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WWDC25

WWDC25: Cult of Mac Superguide
Our news hub for Apple’s big annual software event.

At WWDC25, this year’s edition of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the company will showcase new versions of its operating systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS and tvOS.

The software updates are typically available in developer beta later that same day. Developers can install the update and test their apps on the new versions. A public beta usually follows in July, which is more reliable for use by enthusiasts. Apple releases the major new versions to the general public in the fall, in September or October. Some features announced at WWDC may not be available until later in the software update cycle. Delayed features roll out in smaller software updates, in the winter or the following spring.

Table of contents: Everything you need to know about WWDC25

  1. Date
  2. Keynote
  3. Rumors
    1. New system design
    2. AirPods live translation
    3. Apple Intelligence
    4. Hardware rumors
  4. Swift Student Challenge
  5. News

WWDC25 date

WWDC begins on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Apple’s live-streamed keynote likely beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time.

Apple’s developer conferences will kick off with a live-streamed event during which CEO Tim Cook, software chief Craig Federighi and other executives take to the stage of Apple Park’s Steve Jobs Theater to give the world their first glimpse of future software updates.

In the afternoon, the Platforms State of the Union explains how developers can use the new features in their apps, along with new features in the Swift programing language itself. Finally, Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of design, will cap off WWDC25’s opening day by announcing the winners of the Apple Design Awards.

In the week that follows, Apple will publish developer session videos every morning. These in-depth videos will explain how to implement new features and use new APIs, with example code and projects. Anyone can watch throughout the week via the Apple Developer app, the Apple Developer website and the Apple Developer YouTube channel.

WWDC25 keynote

Tim Cook and Craig Federighi take the stage to greet attendees before the prerecorded Keynote plays.
CEO Tim Cook and SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi take the stage at WWDC22.

The WWDC25 keynote is the biggest event of the week — and one of Apple’s biggest events of the year. Apple will introduce the new features coming in iOS and iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, visionOS 3 and tvOS 19. It undoubtedly starts at 10 a.m. Pacific time on June 9, 2025.

The easiest way to watch the keynote is to go to apple.com. Come Monday morning, the live stream should take over the homepage. Later, it’ll move to apple.com/apple-events/, where you can always go to rewatch old presentations. There, you’ll also see a link to Apple Event videos on Apple Podcasts — a convenient way to rewatch (and download) every Apple Event since January 2007.

Another convenient way to watch the keynote is on YouTube. The YouTube live stream is the most accessible across any device and platform.

The best way to watch the Apple event on your TV is in the Apple TV app. The Apple TV app isn’t just for Apple TV set-top boxes. Any modern smart TV made by Samsung, LG, Vizio, Panasonic, Sony (or any TV running Google TV software) comes with it built in. You can download the app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PlayStation or Xbox if you own any of those. Here’s the full list of compatible TVs and game consoles.

If you’re a registered developer who won the random lottery, a winner of the Swift Student Challenge, an engineer at a big enough company to get an invitation, or a selected member of the press, you’ll watch the keynote at Apple Park.

WWDC25 rumors

New system design

UI elements of visionOS
iOS and macOS may be redesigned to resemble visionOS.

The biggest rumor surrounding Apple’s software updates this year is that they’ll all be massively redesigned. Inspired by the translucency, gradients and glass materials of visionOS, Apple reportedly will refresh iOS, iPadOS and macOS with a new, unified look. The new design might even change how the basic user interface elements work, making them easier to use and navigate.

AirPods live translation

AirPods may also get advanced new features this year. Rumors indicate live translation will be coming to the smart wireless earbuds. This feature would leverage the Apple Translate app, which already provides translation services in Live Text, Safari, visual intelligence and in third-party apps. Users would allegedly be able to hear translations of a conversation in another language in their ears, with their words translated and playing out of their iPhone speakers.

New Apple Intelligence features

Animation showing Apple Intelligence on iPhone
Apple Intelligence is a powerful LLM that runs both in the cloud and on-device.

