Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote is hours away, and if the rumors hold up, this year’s event is shaping up to be a reset year, both in strategy and in platform identity. Here’s a quick roundup of the five main things to expect from today’s keynote.
1: UI overhaul across all platforms
Apple’s systems-wide design refresh is set to arguably be the biggest theme this year, beginning with a new naming system. Apple is expected to adopt a unified year-based naming strategy, much like the one that automakers follow, and announce iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
But the overhaul won’t stop there. Apple is also expected to debut a new visual language for all its systems, referred to as Liquid Glass UI: buttons, tab bars, and other interface elements are set to get new, reflective, glassy materials and textures, similar to the visual language that Apple debuted with visionOS 1.0.
Read also: iOS 26: ‘Liquid Glass’ UI elements to define new OS redesign for iPhone
2: Better iPad multitasking and window management
Longtime iPad users have been waiting for more Mac-like windowing on iPadOS since before Stage Manager, and this may finally be the year. And while Apple is reportedly announcing a revamped Stage Manager today, its new behavior might go beyond just a few tweaks and improvements.
So today, expect floating windows, menu bars, and a completely rethought multitasking system. There is also talk of a heavier reliance on keyboard and trackpads, as well as (finally) a Preview app, which might make its way to the iPhone as well.
Read also: iPadOS 26 will ‘completely revamp multitasking,’ add new Preview app: report
3: No big AI news, but AI news nonetheless
After multiple reports of missteps and internal drama, it is no surprise that Apple might have little to show for its AI efforts today. So don’t expect a big Siri revamp, or even a Gemini integration announcement, which will reportedly be kept under wraps until the regulatory winds start blowing in another direction.
That said, Apple is still expected to announce a few Apple Intelligence updates, including upgraded foundation models, on-device AI access for developers, and AI-enabled Shortcuts, which is set to allow users to create automations using natural language prompts.
Apple is also expected to integrate translation in iMessage and FaceTime and introduce a new battery optimization mode. Lastly, the company might unveil its new vision for Swift Assist, a feature it announced last year but has yet to launch. This time around, instead of relying on its own AI, Swift Assist might allow for third-party LLM integration, bringing Xcode on par with other LLM-enabled development environments.
Read also: Apple Intelligence: Here’s what is (and isn’t) coming in iOS 26
4: iMessage improvements
Translation features reportedly won’t be the only news coming to iMessage this year. The app is set to get a slew of welcome improvements and new features, such as polling, and custom background images that will sync across devices.
As for the polling feature, there may also be an AI story here, with smart suggestions based on the context of the conversation.
Read also: Messages app will gain two iOS 26 features inspired by WhatsApp
5: Major games push
One of the more surprising trends this year? Apple seems serious about gaming again. Expect a new pre-installed Games app that consolidates Arcade, multiplayer features, and will work as a game-exclusive storefront, much like the App Store.
On the visionOS side, Apple is reportedly set to bring Spatial Controller connectivity, including support for PSVR2. It’s a big move, even if a bit overdue. If nothing else, this WWDC may show that Apple intends yet again to try to get a bigger seat at the gaming table.
Read also: Gaming shaping up to be Apple’s unlikely big bet for 2025
What are you most excited about? Did you notice anything missing from the list? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to follow 9to5Mac’s full coverage before, during, and after the event.
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