designed to block spam calls more efficiently. Hopefully it works well because it looks pretty helpful. Similarly, a new Hold Assist feature will let you automate being on hold by notifying you when you’re off hold so you can do other things in the meantime. Meanwhile, the Messages app is getting a cool new backgrounds feature like the backgrounds you can use on other messaging apps like Telegram. Group messages are also getting a Polls feature, also similar to the polls you can make in Telegram or Discord. Group chats are getting typing indicators, too. Plus, the AI call screening tool will also screen out spam text messages.

(Image credit: Apple) Emily Schubert is up next to give us some updates to Apple Car Play. Like the rest of the Apple ecosystem, Car Play is getting the Liquid Glass UI overhaul. It looks really clean. Notifications like calls and texts are minimized now so you can still see your GPS while answering a call. You can also pin live activity in Car Play, like watching a flight status off to the side of your GPS window. Some compatible cars will also get more customization now with Car Play Ultra.

(Image credit: Apple) Next up is updates to the Camera app. It’s getting streamlined to mainly display photo and video mode. You now have to swipe to switch to more advanced modes. It still looks nice, though, and will probably be easier to use for many people. The Photos app is getting tweaked, too. Tabs are back, which were removed in last year’s big iOS update.

(Image credit: Apple) Craig Federighi is back to announce the new OS names. As expected, everything will now be numbered by year, meaning this year we’re getting iOS 26, which Federighi is diving into now. The new Liquid Glass UI will respond to the different dark and tinted modes in iOS 26, which looks better than the tints in the current UI aesthetic. You can also use different fonts on your lockscreen now, which looks pretty cool. The time font on the lockscreen will even adapt and adjust size as your lockscreen fills up with notifications. Plus, you can have “3D” photos on your lockscreen that will shift as you turn your phone from side to side. Neat!

We’re getting our first look at the redesign! It will be a universal design across all of Apple’s operating systems, inspired by visionOS as rumors predicted. Alan Dye, VP of Human Interface, is here to introduce the new look, called “Liquid Glass”. We’re seeing a lot of clean, transparent UI elements with a bubbly, glass-like look. It’s very clean and a nice refresh without being too different from the existing aesthetic on Apple’s platforms. The glassy UI will respond to what’s on screen and in your environment, so the transparency hopefully won’t lead to visibility or readability issues. The whole UI looks more responsive and adaptable.

(Image credit: Apple) Confirmed! Craig Federighi is announcing the major visual redesign we were expecting for Apple’s operating systems! He referenced the overhaul from iOS 7, so hopefully this redesign is just as good.

(Image credit: Apple) Tim Cook is passing things over to Craig Federighi to get our first round of announcements started. Apple Intelligence is up first. Federighi is getting the ball rolling by highlighting the handful of AI features Apple was able to roll out this year (a short list that doesn’t include a new-and-improved Siri). Federighi name-dropped Siri, but it doesn’t sound like we’ll hear much about it today. With that said, Apple is launching a new Foundation Models framework feature, which will allow third-party app developers to tap into Apple Intelligence’s on-device AI capabilities. That means other apps can offer AI features that are processed locally, helping to keep your data private.

Apple is kicking things off with its usual cinematic intro video, this one featuring an F1 race car pilot by Apple’s Senior VP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi. Yes, the race car has Apple Car Play. And Tim Cook is running Federighi’s pit team.

WWDC 2025 — June 9 | Apple – YouTube Watch On Apple’s WWDC 2025 is starting now! You can tune in on YouTube to watch live or follow along here where we’ll be covering everything Apple announces!

(Image credit: Apple) Say “so long!” to the flat design aesthetic on Apple’s operating systems because today Apple is expected to announce a huge visual overhaul like we haven’t seen since iOS 7 back in 2013. Rumors so far suggest Apple took inspiration from visionOS, which might seem ironic since the Vision Pro has struggled to catch on. Even if the headset itself hasn’t been a hit, its unique operating system could bring a fresh look to the rest of Apple’s operating systems, with more transparent UI elements and a glass-like aesthetic.