Apple Intelligence will play a smaller role in WWDC25. After a big year-long rollout of features, Apple likely has not had the time to develop many additional upgrades. After Apple failed to ship its much overdue upgrade to Siri, new management has taken charge of the project. With only a few months until the event, it’s not likely that Apple will show off any new Siri features.

WWDC25 hardware rumors

In terms of hardware announcements, Apple may debut a new Mac Pro at WWDC25. The top-end Mac tower still comes with an old M2 Ultra chip, which the Mac Studio was recently updated from. Rumors indicate a new Mac Pro is coming in the second half of 2025, which lines up with a WWDC announcement.

Apple has allegedly delayed the introduction of its new smart home display beyond WWDC. The brand-new product relies heavily on the aforementioned new Siri features, so the company will not introduce it until the software is ready.

WWDC25 Swift Student Challenge

meet Swift Student Challenge winners
From left, Marina Lee, Taiki Hamamoto, Luciana Ortiz Nolasco and Nahom Worku are four of this year’s Swift Student Challenge winners.

The Swift Student Challenge is an annual coding competition for young developers. Using Swift, the same language developers use to create apps for Apple platforms, applicants create and submit demo apps. Apple encourages participants to use “their creativity to develop apps to solve real-world problems,” according to the official site.

It is open to recent high school graduates and current STEM students across the world.

Apple has chosen the 350 winners of the 2025 Swift Student Challenge, “whose submissions demonstrate excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity.” Of those, Apple has invited 50 Distinguished Winners to attend WWDC25 in-person at Apple Park.

Apple profiled the top four submissions, whose work aims to preserve cultural heritage, improve disaster preparedness, connect astronomy enthusiasts and expand educational access.

WWDC25 news

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on WWDC25:

iOS 26 lets you watch videos via CarPlay for first time (when parked)

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watch videos on CarPlay
Soon this same CarPlay screen will be able to show videos when the car is parked.
Photo: Apple

In a significant policy shift, Apple will let iPhone users stream videos directly to their CarPlay screens for the first time since the platform’s launch. With iOS 26, showcased at WWDC25, the tech giant introduced AirPlay video functionality for CarPlay. So you can stream video from apps in the car — but only when you’re parked.

Readability concerns take shine out of Apple’s new Liquid Glass aesthetic

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Liquid Glass harder to read
This user said Liquid Glass just seems harder to read.
Photo: @Stammy on X.com

Liquid Glass looked great in WWDC25 demos Monday, but reactions soon afterward put a few cracks in it. The new transparent and reactive design language coming to all Apple devices this fall strikes many folks as making it too hard to read information on their screens.

Many initial reactions to Liquid Glass make it look like a misstep.

“Can’t wait to not be able to read anything on my iPhone,” grumbled one user. Several others implied Apple co-founder Steve Jobs would hate the new design language.

WWDC25 recap: iOS 26, Liquid Glass and the full keynote in 90 seconds

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90 seconds.
Watch the Keynote in just 1.6% of the time.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

During the WWDC25 keynote on Monday, Apple announced the next versions of every operating system with a new naming scheme and fresh look. iOS has an all-new interface with redesigned Camera, Messages and Phone apps; macOS has a brand-new Spotlight; iPadOS has supercharged multitasking.

But if you don’t have 90 minutes to spare, you can catch up in just 90 seconds.

Apple explains its new Liquid Glass UI at the Platforms State of the Union

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Apple Platforms State of the Union
Apple went into more detail on its new software releases in the Platforms State of the Union.
Image: Apple

At the Platforms State of the Union, Apple detailed how the new Liquid Glass design works, how Apple Intelligence can be added to third-party apps, how Swift Assist in Xcode will work with third-party AI models and more.

This event goes into all the technical details behind the morning’s announcements. Apple showed how developers can update their apps with the new design and use the latest developer tools.

