Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 26, new software designs, modest AI upgrades expected; When and where to watch

Apple is set to unveil the future of its software and try to prove it still has a competitive edge in artificial intelligence at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday.

The event kicks off at 10 am PDT (10:30 pm IST) with a keynote address from CEO Tim Cook and other top executives.

Held online and streamed globally, WWDC 2025 is expected to centre on major updates to Apple’s operating systems, modest improvements to artificial intelligence features, and a visual overhaul across its product ecosystem.

The stakes are high for Apple this year. After announcing its Apple Intelligence suite last year to mixed reviews and falling behind rivals like Google and Microsoft in the AI arms race, the company is under pressure to demonstrate meaningful progress.

Apple’s signature virtual assistant, Siri, remains largely unchanged despite earlier promises of a smarter version powered by AI.

What’s expected at Apple WWDC 2025

Apple is expected to debut a major redesign across all of its platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS — inspired by the interface of its Vision Pro headset.

App icons and toolbars will receive subtle but noticeable updates, while widgets will maintain their functionality with visual refinements.

One of the most talked-about changes is a potential shift in how Apple names its software. Instead of continuing with sequential numbering, the company may adopt a model-year format, similar to how automakers label their vehicles. This means the next iPhone software is expected to be called iOS 26, not iOS 19.

Despite last year’s fanfare, AI isn’t expected to take centre stage in this year’s WWDC keynote. Apple’s AI initiative, Apple Intelligence, is still maturing. The most visible AI change for users will be systemwide translation tools, including real-time translations in phone calls and text messages, with live interpretation support for AirPods.

According to Bloomberg, developers will gain more access to Apple’s foundation models, the large language models powering its AI, for the first time. This opens the door for third-party apps to integrate Apple Intelligence features like custom Genmoji, summarisation, and AI-enhanced Shortcuts.

Apple is also introducing a new version of Xcode that uses both internal and third-party AI models, such as Anthropic’s Claude, to help developers write and complete code.

• A new “Games” app combining Arcade and game downloads.

• Support for third-party VR controllers on the Vision Pro.

• A redesigned multitasking system for iPads, closer to macOS.

• Apple Pencil enhancements including a calligraphy pen mode.

• A bidirectional iOS keyboard for English and Arabic typing.

• Captive Wi-Fi network sync across devices.

When and where to watch

Apple keynote - June 9, 10 am PDT (10:30 pm IST)

Platforms State of the Union - June 9, 1 pm PDT (June 10, 1:30 am IST)

Apple keynote will live stream on apple.com, the Apple TV app, and Apple’s YouTube channel.

Developer sessions and labs

Throughout the week, Apple will host more than 100 technical sessions and labs. These resources will be available to stream and download via the Apple Developer app and website, providing developers with direct access to Apple engineers and documentation.

With expectations running high, Monday’s keynote will offer the clearest look yet at whether Apple can reclaim its role as an industry trendsetter or if it risks falling further behind.