A return to gaming? (Image credit: Snappa) Another key rumor heading into WWDC is that Apple is ready to unveil a Game Center replacement during today’s keynote. Compared to other game platforms, Apple’s is very much a bare-bones experience. Could that be something set to change over the next few hours? We’ve already seen Microsoft amend its Windows operating system to better accommodate gaming with its new “Xbox full screen experience,” and Apple should be taking notes, especially for macOS. As macOS Sonoma released in 2023, Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit caused a stir as it was shown to impressively bring previously Windows and Linux only titles to the platform. With macOS Sequoia, Apple announced the Game Porting Toolkit 2, and while similarly impressive, hype around the porting of games to macOS has somewhat tamed. Far from another Apple Arcade-like portal, I’m hoping that Apple can regain some momentum on this front, and hopefully surprise us with a new outlook on gaming, beyond a simple launcher.

macOS 26 “Tahoe” is more than a feature drop (Image credit: Apple) MacBook users are more than familiar with the annual update cycle, with new features dropping alongside a new OS version and several new wallpapers. But with macOS 26, or “Tahoe,” things are a little bit more special. The “Liquid Glass” design that looks set to charm iPhone users also appears set for MacBooks, Apple Watches, iPads, and more, promising this update to feel all the more special. While it’s claimed that Apple won’t have much to show on the AI front in terms of ramping up its own models, Tahoe could be a fantastic opportunity for Apple to put the tech they’ve already developed into action, and start playing catch-up to Microsoft’s lead in the race to the AI operating system.

Siri to join the iOS rebranding? (Image credit: Rael Hornby, Photo by Apple) We’re already expecting to see a bold rebrand of Apple’s operating systems this year. The new “Liquid Glass” design aside, Apple will be trading the usual version names of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and others to highlight the software’s year of service — trading what would be iOS 19 for iOS 26. However, a last-minute post by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo may suggest another major rebrand isn’t far off. This time, for Siri. In a post shared to X earlier today, Kuo shares his belief that part of Apple’s AI strategy for WWDC 2025 will involve “Rebranding Apple Intelligence/Siri.” We’ve long heard that the LLM (Large Language Model) overhaul of Siri has run into trouble, and that it’s a project labored with multiple delays. However, if Kuo, whose insights have previously played out accurately, is right, Apple’s big AI announcement could be an all-new virtual assistant — not Siri, but whatever comes next. Three Key Points to Watch at Apple WWDC 20251. Apple’s AI strategy takes center stage, with updates like UI changes and OS improvements playing a secondary role.2. No major breakthroughs in Apple’s AI technology are expected. Still, with the market’s limited expectations,…June 9, 2025

More for Mac? (Image credit: Apple) The battery life-boosting features and charging transparency heading to iPhone is great, but can we expect similar features to arrive on Macs? The Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are some of the longest lasting laptops on the market already, with the recent M4 MacBook Air 13 pushing past the 15-hour mark on our Laptop Mag battery test in March. If a little of that rumored Apple Intelligence-powered battery magic for iPhone makes it way to Macs, could Apple push the envelope even further when it comes to all-day power for the portable computer? We hope so.

Battery Intelligence: Something borrowed, something new (Image credit: Getty Images) Another handy iOS 26 feature tipped to be unveiled today is something new to iPhone, but borrowed from Android smartphones. Alongside iOS 26’s claimed AI power management feature, iPhone users will reportedly now receive an estimate on how long it will take for their device to reach full charge from the lock screen. This feature was first spotted in code for the iOS 18.2 beta, where it was referred to as “BatteryIntelligence,” but was suspiciously missing from the public release. However, many signs point to the feature finally making its iPhone debut with iOS 26.

iOS 26: Charged with Intelligence (Image credit: NOMAD Goods) Battery life is one of the most important specs people look for when purchasing a new smartphone, and it’s something that Apple has excelled at providing with its recent iPhones. And, while Apple Intelligence is said to play a smaller role at this year’s WWDC, it could power a new iOS 26 feature to make adjustments on the fly to limit power consumption and push your battery life further than ever before.

