Apple’s Biggest WWDC Yet? Here's Everything to Expect at tomorrow's event

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is fast approaching, and with it comes mounting anticipation about the next chapter of the iPhone experience. This year’s event could be a pivotal one—not just for iOS, but for the entire Apple ecosystem. From a fresh naming strategy to interface redesigns and deeper AI integration, June 9 might be the day Apple redefines its software future.

From iOS 19 to iOS 26: A Naming Revolution

For years, Apple’s operating systems followed independent version tracks—iOS climbed steadily toward version 19, while macOS and visionOS took different paths. But things may be changing. Industry insiders report Apple is preparing to sync version numbers across platforms using a year-based system. That means instead of releasing iOS 19, Apple is likely to debut iOS 26—signaling its alignment with the 2026 software generation.

The goal? Simplify how users, developers, and businesses track platform updates. It's a system reminiscent of how Microsoft once used years in Windows branding (like Windows 98), and how automakers label their models. Apple may quietly implement the new numbering behind the scenes at first—but WWDC could make it official.

Reimagining the Interface: iOS Takes a Bold New Look

Image Credit: Front Page Tech

Beyond numbers, Apple’s next mobile OS may introduce one of the most radical visual overhauls in iPhone history. Codenamed Solarium, the redesign reportedly borrows elements from the sleek, futuristic aesthetic of visionOS, Apple’s interface for its spatial computing platform.

Expect a more fluid visual experience—rounded icons, floating tab views, translucent modals, and smoother animations throughout. But this update isn’t just about eye candy. It’s about streamlining navigation, unifying design across Apple’s platforms, and reducing friction for users jumping between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro.

AI Everywhere: The Rise of Apple Intelligence

Last year’s iOS update introduced the world to Apple Intelligence, and this year could be its breakout moment. iOS 26 is rumored to expand the company’s AI ambitions significantly, with improvements in Siri, battery management, translation, and messaging.

A more conversational, LLM-powered Siri may arrive—capable of deeper context awareness and smoother dialogue. Meanwhile, a new intelligent battery feature could dynamically adjust power settings based on your daily habits, helping you squeeze more life out of every charge.

Real-Time Translation: AirPods Get Smarter

Another rumored innovation could change how we communicate on the go. Apple may be preparing to launch live voice translation through AirPods, using AI to interpret real-time conversations between people speaking different languages. This functionality could extend to Messages as well, with auto-translation of incoming text in foreign languages.

If true, these features could reshape travel, collaboration, and accessibility, while making AirPods an even more essential accessory.

Big App Updates: Camera, Safari, Phone May See Major Tweaks

In addition to the system-wide redesign, several core apps are rumored to be getting makeovers. The Camera app, in particular, could see a major update—perhaps inspired by the immersive UI of Apple Vision Pro. Safari and the Phone app might also adopt new layouts and features to improve usability.

One leaker even hinted that Apple’s Preview app—long exclusive to the Mac—could be coming to iPhone and iPad, allowing easier document annotation and viewing.

Apple Enters the Gaming Chat: A Dedicated Games App

Gaming is getting more serious attention too. Apple may unveil a new Apple Games app, which would bring together Apple Arcade, editorial features, game leaderboards, and even titles downloaded outside the App Store on Mac.

This could be Apple’s attempt to prove it’s not just a casual player in gaming—but a platform builder ready to support serious developers and game studios alike.

Accessibility First: New Features for a More Inclusive OS

Accessibility continues to be a top priority. Already, Apple has previewed new tools like Eye Tracking for iPhone, Live Captions for more languages, and Music Haptics that sync vibrations with songs for the hearing impaired. New customization options, better voice control, and tools for users with physical limitations are expected as well.

HomeKit Changes and Legacy Support Dropping

One under-the-radar update could impact smart home users. Apple confirmed it will be ending support for its older Home architecture this year. Those using legacy setups may need to upgrade to continue using Apple’s smart home features—especially as the company leans into Matter and next-gen device standards.

Will Your Device Get iOS 26? Compatibility Outlook

While iOS 26 will likely run on most of the same devices that supported iOS 18, some older models may not make the cut. The iPhone XS and XR, both from 2018, are on the bubble—some reports claim they’re still supported, while others suggest they’ll be dropped.

For iPads, the iPadOS update is expected to support:

• iPad mini 5 and newer

• iPad 8 and newer

• iPad Air 3 and up

• All 11-inch iPad Pro models

• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen and newer)

With Apple focusing more on performance-heavy features and AI, trimming the list of supported devices seems inevitable.

Countdown to WWDC: What to Watch for

WWDC isn’t just a preview—it’s a roadmap. Apple will show off early builds of its upcoming platforms, release the first developer betas, and hint at where iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Vision Pro are all headed in the next 12 months.

The keynote kicks off on June 9, and we’re expecting updates not just to iOS, but to macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS, and more. Whether or not every rumor pans out, one thing’s clear: WWDC 2025 is poised to deliver Apple’s most ambitious software reveal in years.