WWDC 2025 is just around the corner, taking place tomorrow (June 9), and the rumors so far suggest it’s going to be an exciting event. The event where Apple unveils its latest software developments will also see some hardware products. Here’s a rumor roundup to give you up to speed with what you can expect.
Software updates
A last minute report revealed Apple will likely change the naming scheme of its operating systems. So instead of iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, the company is launching iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to better align them with the current year. Since the next-generation iOS and iPadOS usually arrive towards the end the year, we are looking at 26 rather than 25.
Potential iOS 26 design
Aside from the name change, iOS is expected to come with a total redesign, perhaps the biggest change since iOS 7. The new look is inspired by Apple Vision Pro’s interface with round app icons, translucent menus, glassy floating buttons, pill-shaped bottom navigation bars, and more consistent cross-platform design. Expect pop-out menus for more options, updated widgets on Lock and Home Screens with new look.
Some under-the-hood changes are also expected. For instance, AI will be leveraged to improve the battery management. The Shortcuts app will be powered by AI too.
Meanwhile, the iPad is tipped to receive new multitasking features to make it more Mac-like. And the Apple Pencil is getting a standalone calligraphy pen mode.
The upcoming macOS, likely named Tahoe, will get an updated look to match the iOS 26 design language. It will also bring a new gaming app and better AirPods feature integration.
The watchOS and tvOS will get a fresh new look to align with the new design language, and just like macOS, they will probably get AirPods live translation integration, and Apple TV will come with the new gaming app.
As for visionOS, it’s rumored to get a new eye-scrolling feature for documents and Magic Wand support for third-party controllers.
Apple will expand AI-based translation across all Apple products and add live translation for phone calls and text messages. AI enhancements and deeper integration into system apps and features are also expected.
Hardware updates
On the hardware front, Apple is expected to showcase a redesigned Mac Pro, which will be the first redesign since the company started using its own chips. Finally, the cheese grater design is going away!
HomePod is getting a display, making it easier to control HomeKit devices. It will also feature Siri, deep integration with Apple TV and support a number of AI-powered features for home automation.
AirTags are also getting an update, but the exact improvements in the hardware are still a mystery.
Although it’s highly unlikely that we see new AirPods, Apple is rumored to introduce new features like a head gesture to control calls and messages, auto-pause music when falling asleep, camera control trigger, “studio-quality” microphone mode and improved pairing experience for shared AirPods. Last but not least, reports suggest Apple is implementing an AI-powered live translation feature.
What are you most excited about? Share with us in the comments section below!