Looking ahead with Liquid Glass (Image credit: Apple) It’s something of an open secret that Apple is hard at work developing a pair of futuristic frames following the success of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, but it’s unlikely that we’ll catch sight of them during this year’s keynote. However, should early reports surrounding the transparency-focused “Liquid Glass” redesign of Apple’s interfaces prove accurate, a more “see through” smart glasses-friendly UI will be on-hand for Apple to make use of when it’s ready to reveal its glasses — which, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, are expected to arrive by the end of 2026.

A visionOS of the future? (Image credit: Apple) Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” aesthetics are said to be inspired by the look of visionOS, the operating system exclusive to the Apple Vision Pro headset. While the Vision Pro may be relinquishing its frosted glass-like visuals to other devices in the Apple ecosystem, it too is expected to receive several minor design changes in visionOS 26 — alongside several other rumored features including “eye-scrolling” and support for third-party VR controllers (finally).

The all-class “Liquid Glass” (Image credit: Apple) According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, one of the biggest reveals of today’s keynote will be an all-new UI design set to feature across the board for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 (“Tahoe”), and visionOS 26, named “Liquid Glass.” The new interface is set to replace the current “Flat Design” Apple users have been familiar with since 2013, offering more contemporary design that focuses on transparency and shine effects — likely as a prelude to a new look for 2027’s “Glasswing” iPhone, which is rumored to ditch the metal frame for entirely curved glass sides.

WWDC 2025 is now just hours away (Image credit: Apple) We’re now just a handful of hours away from today’s keynote to kickstart WWDC 2025, and Apple CEO Tim Cook is already shining a spotlight on the next generation of “Wozniaks” by celebrating the winners of this year’s Swift Student Challenge which awards 350 young developers for the creativity, innovation, and social impact of their apps. Love starting #WWDC25 with our Swift Student Challenge winners! pic.twitter.com/DiL29bcfieJune 9, 2025

“Tahoe” is coming Pictured: Lake Tahoe, California. The new macOS will reportedly be called “Tahoe,” the latest in a long line of California-inspired names. (Image credit: Getty Images/Joe Sohm/Visions of America / Contributor) Citing sources within Apple, Bloomberg reported last weekend that “People within the company believe [WWDC 2025] may be a letdown from an AI standpoint. Others familiar with the company’s planned announcements worry they could make Apple’s shortcomings even more obvious.” Other announcements expected at WWDC: ➡️ Apple will open up its on-device AI models to developers who want to include on-device AI in their apps. This is just on-device AI, and not cloud-based AI, so there are significant limitations compared to services like Google Gemini. ➡️ The Translate app is reportedly going to be all new and integrated with AirPods. ➡️ A variety of projects are reportedly ongoing at Apple right now, but won’t be part of this year’s WWDC. These include a revamped Shortcuts app, a chatbot to compete with ChatGPT, a redesigned Health app, and a medical services codenamed “Mulberry,” plus a Siri upgrade to reportedly make Siri more like the voice mode of ChatGPT. Finally, in this update, Apple is expected to release a new macOS named “Tahoe” after Lake Tahoe in California. Other California-inspired macOS names have been Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia.

AirPods changes are coming (Image credit: Apple) According to reports, AirPods are slated to get a number of new features at WWDC. Those features will further integrate AirPods into more of your activities, such as listening to music, making phone calls, taking photos, and even sleeping. According to a report from 9 to 5 Mac, citing anonymous sources within Apple, the company will enable you to take pictures by pinching your AirPod stem. AirPods will also be able to detect when you fall asleep. (Though it’s unclear if your AirPods or your Apple Watch will recognize the sleep detection. Read more about the reported updates here: “New Apple AirPods feature will know about your day’s most private moment.”

