What To Expect From Apple's WWDC (arstechnica.com) 25
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 25 (WWDC) kicks off next week, June 9th, showcasing the company's latest software and new technologies. That includes the next version of iOS, which is rumored to have the most significant design overhaul since the introduction of iOS 7. Here's an overview of what to expect:
Major Software Redesigns
Apple plans to shift its operating system naming to reflect the release year, moving from sequential numbers to year-based identifiers. Consequently, the upcoming releases will be labeled as iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, etc., streamlining the versioning across platforms.
iOS 26 is anticipated to feature a glossy, glass-like interface inspired by visionOS, incorporating translucent elements and rounded buttons. This design language is expected to extend across iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, promoting a cohesive user experience across devices. Core applications like Phone, Safari, and Camera are slated for significant redesigns, too. For instance, Safari may introduce a translucent, "glassy" address bar, aligning with the new visual aesthetics.
While AI is not expected to be the main focus due to Siri's current readiness, some AI-related updates are rumored. The Shortcuts app may gain "Apple Intelligence," enabling users to create shortcuts using natural language. It's also possible that Gemini will be offered as an option for AI functionalities on the iPhone, similar to ChatGPT.
Other App and Feature Updates
The lock screen might display charging estimates, indicating how long it will take for the phone to fully charge. There's a rumor about bringing live translation features to AirPods. The Messages app could receive automatic translations and call support; the Music app might introduce full-screen animated lock screen art; and Apple Notes may get markdown support. Users may also only need to log into a captive Wi-Fi portal once, and all their devices will automatically be logged in.
Significant updates are expected for Apple Home. There's speculation about the potential announcement of a "HomePad" with a screen, Apple's competitor to devices like the Nest Hub Mini. A new dedicated Apple gaming app is also anticipated to replace Game Center. If you're expecting new hardware, don't hold your breath. The event is expected to focus primarily on software developments. It may even see discontinued support for several older Intel-based Macs in macOS 26, including models like the 2018 MacBook Pro and the 2019 iMac, as Apple continues its transition towards exclusive support for Apple Silicon devices.
Sources:
Apple WWDC 2025 Rumors and Predictions! (Waveform)
WWDC 2025 Overview (MacRumors)
WWDC 2025: What to expect from this year's conference (TechCrunch)
What to expect from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week (Ars Technica)
Apple's WWDC 2025: How to Watch and What to Expect (Wired)
Apple plans to shift its operating system naming to reflect the release year, moving from sequential numbers to year-based identifiers. Consequently, the upcoming releases will be labeled as iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, etc., streamlining the versioning across platforms.
iOS 26 is anticipated to feature a glossy, glass-like interface inspired by visionOS, incorporating translucent elements and rounded buttons. This design language is expected to extend across iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, promoting a cohesive user experience across devices. Core applications like Phone, Safari, and Camera are slated for significant redesigns, too. For instance, Safari may introduce a translucent, "glassy" address bar, aligning with the new visual aesthetics.
While AI is not expected to be the main focus due to Siri's current readiness, some AI-related updates are rumored. The Shortcuts app may gain "Apple Intelligence," enabling users to create shortcuts using natural language. It's also possible that Gemini will be offered as an option for AI functionalities on the iPhone, similar to ChatGPT.
Other App and Feature Updates
The lock screen might display charging estimates, indicating how long it will take for the phone to fully charge. There's a rumor about bringing live translation features to AirPods. The Messages app could receive automatic translations and call support; the Music app might introduce full-screen animated lock screen art; and Apple Notes may get markdown support. Users may also only need to log into a captive Wi-Fi portal once, and all their devices will automatically be logged in.
Significant updates are expected for Apple Home. There's speculation about the potential announcement of a "HomePad" with a screen, Apple's competitor to devices like the Nest Hub Mini. A new dedicated Apple gaming app is also anticipated to replace Game Center. If you're expecting new hardware, don't hold your breath. The event is expected to focus primarily on software developments. It may even see discontinued support for several older Intel-based Macs in macOS 26, including models like the 2018 MacBook Pro and the 2019 iMac, as Apple continues its transition towards exclusive support for Apple Silicon devices.
