Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)

The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is an annual event hosted by Apple Inc. at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Known as Apple WWDC, it serves as a platform for showcasing new software, technologies, and updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, alongside other Apple software. Occasionally, Apple announces new hardware at the WWDC keynote. The conference is a key event for third-party developers, offering hands-on labs, in-depth sessions, and networking opportunities with Apple engineers. This article explores the significance of WWDC 2025, its history, how to watch, and what to expect from the Apple event 2025.

History of WWDC

The first WWDC took place in 1983, introducing Apple Basic. However, it wasn’t until 2002 that Apple began using the conference as a major launchpad for new products. Initially held in Santa Clara, the event moved to various locations before settling at Apple Park in recent years. From 1987 to 2007, attendance grew from 2,000 to over 5,000, with WWDC 2018 hosting 6,000 attendees from 77 countries.

Since 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple WWDC has adopted a hybrid format, primarily online with select in-person components. The Swift Student Challenge, introduced in 2020, replaced traditional scholarships, offering winners exclusive access to Apple engineers and WWDC-themed rewards. WWDC 2025, tagged with the slogan “Sleek peek,” continues this hybrid model, running from June 9 to June 13, 2025.

WWDC 2025 Overview

WWDC 2025, or WWDC25, is Apple’s 36th annual developers conference, set to take place from June 9 to June 13, 2025. The Apple WWDC 2025 event kicks off with a keynote address on June 9 at 10 a.m. PT, followed by the Platforms State of the Union at 1 p.m. PT. The keynote will unveil major software updates, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, reflecting Apple’s new year-based naming convention. The conference is free for developers worldwide, with online sessions available via the Apple Developer app, Apple website, and YouTube.

In-Person Experience at Apple Park

While WWDC 2025 is primarily online, Apple will host a special in-person event at Apple Park on June 9 for over 1,000 select developers, students, and media members. Attendees can watch the WWDC keynote and State of the Union, meet Apple engineers, and participate in exclusive activities. Eligible participants, including Apple Developer Program members, Swift Student Challenge winners, and Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni, were selected through a random lottery.

What to Expect at WWDC 2025

Software Updates: iOS 26 and Beyond

WWDC 2025 is expected to introduce significant updates across Apple’s operating systems, with a major design overhaul inspired by visionOS, dubbed “Solarium.” The new iOS 26 (previously rumored as iOS 19) will feature a “digital glass” aesthetic, including translucent menus, rounded “squircle” icons, and a pill-shaped navigation bar. This redesign, the most significant since iOS 7, aims to create a cohesive experience across iPadOS 26, macOS 26 (potentially named Tahoe), watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

Key features rumored for iOS 26 include:

• Messages app: Ability to create polls and set conversation background images.
• Phone app: Enhanced functionality, though specifics remain undisclosed.
• CarPlay: Improvements to the standard version alongside CarPlay Ultra.
• Gaming App: A dedicated app replacing Game Center, supporting leaderboards and game launches.
• AI Enhancements: Subtle Apple Intelligence updates, including battery-saving AI tools and potential third-party AI integration via partnerships like Anthropic.

iPadOS 26 may focus on productivity, multitasking, and app window management, making iPads feel more like Macs. watchOS 26 could introduce new watch faces and third-party Control Center tiles. macOS 26 will likely drop support for older Intel-based Macs, requiring M1 or later models.

New Naming Convention

Apple is shifting from traditional version numbers (e.g., iOS 19, macOS 16) to a year-based system, aligning with the release season (September 2025 to September 2026). This change simplifies tracking across platforms, ensuring consistency with names like iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.

Hardware Announcements

While WWDC is primarily software-focused, hardware reveals have occurred in the past (e.g., Vision Pro at WWDC 2023). For WWDC 2025, no major hardware announcements are confirmed, but rumors suggest potential updates to AirTags or a new Apple TV 4K. A homeOS-powered smart home hub is also speculated but unlikely to debut at this event.

Apple Intelligence and AI Strategy

Following a heavy focus on Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, WWDC 2025 may take a more reserved approach to AI. Apple is expected to address delayed features, such as an enhanced Siri, and introduce developer-focused AI tools, like an AI-powered coding assistant in Xcode with Anthropic. However, major consumer-facing AI updates may be limited, as Apple aims to avoid overpromising amid criticism of its AI rollout.

How to Watch WWDC 2025

The WWDC 2025 keynote and Platforms State of the Union will be livestreamed on June 9 at 10 a.m. PT and 1 p.m. PT, respectively. Here’s how to watch WWDC:

• Apple Website: Stream directly on apple.com.
• Apple Developer App: Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
• Apple TV App: Watch on compatible devices.
• YouTube: Access the stream on Apple’s official YouTube channel.
• Other Platforms: Compatible with recent versions of Chrome or Firefox (requires MSE, H.264, and AAC codecs).

For those unable to watch live, on-demand playback will be available post-stream on the Apple Developer app, website, and YouTube. Live coverage and text updates can be followed on MacRumors.com or the MacRumorsLive X account. WIRED and CNET will also provide live blogs and post-keynote analysis.

Where to Watch WWDC

The WWDC keynote is accessible globally, making it easy to tune in from anywhere. For the in-person experience, only invited attendees can visit Apple Park. Online sessions, labs, and forums are free for all registered developers via the Apple Developer app or website. To receive WWDC25 updates, developers can adjust their Apple Developer account settings.

WWDC 2025 for Developers

WWDC25 offers developers over 100 technical sessions, online labs, and one-on-one consultations with Apple experts. These resources help developers integrate new features into their apps across Apple’s platforms. The Apple Developer Forums foster community engagement, while tools like Swift, Xcode, and TestFlight receive updates to support the latest OS changes. The Swift Student Challenge winners, including “Distinguished Winners,” gain exclusive access to in-person events and mentorship.

Why WWDC 2025 Matters

Apple WWDC 2025 is a pivotal event for developers and Apple enthusiasts alike. The introduction of iOS 26 and other year-based OS updates signals a new era of design and functionality, aiming for a seamless cross-platform experience. While Apple event 2025 may not focus heavily on AI, subtle enhancements and developer tools will shape the future of Apple’s ecosystem. The hybrid format ensures global accessibility, making WWDC25 a landmark occasion for innovation.