You can watch the Platforms State of the Union on YouTube, in the Apple Developer app or on the web. Read on below for our coverage of the event.

visionOS 26 brings spatial widgets, better Personas and new accessories

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visionOS 26
visionOS 26 adds many new spatial and sharing features.
Image: Apple

visionOS 26, the next major software release for the Apple Vision Pro, will bring spatial widgets, better Personas, new accessories, more integration with iPhone, more immersive content, Look to Scroll and so much more to the powerful headset.

Apple Vision Pro is “a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the real world,” says Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Vision Products Group. “With brand-new ways for Vision Pro owners to connect, explore, work together, and enjoy content,” visionOS 26 is a huge update.

Announced after iOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe at WWDC25 on Monday, visionOS 26 will be available today as a developer beta and will release publicly for everyone this fall.

iPadOS 26 makes iPad more Mac-like than ever

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iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025
Many more options for working with windows is a highlight of iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025.
Screenshot: Apple

iPadOS 26 lets Apple’s tablets act more like a Mac than ever before. It also includes a new design that makes all Apple computers look more similar, further bringing iPads and Macs together.

“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, during Monday’s WWDC25 keynote. “With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.”

iOS 26 sports striking redesign, smarter AI, better cross-platform integration

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iOS 26 announcement
The big iOS 26 update brings a beautiful new design, intelligent experiences and various other improvements to the apps users rely on every day.
Photo: Apple

With Monday’s iOS 26 announcement at WWDC25, Apple transforms how users interact with their iPhones through big design changes headlined by the striking look of “Liquid Glass,” enhanced AI capabilities and improved cross-platform integration with helpful changes to core apps like Phone, Messages and more. All in all, iOS 26 represents Apple’s boldest OS step forward in years.

“iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most.”

“And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever,” he added.

Apple might put AI strategy at center stage during WWDC

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AI at WWDC 2025
Apple executives might have a lot to say about AI at WWDC 2025.
Image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

Apple plans to devote a considerable portion of WWDC25 to talking about its AI strategy, according to a reliable source. That’s something of a surprise, as the iPhone maker has no big AI-related announcements to make at the developer conference.

Siri and Apple Intelligence will even get a rebrand, according to this source.

No new Macs coming at WWDC25

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WWDC Macs: Nope
Bad news for anyone hoping for an M4 Ultra Mac Pro.
Photo: Apple/Cult of mac

Apple won’t show off any new hardware at its developers conference this week, according to a reliable source. There are apparently no Macs or other products ready to launch.

Instead, WWDC25 will focus entirely on operating system upgrades and other software.

iOS 19 wish list: Apple needs to deliver these features

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iOS 19 Wish list
iOS 19 can make up its missing AI features with other changes.
Illustration: ChatGPT

iOS improvements over the years have made the iPhone more customizable, more useful and more fun. But iOS 19 (which might be called iOS 26 instead) could raise the bar even higher by adding the features on my wish list.

Leaks strongly suggest the iPhone’s next operating system update will introduce a bold new visual design, drawing heavy inspiration from visionOS, which powers the Apple Vision Pro headset. But that visual overhaul — part of a project reportedly called Solarium that will unify the look and feel of all Apple operating systems — should not be the sole talking point during the iOS segment of next Monday’s WWDC25 keynote.

From long-overdue interface changes to smarter multitasking and better system controls, iOS 19 (or iOS 26, if Apple goes ahead with a rumored change to its naming system) has the potential to push the iPhone experience forward in meaningful ways.

With WWDC25 just days away, here’s what I hope Apple delivers with its next big update.