Sources:
Apple WWDC 2025 Rumors and Predictions! (Waveform)
WWDC 2025 Overview (MacRumors)
WWDC 2025: What to expect from this year's conference (TechCrunch)
What to expect from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week (Ars Technica)
Apple's WWDC 2025: How to Watch and What to Expect (Wired)
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah... Apple is finally going to have charge time estimates on their home screen, something that most Android devices have had for the past three years. Such "innovation"!
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Heh, they'll incorporate the latest FreeBSD changes and tout it a miracle in security. Actually, they can't, most of the subsystems are modified or rewritten and while there is some compatibility, trying to port C++ STL libraries to mac was pretty much impossible, at least OpenOffice said that, I didn't fully try it. I was told the same for OpenGL extensions and I found a way to do it (annoying, heavily modifying the header files every time they updated, but doable). I also frequently rebuilt OpenSSL becaus
Re: (Score:1)
Yeah, I dunno.
I'm a fairly hardcore Apple fan. Unfortunately, of everything listed in the summary, the ONLY thing I'm even remotely interested in is automatic translations. That's actually useful. All that other shit? No.
One thing is for sure. One thing I need LESS OF on my screens is "glossy".
Visual "design language" (Score:3)
iOS 26 is anticipated to feature a glossy, glass-like interface inspired by visionOS, incorporating translucent elements and rounded buttons. This design language is expected to extend across iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, promoting a cohesive user experience across devices. Core applications like Phone, Safari, and Camera are slated for significant redesigns, too. For instance, Safari may introduce a translucent, "glassy" address bar, aligning with the new visual aesthetics.
It's stuff like this that makes me want to not watch the keynote live. To wait until it's streaming so I can fast forward through parts. It destroys any excitement I may have had and the eagerness to watch it live.
Between this and AI, if macOS 26 is ARM only, I feel like Intel Macs aren't missing out. Bug fix update only are just fine.
Re: (Score:2)
You'll probably want to see the sneak preview:
https://youtu.be/1sXIzcJ-bW8?t... [youtu.be]
Such innovation!
Re: Visual "design language" (Score:1)
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Umm... What does Android have to do with anything?
It's funny that all the Android users think that Apple users care about innovation so much. We don't.
Obviously. That's why you keep buying a new iTurd every year that looks and functions basically the same as last year's model, and get excited over Apple's crappy speeches.
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functions basically the same as last year's model
I kind of want it to function like last year's model. I don't buy a phone to tinker with, or really do whiz-bang stuff: Just texting, maybe a phone call now and then, some calendar stuff, calculator, etc. You know, basic phone stuff. I don't want to have to relearn the phone's OS just because a new device came out.
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That's nice. So I guess the appeal of this year's model was that it came with a new hat?
Apple's WWDC (Score:1)
don't care; haven't cared for awhile now.
Re: (Score:2)
It's like the Oscars: If you watch it, your life must be incredibly dull.
Re: (Score:3)
Everyone here is reading the comments page of a Slashdot article, speculating about what will or won't happen at an upcoming Apple WWDC.
I think we can take 'incredibly dull lives' as a given.
Re: Apple's WWDC (Score:1)
Settngs - General - Enable AI - False (Score:2)
This is the only setting I'd like to see at the OS and app level.
That and a, "Make dark background actually use Black instead of off-black"
I look forward to a WWDC keynote... (Score:2)
that spends 75% of its total runtime time talking about innovations in Genmoji!
You heard it here, first!
Re: (Score:2)
The big reveal is going to be that they moved the apple logo up about 5mm.
leading change (Score:2)
Apple plans to shift its operating system naming to reflect the release year, moving from sequential numbers to year-based identifiers.
If that is your headline change, version numbering, then innovation is dead.
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If that is your headline change, version numbering, then innovation is dead.
It's an unofficial list of rumored announcements. You're reading a bit much into this.
Re: leading change (Score:2)
I expect an apology. (Score:3)
Two apologies actually.
The first for completely bungling "Apple Intelligence".
The second for the utter bug festival that was the initial release of IOS and IPadOS 18 as well as the lesser bug festival of Sequoia.
My money's on... (Score:2)
My guess is some kind of new fee or tax for app developers.
More crap that no one really wants. (Score:2)
That's what.
Visual "design language" (Score:2)
Change for the sake of change.
Just like Microsnot.
Just like the fashion industry.
Making everyone re-learm the interface. When will anyone say "enough?"