There’s still some hope for WWDC Although the mood has been gloomy around WWDC this year due to its reported lack of major news, the event could be a low-key banger for millions of iOS power users. Here’s why: Key updates to iOS apps that many Apple users use daily appear to be coming. Messages, Notes, and CarPlay will all see updates, reports 9 to 5 Mac in an exclusive report published this week. Messages will get live translation thanks to AI. Messages may also get a polls feature. Apple Music will have animated album art that will show up on the lock screen. In Notes, you’ll be able to export your content into Markdown. Chances are, if you use Markdown code and Apple Notes, you’re crying tears of joy right now. It’ll be a cause for celebration for a dedicated bunch. CarPlay is an essential tool for iPhone users who drive, and in iOS 26, the look of CarPlay will get a long-overdue new look.

Is Apple taking another shot at video games? (Image credit: Future) Apple recently acquired RAC7, the two-person operation behind the cute and very fun Sneaky Sasquatch, which won the Apple Arcade award for Game of the Year in 2020. It is often in the top 10 of the most popular games on Apple Arcade. Apple’s acquisition of Vancouver-based RAC7 might’ve been the first shoe to drop for a new pivot to gaming. A report from Bloomberg says Apple will debut a stand-alone app for video games (right now Apple Arcade is a tab in the App Store) that will show up in MacBooks, iPads, Apple TV, and, of course, the iPhone. Bloomberg reports that this stand-alone app will replace Game Center and promote Apple Arcade, the $6.99/month service that enables users to play games like Sneaky Sasquatch.

iPadOS might get a big upgrade (Image credit: Apple) Along with iOS 26, we’re also expecting to see the 19th version of iPad OS, which will be called iPad OS 26. We expect it to arrive with a slate of updates similar to the iOS system’s. It could get the same visual overhaul that iOS 19 receives, but there’s also a chance that this could be the year iOS and iPadOS really diverge if Apple decides to move iPadOS closer to its Mac operating system. As someone who has used an iPad as a laptop replacement, I have to admit I’m on board with the latter. While iPadOS shouldn’t be completely melted into macOS, it would be nice to have better file management and a more laptop-like interface for using iPads with a Magic Keyboard and a mouse. Aside from visual changes, iPadOS 26 will likely get some of the same updates as iOS 26, including Apple Intelligence updates and AI-powered battery life optimization. We could also see improvements to Stage Manager, which seems especially likely if Apple debuts a more Mac-like iPadOS.

What next with MacOS? (Image credit: Apple) Another announcement that’s a lock for WWDC 2025 is the 16th edition of macOS, which will be called macOS 26, Apple has consistently given its macOS updates California-themed names over the past several years, and there are still dozens of likely candidates they haven’t used, so it’s hard to predict which one macOS 26 will get. The possibilities include Redwood, Mammoth, Condor, and Shasta. Regardless of the name, we expect macOS 26 to get a visual overhaul similar to iOS/iPadOS 26. MacOS 26 may look more like its iPhone and iPad counterparts this year, especially if Apple takes inspiration from visionOS. Changes could include circular app icons, translucent windows, and simplified navigation. Additionally, some features from iOS 26 could carry over to macOS, like AI-powered battery optimization and any Apple Intelligence updates.

WatchOS jumping up to WatchOS 26 While it might not be the star of the show, the Apple Watch is expected to receive an update with the 12th edition of watchOS, which will be called watchOS 26, at WWDC 2025. Like this year’s other software updates, this update will feature major visual changes. Those visual updates will probably also include more Apple Intelligence features, which the Watch hasn’t seen much of yet. For instance, we might get AI-powered health and fitness tools integrated into watchOS or AI-scripted replies to texts. Of course, the Apple Watch will also be able to take advantage of the upcoming Siri update, but as mentioned above, we might not see that until well into 2026, even if it’s announced at this year’s WWDC.

iOS 19 changing to iOS 26 (Image credit: Future) One announcement that’s all but certain to appear at WWDC 2025 is the 19th version of iOS, called iOS 26. WWDC is mainly a software-focused event, and iOS is Apple’s most widely used platform, so it’s always part of the main keynote. Rumors so far hint that iOS 26 could include some major changes, specifically an overhaul to iOS’s visual style, which we haven’t seen since iOS 7. Some images leaked back in March claiming to show those visual changes, but Apple analyst Mark Gurman refuted them in a Threads post, specifically stating they “aren’t 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 how they’ll look.