Apple plans major changes to some of your favorite apps at WWDC25

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App updates at WWDC25
As WWDC25 looms, rumors flow of more Apple app updates.
Photo: Gemini

Apple reportedly is cooking up significant changes to core iPhone and iPad apps, with redesigned interfaces coming soon to the Phone, Safari, Camera and Messages apps. The company plans to reveal the app updates Monday during the WWDC25 keynote, alongside other sweeping changes to its operating systems.

visionOS 3 rumors: WWDC25 could be a huge leap forward

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Vision Pro at WWDC25
This could be a big year for Apple’s big new platform.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

WWDC25 is a mere days away. While the hottest news is that iOS, macOS, watchOS and other platforms will get a visual redesign borrowed from visionOS, the question left unasked is … what’s coming to visionOS?

Rumors say there will be new advanced eye tracking features and support for VR hand controllers. But with a full twelve months of development, Apple probably has much more in store for its premium spatial computer.

Here’s what Apple may announce on Monday for the Vision Pro.

All the sweet new watchOS features we expect at WWDC25

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An image of an Apple Watch Ultra on a wrist.
What's in store for the next version of watchOS? A big name change might be just the start.
Image: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

There’s less than a week to go until WWDC, the annual developer fest where Apple takes the wraps off its latest OS releases. While the rumor mill has mostly focused on iPhone this year, there’s plenty for Apple Watch fans to look forward to.

Rumor has it that the next big watch update — possibly dubbed “watchOS 26,” in line with Apple’s rumored naming convention shakeup — will get a fresh new user interface, Apple Intelligence, conversation transcriptions and a smart AI coach that delivers tailored health and fitness advice.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a closer look at what’s in store for Apple Watch.

Apple Design Awards: Try the best apps and games of 2025

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Apple Design Awards winning apps and games
Take some time to check out this year's Apple Design Awards winners -- the best apps and games.
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed the winners of its prestigious 2025 Apple Design Awards Tuesday, celebrating 12 exceptional apps and games that showcase the very best of what’s possible on Apple devices. And the celebration of Apple Design Awards-winning apps and games will carry on at WWDC25, Apple said.

“Developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating apps and games that are not only beautifully designed but also deeply impactful,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re excited to celebrate this incredible group of winners and finalists at WWDC and spotlight the innovation and craftsmanship they bring to each experience.”

macOS 16 rumors: What to expect at WWDC25

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Image of the Apple logo with
The next major macOS release could pack bigger changes than anticipated.
Illustration: ChatGPT

WWDC25 is nearly here, with iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 possibly set to steal the spotlight. However, the latest rumors indicate you shouldn’t count macOS 16 out just yet, as it might bring more upgrades than expected. It might not even be called macOS 16, if Apple’s rumored switch to year-based release names happens. (We’ll refer to it as macOS 16 until the big switch happens.)

With June 9 fast approaching, here’s a breakdown of what macOS 16 could bring to the table.

Apple Intelligence might take a backseat at WWDC25

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Apple Intelligence at WWDC25
WWDC25 won’t be as Apple Intelligence-packed as last year.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple doesn’t have as many Apple Intelligence features to announce at WWDC25 as it did during last year’s developer conference. However, a handful of new AI features should arrive, including Apple Intelligence-generated Shortcuts automations, an Apple Intelligence API for developers, and AI-powered health tips. Apple’s foundation language model itself will also be improved, with versions in four different sizes currently in testing.

Here’s what to expect on Apple Intelligence next Monday during the WWDC25 keynote.

Here’s the agenda for WWDC25, Apple’s big dev event [New moniker: ‘Sleek Peek’]

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WWDC25 schedule
WWDC25 kicks off at Apple Park and (mostly) online June 9.
Photo: Apple

WWDC25, this year’s edition of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, will take place June 9 to 13, offering Apple enthusiasts and developers a comprehensive look at upcoming software innovations in the latest iOS, macOS and other platforms, the company said recently. The WWDC25 schedule, updated this week with the new moniker “Sleek Peek,” offers developers and users alike plenty of excitement.

The mostly online annual tech showcase promises groundbreaking updates across Apple’s ecosystem while also welcoming over 1,000 developers and students to a special in-person celebration at Apple Park.

