- No fresh iPhone, not even a whisper of the iPhone 17 Air
- Apology-free Apple WWDC 2025, caring less about AI blunders
- No holy grail gadgets like XR glasses or glucose monitors
Three Absences at Apple's WWDC 2025: Things Certainly Avoided
Gear up for Apple's annual developers' extravaganza, WWDC 2025, where the tech world comes together to discuss all things Apple. Keep an open mind, for it's all about the software that powers their reigning devices, rather than new hardware.
In my read, the odds suggest we'll see zilch - nada - zero new hardware at WWDC this year! Apple is notoriously reluctant to unveil hardware during this event, choosing to save those reveals for later, like the grand iPhone 17 family launch in September.
Now, you may have hoped for a peek at the iPhone 17 Air, but I'd say you're probably out of luck. Even with the sleek Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge now available, holding our breath for any Apple surprises is probably ill-advised.
Of course, the software news might still be intriguing, with a possible massive OS overhaul on the horizon, along with a new naming scheme that matches the update to the year –– like iOS 26 in 2026. But, do we need a new device to match the updated interface? Not really, but it could certainly stoke excitement!
So, here's what I'm unlikely to see at WWDC 2025:
No hardware, no new iPhone, not even the iPhone 17 Air
With a September launch planned, Apple won't want to reveal the iPhone 17 Air now and spoil the surprise. Similarly, don't expect new iPad models, as Apple's recently released new iPad base models and iPad Air tablets. There's no compelling reason to launch anything new at WWDC 2025. Speaking of iPads, even the iPad Mini got a recent refresh, so the chances of seeing anything new are slim.
Occasionally, Apple unveils a new chipset at WWDC, like the Apple M4 platform. This might've been the perfect time for a new Macbook Pro, or an updated iPad Pro model. However, with no hints, it seems we're not going to see a new Macbook or iPad boasting an Apple M5 or any other upcoming chipset.
There's a possibility Apple may speak about an updated Apple Homepod, possibly with a built-in display, making perfect sense for WWDC 2025, as a new display offers developers new possibilities to load apps. If there's any hardware announced next week, this could be it.
No mea culpas on Apple AI, no backing down
If you think Apple's AI journey hasn't been successful, you're spot on. But, don't expect them to admit this shortcoming, nor will there be any mea culpas at WWDC 2025. Instead, I foresee Apple charging forward with AI features at every level of every OS, from the Apple Watch to the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks.
We're probably going to see AI elements on the Apple Watch, as well as more AI on the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks. The real question is whether Apple continues to peddle Siri's delayed AI features, which include reading emails and personal information to provide tailored advice, or if there'll be a new direction, perhaps with new partnerships to fill in the gaps in Apple's AI capabilities.
I anticipate the latter, as developers are currently seeking ways to integrate existing apps and features with AI. A smart move on Apple's part to build stronger partnerships with companies outside of OpenAI, while continuing to refine its own AI infrastructure.
No holy grail, either on your wrist or your face
I predict that Apple will touch upon advancements in Apple Health on the Apple Watch, but it's unlikely we'll witness any game-changing breakthroughs, like improvements in glucose monitoring or new hardware that can measure metabolic rates non-invasively.
Apple's watch hardware needs a boost, as Google's Wear OS partners have moved ahead with features like zero pulse detection and more AI elements, and battery life continues to improve on the Wear OS side. Apple's WatchOS developments have been a bit slow as of late.
As for XR smart glasses akin to the Vision Pro, don't expect an update or any new Apple Vision devices. At most, we might get improved controls for the Vision Pro, and perhaps even real joystick controllers, but nothing revolutionary like a new XR smart glasses platform.
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Software Advancements:
- iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS Upgrades: Expect previews of new versions of these operating systems, showcasing a significant interface overhaul inspired by visionOS, code-named Solarium. This redesign aims to unify the look across Apple's devices[4].
- Dedicated Games App: A centralized Apple Games app is anticipated, featuring Home, Arcade, Play Together, Library, and Search tabs[1].
- Vision Pro Enhancements: The Vision Pro will receive new functionality, including eye scrolling and support for third-party controllers (magic wands)[1].
- iPad Improved Multitasking: Expect enhanced multitasking features for the iPad, aiming to create a more Mac-like experience, especially with a keyboard attached[1].
- Apple Pencil Enhancements: A virtual reed calligraphy pen upgrade for the Apple Pencil is rumored[1].
- AI and Translation: Apple is expected to bolster AI-based translation tools, offering live translation in phone calls and text messages across its platforms[1].
- Synced WiFi Network Login: Simplified WiFi login across devices could be another potential feature[1].
Hardware
Though it might be slim, the possibility of new hardware announcements at WWDC 2025 is not completely ruled out. However, given the focus on software updates and enhancements, major new hardware releases are unlikely at the event [2][3].
At WWDC 2025, instead of new hardware like tablets or the iPhone 17 Air, the focus might shift towards software advancements. The tech world will gather to discuss updates to iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS, featuring a significant interface overhaul inspired by visionOS.
In the realm of computing, while we might not see the unveiling of a new Macbook Pro or iPad Pro model, there could be an update to the Apple Homepod with a built-in display, offering developers new opportunities to load apps.
