WWDC 2025 set to unveil iOS 26, revamped UI, and open Apple AI tools

Apple is expected to take a bold leap forward in software innovation during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, 9 June.

Central to the announcements will be a significant rebranding of its operating system, jumping from iOS 18 straight to iOS 26, as per media reports.

This dramatic renumbering signals a future-forward roadmap, positioning the iPhone OS to match calendar years.

The event also marks a key moment for Apple’s AI ambitions, as it prepares to open its foundational models to app developers while introducing a consistent cross-device UI revamp.

iOS 26 and design changes

WWDC 2025 is expected to centre on Apple’s software ecosystem, with iOS 26 likely to lead the charge.

Reports indicate Apple is ditching sequential numbering in favour of a year-based system, a change that would align future operating system releases—iOS 27, 28, and so on—with their launch years.

The shift offers a clearer roadmap for users and developers while reinforcing Apple’s long-term support strategy.

Alongside the rebranding, iOS 26 and its counterpart updates across iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS are set to introduce sweeping design changes.

The updated interface is expected to echo elements of VisionOS, Apple’s operating system for the Vision Pro headset.

Though details are limited, reports suggest a streamlined, immersive visual design that will be uniform across devices.

This could mark the most significant UI overhaul since iOS 7 in 2013.

AI tools for developers

Apple is also expected to announce a strategic opening of its large language models (LLMs) to external developers.

A new development kit may soon be available for integrating generative AI tools within third-party apps across iOS and macOS.

This shift would place Apple in direct competition with platforms like OpenAI and Google, offering developers on-device privacy and optimisation advantages through Apple’s tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystem.

Although previous releases like Apple Intelligence drew criticism—such as lock screen notification summaries generating incorrect text—Apple’s developer-focused AI pivot indicates a longer-term strategy.

Rather than rolling out a suite of consumer-facing tools immediately, Apple seems to be laying the groundwork for decentralised AI app development with tighter controls and increased device-level efficiency.

Gaming app relaunch

Another highlight expected at WWDC 2025 is Apple’s renewed push into social gaming.

Reports suggest the ageing Game Center, launched in 2010, could be phased out in favour of a redesigned app that comes pre-installed on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.

While Apple Arcade remains part of the ecosystem, this move appears aimed at rejuvenating Apple’s community features around casual gaming.

The new app would likely enable friend-based challenges, leaderboards, and live activity integration with iOS widgets.

Though Apple has struggled in the past to make Game Center a central hub for social play, the integration of AI and more refined user design might offer a second chance to become competitive in the gaming engagement space.