Updates: Apple Developer’s WWDC25 web page added the name “Sleek Peek” for developer conference proceedings. Lots of new user interface design elements to take a look at, for one thing, as suggested in our looks ahead to what we expect will be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26. Updates are also expected for tvOS 26, watchOS 26 and visionOS 26. Apple also set up the YouTube livestream page, so you can sign up for alerts, like when the Keynote starts.

Apple picks ‘macOS Tahoe’ for this year’s major interface redesign

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Apple names macOS 26 after Lake Tahoe.
Apple names macOS 26 after Lake Tahoe.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple reportedly chose “Tahoe” as the name for the upcoming macOS version, according to a new report. This marks the third significant redesign of the Mac operating system since the company began using California-themed naming conventions in 2013.

The name macOS Tahoe, inspired by the iconic Lake Tahoe resort area, signals Apple’s commitment to delivering another major visual overhaul to its desktop platform.

Apple plans to replace Game Center with new gaming-focused app

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Apple Games app rumors
An application highlighting games on iPhone and Mac is on the way.
Photo: Gemini/Cult of mac

A new cross-platform application developed by Apple will call attention to games on iPhone, Mac and even Apple TV, according to an unconfirmed report from Tuesday.

It’ll replace the current Game Center, track users’ in-game achievements, give players a way to communicate with other gamers, and more.

iPadOS 19 rumors: What to expect at WWDC25

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iPadOS 19 rumors
iPadOS 19 rumors indicate it’ll bring iPad closer to the Mac.
AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Rumors point to iPadOS 19 bringing the biggest improvements to iPad in years. The news is especially good for those who want their tablet to act more like a Mac.

With WWDC25 and the unveiling of iPadOS 19 mere weeks away, here’s what we already know about it.

What to expect in iOS 19: Rumors point to design overhaul

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What to expect in iOS 19
It amounts to a big update.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Rumors swirling ahead of WWDC25 give us a decent idea about what to expect in iOS 19. The new operating system, which Apple will showcase when its annual developer conference kicks off June 9, shapes up as one of the more significant iPhone software updates lately.

The iOS 19 overhaul promises to transform how users interact with their devices through big design changes, enhanced AI capabilities and improved cross-platform integration.

These Swift Student Challenge winners hope to change the world through code

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meet Swift Student Challenge winners
From left, Marina Lee, Taiki Hamamoto, Luciana Ortiz Nolasco and Nahom Worku are four of this year’s Swift Student Challenge winners.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s annual Swift Student Challenge coding competition showcases young talent whose apps never cease to inspire. This year is no different, as Apple profiles four coders working to preserve cultural heritage, improve disaster preparedness, connect astronomy enthusiasts and expand educational access. Meet Swift Student Challenge winners and their inspiring coding projects below.

These four are part of a group of 50 winners who will attend WWDC25 in person at Apple Park in Cupertino for a three-day program.

“We’re always inspired by the talent and perspective young developers bring to the Swift Student Challenge,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “This year’s winners show exceptional skill in transforming meaningful ideas into app playgrounds that are innovative, impactful, and thoughtfully built — and we’re excited to support their journey as they continue building apps that will help shape the future.”

Apple teams up with Anthropic for AI coding

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Anthropic and Xcode logo
Apple will use Anthropic's expertise for its vibe-coding platform.
Graphics: Anthropic/Apple

Apple is using Anthropic’s AI models to build a “vibe-coding” software platform for programming. However, it may limit this platform for internal use, never releasing it publicly.

The Cupertino giant will partner with the young AI startup on this project.

iOS 19 leak showcases visionOS-inspired glassy design

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iOS 19 Lock Screen leaked look
iOS 19's Lock Screen could look like this.
Screenshot: Jon Prosser/YouTube

A new video potentially gives us our first look at the massive iOS 19 redesign that Apple reportedly will unveil this June at WWDC25.

As previous rumors indicated, the next major iOS upgrade supposedly will take inspiration from the Vision Pro’s visionOS, integrating many of its design elements.