Apple is set to hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, where the company will unveil updates to its AI platform alongside significant software redesigns and new features across its ecosystem.
According to industry reports, Apple's AI efforts will receive modest updates at this year's event, with the company doing little to demonstrate it's catching up to AI leaders like OpenAI and Google. While Apple introduced its Apple Intelligence platform last year, insiders believe WWDC 2025 may disappoint from an AI standpoint, especially following Google's recent showcase of advanced AI capabilities at its I/O event.
The most consequential AI announcement expected is Apple's decision to open its Foundation Models to third-party developers. This will allow app creators to use the same on-device processing and models for existing Apple Intelligence features, including image generation and text summarization. However, these on-device models are limited to around 3 billion parameters, significantly less powerful than cloud-based alternatives from competitors.
While AI takes a backseat, Apple will introduce a comprehensive visual redesign across its platforms, marking the most significant cross-platform update since iOS 7 in 2013. The new design language incorporates translucent interface elements inspired by visionOS. Apple is also changing its software naming convention to a year-based system, with iOS 19 becoming iOS 26, and macOS receiving the California-themed name "Tahoe."
Another highlight will be a new dedicated gaming app replacing the long-standing Game Center. This cross-platform application will serve as a unified hub for launching games, tracking achievements, viewing leaderboards, and accessing editorial content. On macOS, the app will also detect and organize games installed outside the Mac App Store, signaling Apple's intent to strengthen its position in the gaming market.
Apple's cautious approach to AI development reflects its prioritization of privacy and user experience, but the slower rollout of AI innovations could impact its competitive position. The company reportedly aims to make a stronger AI push at WWDC 2026, though this timeline risks putting Apple further behind as the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly.