Apple’s 5 Big Announcements Expected At WWDC 2025: iOS 26 In, iOS 19 Out, Solarium, Gaming App, More
When the new OS releases in the fall of 2025, iOS 18 will change to iOS 26, not iOS 19.
As Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference from June 9–13 draws near, insider news and updates regarding what’s on the anvil is taking the fervour up a notch. Apple is reportedly preparing for its biggest software overhaul yet, and with it, the biggest rebranding of its operating systems too.
Noted tech insider Mark Gurman recently wrote that the way Apple titles its software upgrades may be about to undergo a significant change.
What else is on the cards? Here are the most exciting announcements that can be expected from Apple at WWDC 2025.
1. iOS 26 In, iOS 19 Out: Rebranded Apple Software
According to Gurman, Apple is rebranding its various OS by using the final two digits of the next year, instead of the version number. When the new OS releases in the fall of 2025, iOS 18 will change to iOS 26, not iOS 19. Similarly, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will be the nomenclature of other software updates.
Current software, such as iOS 18, WatchOS 12, MacOS 15, and VisionOS 2, have disconnected version numbers because they were not released at the same time. Apple’s goal is to eliminate ambiguity and provide consistency in OS branding.
2. Solarium UI: Biggest Design Changes Ever
In “one of the most dramatic software overhauls,” Apple is reportedly changing the UI across all its apps to make them more uniform. Internally codenamed “Solarium,” the design transformation takes inspiration from visionOS and includes floating windows, glass-like app appearance, rounded controls, pill-shaped tab bar, shimmer in lock screen controls, elongated toggles in Settings, and more. The design changes will reflect across software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS, which Apple will likely preview at WWDC.
3. New Features
Apple is rumoured to preview new features, including a minimalist Camera app with tabs for only photos and videos, live translation capability for AirPods, and FaceTime and back navigation capability in Messages app. watchOS could add support for blood pressure and glucose monitoring.
4. Dedicated Gaming App
Apple could launch a dedicated video gaming app at the WWDC. Later this year, when new OS are released, the app may come pre-installed for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV set-top box. In addition to serving as a game launcher, the app will compile messages, in-game achievements, leaderboards, and other activities.
5. Apple Intelligence
Apple will continue to advance AI, even though it still needs to deliver many of Apple Intelligence features announced last year. A revamp of Siri will likely be touched upon even if the features themselves arrive next year. An AI-powered doctor feature in Health app is on the cards, and so is battery-saving feature supported by AI.
