WWDC 2025: Apple set to unveil iOS 26 with major redesign, AI enhancements and more
Apple is all set to host its first biggest event of the year —
WWDC 2025
. The company will kickstart its annual developer conference on June 9. This year, Apple is reportedly breaking from its traditional numbering, launching directly to iOS 26—a move that signals a year-based naming convention across its entire software ecosystem, including macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
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It is expected that Apple may bring a significant design overhaul to iOS 16. As reported by Bloomberg, Apple has drawn inspiration from the immersive aesthetic of the Apple Vision Pro headset for the new design of iOS 16. Users can expect a more translucent, "digital glass" look with softer, rounded elements, revamped app icons, and re-imagined toolbars.
Apple WWDC 2025: Changes expected in iOS 26
Major design overhaul
iOS 26 is rumoured to feature a significant visual redesign, drawing inspiration from visionOS.
The update, codenamed "Solarium," aims to introduce a more translucent, glass-like aesthetic with floating on-screen elements and simplified navigation. These design changes are expected to extend across other Apple operating systems for a more unified user experience.
Messages app revolution
The Messages app is set for major upgrades, including the long-awaited ability to create polls directly within conversations.
Furthermore, users will reportedly be able to set custom background images for chats, which can even sync between participants, similar to other popular messaging platforms.
New productivity apps
Apple is said to be introducing a pre-installed Preview app for iOS and iPadOS, offering robust PDF management, annotation, and editing capabilities. A dedicated 'Games' app is also anticipated, providing a centralized hub for game downloads and access to Apple Arcade.
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AI-Powered battery management
A new generative AI feature is rumoured to optimise iPhone battery life by analysing user habits and adjusting settings to maximise efficiency without user intervention. A Lock Screen indicator showing estimated charging time may also be included.
Real-time translation
Expanding Apple's existing Live Translation capabilities, iOS 26 could bring real-time voice translation during calls and potentially through AirPods, breaking down language barriers for seamless multilingual conversations.
Enhanced accessibility
New system-wide accessibility features are expected, such as an "Accessibility Reader" tool for simplifying text across apps, improved App Store labelling for accessibility features, and smarter handling of captive Wi-Fi networks (e.g., in airports and hotels) for more seamless connections across all Apple devices.
Health and wellness integration
The Health app may gain a virtual health coach, powered by AI, to suggest lifestyle changes, analyse user data, and advise on diet.
Food-tracking tools for logging carbohydrate and caffeine intake are also rumoured.
Apple Intelligence and AI Integration
Building upon its Apple Intelligence platform, Apple is expected to introduce AI-powered features, including:
Improved battery management: AI-driven tools to analyze user habits and optimize battery usage.
Siri Enhancements: While a complete Siri overhaul may not debut immediately, incremental improvements leveraging AI are anticipated.
How to watch WWDC 2025 Keynote
The keynote address will be streamed live on Apple's official website, the Apple TV app, and Apple's YouTube channel. Viewers can access the stream on various devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.
The event, as mentioned above, will kickstart at 10:00am PT (10:30PM IST).
For those unable to watch live, on-demand playback will be available shortly after the event concludes.
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