TL;DR
- iOS 19 (or iOS 26, per renaming rumors) is expected to receive the biggest design overhaul since iOS 7, inspired by Vision Pro.
- Apple may debut AI-driven improvements: Siri refinements, Health chatbot, battery management, AI-powered Shortcuts, and live translation in Messages.
- A standalone gaming app, AirPods enhancements, Apple Pencil Arabic calligraphy, but no new hardware likely at WWDC 2025.
A Design Revolution: Say Hello to iOS 26
Apple is expected to abandon version numbers and adopt year-based naming—iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, etc.—according to Bloomberg. Rumors indicate a major redesign reminiscent of the shift from skeuomorphic to flat design in iOS 7.
The new interface will reportedly borrow elements from Vision Pro—featuring translucent panels, circular icons, and UI consistency across iPhone, iPad, and even CarPlay. Core apps like Phone, Camera, and Safari are expected to receive key visual updates such as integrated call/contact views and transparent navigation bars.
AI: Subtle, Smart, Effective
After WWDC 2024’s splashy AI previews with delayed rollouts, Apple seems to be aiming for substance over hype. WWDC 2025 is expected to feature:
- Siri improvements (though no major launch yet).
- AI enhancements in Messages (live translation, AI polls, chat wallpapers) per 9to5Mac.
- A virtual health coach in Health powered by AI insights and food tracking.
- AI-driven battery optimization and a smarter Shortcuts app.
- Possible integration with third-party AI services like OpenAI.
Gaming Hub: GameCenter Reinvented
In a move to consolidate gaming, Apple is rumored to introduce a dedicated gaming app at WWDC, replacing Game Center. It would unify Apple Arcade and App Store games, adding features like leaderboards and social gameplay—confirmed by both Bloomberg and 9to5Mac.
macOS, tvOS, WatchOS: Broadening the Update
Beyond iOS 26, other operating systems will receive design polish and cohesive feature updates.
- macOS may include the new gaming hub and improved AirPods functionality, possibly named macOS Tahoe.
- tvOS could receive a UI refresh and integration with the gaming app.
- watchOS is expected to pick up shared design cues and improved battery intelligence.
AirPods & Apple Pencil: Smarter Tools on the Way
AirPods may pick up live translation, more intuitive head gestures, auto-pause for sleep, and a studio mic mode, per 9to5Mac.
The Apple Pencil may gain Arabic calligraphy tools and a bi-directional keyboard for users in Arabic-speaking or multilingual regions like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, according to Bloomberg.
No Hardware, But a Chance for Spatial Input
While no major hardware launches are expected, Apple may preview spatial controllers for Vision Pro, offering motion-aware interaction. Features like eye-scrolling may also be announced. A new “HomeOS” tablet is still pending, despite a filing found by PMC’s Parker Ortolani.
WWDC 2025 Expectations
| Feature | Description | Source |
| Renaming to Year-Based OS | OS names reflect release year (iOS 26, macOS 26, etc.) | Bloomberg |
| Vision Pro-Inspired Design | Transparent panels, circular icons, consistent UI across devices | Bloomberg |
| AI in Messages & Health | Live translation, AI polls, health coach, food tracking | 9to5Mac, Bloomberg |
| Gaming App | Unify Apple Arcade + App Store games, with social features | Bloomberg, 9to5Mac |
| Battery & AI Shortcuts | AI-optimized battery + new AI-driven Shortcuts | Bloomberg |
| AirPods Enhancements | Gesture control, live translation, studio mic mode | 9to5Mac |
| Apple Pencil Enhancements | Arabic calligraphy, bi-directional typing | Bloomberg |
Final Take: A Balanced Mix of Design & AI
WWDC 2025 is shaping up to deliver what Apple needs most right now: a visually striking interface makeover and meaningful AI features that enhance usability rather than hype. While the big hardware reveals will wait, this conference is likely to set the stage for Apple’s next-generation ecosystem.
