April 21, 2025, 9:09 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Apple has issued invitations to its annual WWDC developer conference. A “special event” will kick off on June 9, at which the company will present new software and frameworks.
This year’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC25) is primarily aimed at developers—they can try out the latest tools and meet Apple engineers here. But the conference will also be interesting for consumers. This is where the company officially announces new versions of its operating systems and provides the first test builds shortly afterwards.
Overview
Updates for All Software Platforms—but Also New Hardware?
On June 9, Apple will open WWDC 2025 with a keynote at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino to present its new software. In the past, the company has also used the opportunity to present new hardware. In 2023, Vision Pro and a whole range of new Macs were unveiled at the event. However, in 2025, new iPads, Macs and the iPhone 16e were already presented in simple press releases. There are, therefore, unlikely to be any hardware announcements at WWDC25—at least there are currently no indications of this from insider circles.
Apple has been working on new features for its software platforms in the background for months. Five new OS versions are planned for this year:
- iOS/iPadOS 19
- macOS 16
- watchOS 12
- tvOS 19
- visionOS 3
“According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, “drastic” changes are in store for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. According to Gurman, visionOS 3 will also be “packed with new features”—but there are no further details from insider sources. Apple is currently testing the integration of its AI suite Apple Intelligence in the visionOS 2.4 beta. There is currently virtually no information on watchOS 12 and tvOS 19—apart from the names.
iOS 19 and iPadOS 19
With iOS 19, Apple is planning one of the most significant software overhauls in its history. The aim is to appeal to a new generation of users and simplify operation. In addition to iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, the changes also affect macOS 16 and are intended to make the operating systems more uniform. This includes innovations to icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons. The last major visual overhaul of iOS took place in 2013 with iOS 7, when the skeuomorphic design was replaced by a flatter aesthetic.
The new design is borrowed from visionOS, which runs on Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset. visionOS relies on round app icons, translucent windows and menus, and shading to make content appear more vivid. The first hints of this new design language can already be found in iOS 17 and iOS 18, for example in the settings for the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro or the new iMessage options. Apps such as the Sports app or the Invitations app also feature striking design changes that indicate a greater use of 3D effects and transparency.
Another significant change could be the final disappearance of the classic tab bar in iOS. While it is still present in older apps such as Podcasts or the clock, Apple is increasingly replacing it with fold-out menus in new apps.
macOS 16
macOS has now reached version 16. Unlike iOS, for example, the Mac operating system is traditionally given a name suffix—since OS X 10.9 Mavericks in 2013, these have been special places in Apple’s home state of California. macOS 15 currently bears the nickname Sequoia. Nothing is yet known about the location Apple has chosen for macOS 16. At least we know the internal code name: “Cheers.”
Similar to iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, macOS 16 will also be based on visionOS. More uniformity could be provided by rounder icons, framed buttons, and more pronounced shading and translucent windows. It was only in 2020 that Apple thoroughly overhauled the operating system with macOS Big Sur, with an overhauled interface and new app icons.
Beta Versions Available After Presentation at WWDC
After the presentation of its new operating systems, Apple usually makes the first beta versions available to developers. This year, TECHBOOK will once again be testing iOS 19 from day one and providing information about the new functions. One month after the start of the developer beta, the public beta will follow, which all users with compatible devices can install.
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Will Apple Present a Completely New Operating System at WWDC?
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to unveil a new smart home device in tablet form in 2025. The device will run a new operating system that could be called “homeOS.” The home tablet is likely to take over many functions from the iPhone and iPad—including a customizable home screen with apps and widgets.
Apple Intelligence and the new Siri are to be on board specifically for use as a smart home center—as soon as it is ready. A practical feature that is a unique selling point is the environment perception: if the user moves away from the tablet, a screen saver is automatically activated. When the user approaches, homeOS displays the home screen again.
As the new smart home tablet is unlikely to be released at WWDC, we will have to wait a little longer for homeOS to be unveiled.