(Image credit: Getty Images) The Apple Vision Pro has struggled to catch on since it launched in February 2024, but Apple is still diligently supporting it with software updates, which could lead to a rumored pair of smart glasses on the horizon. So, it’s no surprise that WWDC 2025 will likely include a look at the third edition of visionOS, which will be called visionOS 26. Interestingly, it sounds like the big visual updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS may have taken some inspiration from visionOS, so this OS might not change as much as the others in the Apple lineup. Even so, it will likely still get a mention in the keynote and possibly a sneak peek at any upcoming apps and movies made for Vision Pro.

Let’s talk about Apple Intelligence (Image credit: Apple) Apple first announced Apple Intelligence at last year’s WWDC, so we expect to see Apple spotlight some updates to its struggling AI platform during this year’s keynote. Apple Intelligence got off to a rough start this year, with features slow to roll out and the critical Siri overhaul nowhere in sight. Delays with Apple Intelligence even caused a leadership shake-up at Apple, which will hopefully lead to more features and quicker updates, including the promised LLM Siri update. One feature we could see at WWDC 2025 is a rumored feature that uses AI to optimize battery life in iOS 26. This is a refreshingly practical feature that I can see many iPhone users appreciating (myself included). Hopefully, we’ll also get a transparent timeline for when to expect the new-and-improved Siri.

Will we see the Mac Pro M4 Ultra? Hardware announcements at WWDC are hit or miss. WWDC is mainly for software announcements, but Apple occasionally throws a product reveal into the mix, especially if it’s a device that doesn’t follow Apple’s typical pattern of hardware updates. One such device we could see this year is the Mac Pro M4 Ultra. Apple’s top-of-the-line Max and Ultra versions of its M-series chip tend to run at least a year or so behind its more mainstream base and Pro versions. We finally got the M3 Ultra in March with the new Mac Studio, but the M4 Ultra is not publicly available yet. It’s possible that could change at WWDC this year. However, an M4 Ultra Mac Pro won’t come cheap, especially with Trump administration tariffs shaking up Apple’s pricing across its product line-up.

A slim chance of glasses — though don’t bet on it While hardware announcements are unlikely at WWDC, a surprise product reveal is possible. Wild card announcements have happened in the past, like with the Apple Vision Pro. There’s a slim chance that this year’s presentation could include a sneak peek at a rumored pair of AI smart glasses Apple is developing. Google just unveiled a pair of Android-powered glasses at Google I/O, so this would be a good time for Apple to reveal its own glasses to keep up with the competition. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple aims to launch its glasses by the end of 2026, so a reveal could be a bit early. It’s not impossible, though, especially right after Google I/O.

At WWDC 2025, Apple just announced iOS 26, a rebranded new version of the software powering the iPhone.

Apple has determined that the future of iPhone is brighter and more translucent with the announcement of the next version of iOS, with a new look called Liquid Glass that takes on visual characteristics of glass similar to the VisionOS interface on Vision Pro. And how do we know it’s the future? Because the next iPhone system is now iOS 26, renamed to coincide with next year as part of a lineup-wide rebranding to bring symmetry to the system names, such as MacOS 26 and WatchOS 26.

Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

After more than a decade of a flat, clean user interface — a revamp introduced in iOS 7 when former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive took over the design of software as well as hardware — the iPhone is getting a new look. The new design extends throughout the Apple product lineup, from iOS to WatchOS and even TVOS.

