WWDC 2025 to reveal software design refresh based on lessons from Vision Pro
Apple is reportedly presenting a sweeping design change since iOS 7 at today’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, largely inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This may include transparent panels for navigation and circular app icons. The VisionOS-inspired design will be implemented throughout Apple’s ecosystem with the goal of creating a more cohesive user experience.
At the same time, it is suggested that this visual makeover may well be intended to disguise Apple’s problems with AI. Some AI features are still months away from release. According to Bloomberg, Apple engineers speak internally of a “crisis”. One of the big promises exactly a year ago was that Siri would have far-reaching AI capabilities, able to gather information and perform actions across apps. However, the company indicated in March that the new features have been delayed.
Users are otherwise unimpressed with the AI capabilities rolled out over the past year, that have put the company far behind Google.
Presumably, no overly exciting announcements can be expected outside of the design change.
Sources told Bloomberg that Apple least plans to rename its operating systems based on release year rather than version numbers. This means that iOS 19 will be referred to as iOS 26. This name change will also apply to other software updates, such as iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26.
There are also rumours that Apple will release a gaming app that integrates Apple Arcade and the App Store’s gaming offerings. The app would provide a central platform for achievements, rankings and App Store content. This news follows Apple’s acquisition of its first in-house game studio, RAC7.
Apple is further reportedly working on a personal health coach. This new chatbot could provide health advice based on data collected through the Health app. A food tracking feature is also expected, allowing users to track their carbohydrate and caffeine intake.
Apple further plans to improve iPhone performance with AI-driven battery management. There would also be a new charging icon on the lock screen that provides an estimated time for when the battery is fully charged.
According to 9to5Mac, the Messages app will further get an Apple Intelligence-powered translation feature that automatically translates messages as soon as they arrive in users’ inboxes.
Finally, iPads will for the first time get a Menu Bar, similar to MacOS, where, for example, the weather forecast can be quickly viewed without launching a separate app. Multitasking should become easy with Stage Manager 2.0.
Apple starts WWDC under difficult circumstances. Besides the AI problems, there is the prospect of a 25% import tariff to be imposed on iPhones announced by the Trump Administration unless Apple moves its manufacturing to the United States. Moving manufacturing to India is also already falling foul of the US president. This threatens to make Apple hardware more expensive.
The revenue model of the App Store – for years a goldmine for Apple – is also under pressure. Apple previously withheld up to 30% on every app purchase from the App Store, but must now allow developers to use their own payment system within apps, both in the US and Europe.
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