WWDC 2025 is just around the corner, with the keynote set for 9 June. Anticipation is building for what could be Apple’s biggest software update in years.
While WWDC is usually all about software, this year might include a few surprise hardware announcements too.
Big Software Changes Incoming
Apple never holds back on software at WWDC, and this year looks no different.
From bold redesigns to smarter features, here are the major updates we’re expecting across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more.
iOS 19 is getting a huge design update
This could be the biggest visual change since iOS 7. Apple is going for a more modern, VisionOS-inspired look: more transparency, rounded edges, 3D-like panels, and possibly even new icon shapes.
From what’s leaked so far, it looks clean and much more consistent, especially compared to the messier parts of iOS today (looking at you, Camera app toggles).
There’s also a big improvement in multitasking. While we’re not getting true side-by-side multitasking yet, Apple is bringing Stage Manager to external displays.
It’ll work on any USB-C iPhone (so, iPhone 15 and up), and turn your iPhone into a mini desktop setup when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It won’t replace a Mac, but for some people, it could be a nice alternative.
Apple is also moving in-app search bars to the bottom of the screen on large iPhones — a small change, but one that makes one-handed use way easier.
Apple Intelligence is expanding (slowly)
Apple’s new AI system is being integrated into more first-party apps. But the big upgrade where Siri becomes truly context-aware has been pushed to 2026 or later. So for now, improvements will be more behind-the-scenes.
iPadOS 19 will mirror iOS 19’s redesign
Along with the new look, iPadOS is getting a better multitasking experience. Stage Manager will have an always-on menu bar, kind of like macOS.
Still, it won’t match macOS in power, and most iPad power users will probably keep wishing Apple would just give us full macOS on the iPad.
macOS 15 is more of a polish update
No major feature overhauls here, just a refreshed look to match iOS and iPadOS 19, and probably some speed/stability improvements.
WatchOS 12 gets a small facelift
Nothing major here either, just a few iOS 19-style design tweaks. Apple Intelligence-powered coaching features might show up, but those will likely run on your iPhone or in the cloud, not directly on the Watch.
VisionOS 3 sounds promising
This might be one of the more exciting software updates at WWDC. Apple is expected to add more native apps and environments. But the biggest thing many users want is a smaller UI scale right now; buttons and toggles on the Vision Pro are just too big.
If Apple lets you shrink things down like on the virtual desktop, it’ll make using multiple apps side-by-side much easier.
tvOS 19 will get a light refresh
Not much to report here, just a few design tweaks to bring it in line with Apple’s other OS updates. Don’t expect Apple Intelligence on Apple TV until a newer model with a better chip arrives later this year.
Possible Hardware Surprises
As mentioned earlier, WWDC is mainly about software, but there’s always a chance Apple could surprise us with some hardware updates. Here are a few possibilities to keep an eye on.
AirTag 2 might make an appearance
A new AirTag is rumored for mid-2025. It’ll likely look the same but have a newer Ultra Wideband chip with 3x the range.
Some reports also mention integration with Vision Pro, so you could literally “see” your AirTag through walls. Pretty wild if true.
Mac Pro could finally get an update
Apple’s top-of-the-line Mac is still running on the M2 Ultra, while the Mac Studio already has M3 Ultra. A Mac Pro update makes sense; maybe we’ll see it at WWDC.
But unless you need PCIe slots and insane port options, the Mac Studio still seems like the better value.
A new Pro Display XDR is long overdue
Last updated in 2019, the Pro Display XDR is rumored to be getting a refresh, possibly with mini-LED backlighting and higher refresh rates (thanks to Thunderbolt 5 support on the latest Macs).
If Apple pairs this with the new Mac Pro, it could be a big moment for pro creators.
Studio Display 2 is in the pipeline
Leaks point to a new version with the same 27-inch size but with a mini-LED panel for better contrast and possibly higher refresh rates.
Rumors originally suggested 90Hz, but Apple typically skips that and goes straight to 120Hz or sticks with 60Hz. We’ll see.
Apple Home Hub could debut — or be delayed again
This rumored smart home device is like an iPad Mini fused to a HomePod, sort of like Google’s Nest Hub.
You’d be able to mount it or dock it, depending on how you want to use it. But with Siri’s updates lagging behind, it might get delayed to 2026.
iOS 19 is the most exciting part of this year’s WWDC. A fresh coat of paint is long overdue. But if Apple drops new hardware too, it’s going to be a packed event.