With Liquid Glass, notifications and buttons are glass panels on the home screen. Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

Translucency is the defining characteristic of Liquid Glass, behaving like glass in the real world in the way it deals with light and color of objects behind and near controls. But it’s not just a glassy look: The “liquid” part of Liquid Glass refers to how controls can merge and adapt — dynamically morphing, in Apple’s words. The dock and widgets are now rounded, glassy panels that float above the background.

Apple clearly made a lot of physical glass designs when coming up with the new Liquid Glass interface. Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

Camera and Photos apps go even more minimal

The Camera app is getting a new, simplified interface. You could argue that the current Camera app is pretty minimal, designed to make it quick to frame a shot and hit the big shutter button. But the moment you get into the periphery, it becomes a weird mix of hidden controls and unintuitive icons.

The Camera app has fewer distractions. Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

Now, the Camera app in iOS 26 features a “new more intuitive design” that take minimalism to the extreme. The streamlined design shows just two controls: Video or Camera. Swipe left or right to choose modes. Swipe up for settings such as aspect ratio and timers, and tap for additional preferences.

With the updated Photos app, viewing the pictures you capture should be a better experience — a welcome change that customers have clamored for since iOS 18’s cluttered attempt. Instead of a long, difficult-to-discover scrolling interface, Photos regains a Liquid Glass menu at the bottom of the screen.

The Photos app gets a welcome redesign. Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

The Phone app gets a revamp

The Phone app has kept more closely than others to the look of its source: a spare interface with large buttons as if you’re holding an old-fashioned headset or pre-smartphone cellular phone. iOS 26 finally updates that look not just with the new overall interface but in a unified layout that takes advantage of the larger screen real estate on today’s iPhone models.

Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

It’s not just looks that are different, though. The Phone app is trying to be more useful for dealing with actual calls — the ones you want to take. The Call Screening feature automatically answers calls from unknown numbers, and your phone rings only when the caller shares their name and reason for calling.

Or what about all the time wasted on hold? Hold Assist automatically detects hold music, and can mute the music but keep the call connected. Once a live agent becomes available, the phone rings and lets the agent know you’ll be available shortly.

Messages updates

The Messages app is probably one of the most-used apps on the iPhone, and for iOS 26 Apple is making it a more colorful experience. You can add backgrounds to the chat window, including dynamic backgrounds that show off the new Liquid Glass interface.

Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

In addition to the new look, group texts in Messages can incorporate polls for everyone in the group to reply to — no more scrolling back to find out which restaurant Brett suggested for lunch that you missed. Other members in the chat can also add their own items to a poll.

More useful is a feature to better detect spam texts and screen unknown numbers, so the messages you see in the app are the ones you want to see and not the ones that distract you.

Safari gets out of its own way

In the Safari app, the Liquid Glass design floats the tab bar above the web page (although that looks right where your thumb is going to be, so it will be interesting to see if you can move the bar to the top of the screen). As you scroll, the tab bar shrinks.

Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

FaceTime focuses on calls, not controls

FaceTime also get the minimal look, with controls in the lower-right corner that disappear during the call to get out of the way. On the FaceTime landing page, posters of your contacts, including video clips of previous calls, are designed to make the app more appealing.

FaceTime minimizes its controls into one corner. Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET

Last year, iOS 18 brought a number of ways to customize the iPhone experience. You can rearrange app icons on the home screen with less grid-imposed rigidity than before, finally change or remove the app buttons on the lock screen and customize Control Center to include whichever controls you want in an order that suits you.

iOS 18 also introduced iPhone Mirroring for controlling the phone when it’s out of reach, a redesigned Photos app (that has gotten a mixed reception), the ability to hide apps for privacy and a new Passwords app that collects all of your logins and passkeys in one location.

If Apple hews to its usual timeline, the finished version of iOS 26 will be released in September or October with new iPhone 17 models. In the meantime, developers are expected to get access to the first developer betas starting today, with an initial public beta arriving within a few weeks. (Don’t forget to go into any beta software with open eyes and clear expectations.)

Follow the WWDC 2025 live blog for details about Apple’s announcements.

This is a developing story.