WWDC 2025 Preview: No Hardware, Big Software Changes

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) kicks off on June 9, and while the event may be a bit more low-key this year, there’s still plenty to get excited about. If you’re looking for a solid WWDC 2025 preview, I’ve got you covered with all the confirmed details, educated speculation, and what this year’s software-first focus means for Apple fans and developers alike.

WWDC 2025 Date, Time, and How to Watch

WWDC 2025 officially begins on Monday, June 9, with the keynote presentation scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Like recent years, Apple will stream the event live on Apple.com, the Apple TV app, and YouTube. The full week of WWDC sessions will follow, targeting developers and showcasing the latest capabilities across Apple’s platforms.

No New Hardware This Year? Here’s Why That Matters

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other reliable sources, WWDC 2025 won’t include any major hardware announcements. That’s a big shift from the headline-grabbing reveals of the past two years—remember the Vision Pro headset in 2023 or the debut of Apple Intelligence in 2024?

This year, Apple appears to be hitting pause on hardware and instead doubling down on refining the user experience across its software ecosystem. It’s a quieter WWDC, but not necessarily a boring one.

iOS 26, macOS 26, and a Unified Apple Experience

One of the most talked-about elements of this WWDC 2025 preview is the expected unveiling of iOS 26, macOS 26, and updates to iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. What’s notable this time around is the design shift: Apple is reportedly bringing over UI ideas from visionOS, including more translucent elements and layered effects.

In addition, Apple is simplifying its naming convention—all major operating systems are adopting the “26” branding, reflecting the upcoming year. This helps create a more unified, easy-to-follow ecosystem across devices.

Will We See Apple Intelligence Updates?

Apple Intelligence made a splash in 2024, but 2025 won’t be the year of major AI breakthroughs at WWDC. Still, there are a few notable tidbits expected:

• Swift Assist: Apple may debut or expand on Swift Assist, a tool designed to help developers write better code using AI-powered suggestions.
• New SwiftUI Tools: Rumors suggest Apple could launch a rich text editor for SwiftUI, a welcome upgrade for app designers.
• Third-Party AI Access: Perhaps most intriguing, developers might soon get access to Apple’s on-device large language models, opening the door to more intelligent apps that prioritize privacy.

What Developers Should Know Ahead of WWDC

While the spotlight isn’t on shiny new gadgets this year, developers should be paying close attention. New APIs, expanded tools for AI integration, and design overhauls will shape how apps are built in the Apple ecosystem moving forward.

If Apple does announce changes to app review processes, developer tools, or App Store policies, I’ll update this article accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Why a “Quiet” WWDC Might Still Matter

Sure, WWDC 2025 might not have the same sizzle as past events, but there’s real substance in this year’s updates. For users, we’re likely to see a more visually cohesive Apple experience across devices. For developers, the tools being introduced could make building intelligent, beautiful apps easier than ever.

As always, I’ll be watching the keynote live and breaking down all the announcements. Stay tuned for my post-event recap and hands-on takes.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.