WWDC 2025 should be software-only this time
Apple isn’t expected to introduce new hardware during its WWDC keynote, with the 2025 event said to be a software-only affair.
As a major event for developers, WWDC is chiefly focused on software, but hardware does sometimes make an appearance. For WWDC 2025, it seems that there won’t be any new devices shown off during Monday’s keynote.
Writing in the “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg on Sunday, Mark Gurman says that Apple doesn’t have any new hardware ready to be released during WWDC itself.
As usual, it does have a selection of hardware on the way, including the iPhone 17, new Apple Watch models, and updated Macs. However, they won’t be coming out until the traditional fall events.
There’s rumors of a new AirTag in the works and nearing release. However, Gurman doesn’t consider it notable enough to debut at WWDC, let alone it making sense to do so.
Though Apple has last used WWDC to bring out the Apple Vision Pro as a new hardware category, it won’t this time.
Software first, again
The claim that there won’t be hardware at WWDC certainly makes sense, as it is primarily focused on operating system and software changes. Hardware launches happen at other times of year, meaning there’s few reasons to do so at WWDC outside of a platform introduction.
Add in the backlash over the Apple Intelligence delays in 2024, and it seems like Apple will be keen to fix and improve software in 2025, instead of expanding its remit to a new platform.
Even so, it seems that what it will show will be far less grand than you would usually expect from Apple.
The main two software stories and most likely to occur elements are topped off by claims of a more glass-like visionOS aesthetic spreading to iOS 26 and others, in a bid for visual unity. There’s also the version numbering changes, which should help reduce future confusion.
The other main software story will be Apple Intelligence, which stormed WWDC 2024 with its launch. However, Apple’s agonizingly slow rollout of the features has led to claims that there will be fewer Apple Intelligence feature changes than first thought.
The lighter program could include opening up foundational models to third-party app developers, an updated Translate app leveraging Siri and AirPods, and a new AI power management mode.
