Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will run from June 9-13, 2025. The highly anticipated keynote event is scheduled for June 9 at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST) and will be streamed live on Apple’s official event webpage and YouTube channel. WWDC 2025 is expected to showcase major updates across all of Apple’s operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Rumors suggest potential announcements such as a tease for the iPhone 17 Air and watchOS 26 reportedly gaining support for third-party Control Centre widgets. While iOS 19 is not expected, Apple may unveil iOS 26 at WWDC 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about the rumors surrounding WWDC 2025.
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Apple WWDC 2025: Three big upgrades coming to iPhone, iPad and AI next month
Apple may tease iPhone 17 Air
Though an official launch is slated for September alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple may offer a sneak peek at the iPhone 17 Air’s design. This new “Air” model is anticipated to replace the current “Plus” variant in the iPhone lineup, emphasizing an ultra-thin profile.
Sources suggest the iPhone 17 Air could redefine smartphone design with an astonishing 5.5mm thickness – even narrower than the 6.9mm iPhone 6 – and a remarkably light 146 grams. To achieve this unprecedented thinness, Apple is reportedly exploring the radical step of eliminating the USB-C port and other traditional connectors, paving the way for a completely wireless iPhone. This move could signal a monumental shift in the smartphone landscape.
However, the “Air” form factor may come with some compromises. Early reports indicate the iPhone 17 Air could feature a single 48MP rear lens, a 24MP front sensor, a 2,800mAh battery (approximately 20% smaller than the iPhone 16), and an aluminum frame.
watchOS 26: Empowering Users with Third-Party Control Centre Widgets
Apple Watch users can anticipate a significant upgrade with watchOS 26, which is reportedly set to introduce long-awaited support for third-party Control Centre widgets. This highly requested feature will allow developers to integrate their own widgets, offering users expanded options beyond the current standard controls for Wi-Fi, Battery, and Focus Mode.
According to 9to5Mac, watchOS 26 will enable a fully customizable Control Centre layout via the iPhone, making it easier for users to add, remove, or re-order widgets. This enhancement promises to provide more diverse and personalized Control Centre actions, moving beyond the existing Airplane Mode, Do Not Disturb, and Flashlight options.
AirPods Innovations: Sleep Detection, Camera Control, and Enhanced Gestures
AirPods are also in line for new functionalities, with reports suggesting enhanced head gesture controls for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Users may soon be able to exit “Conversation Awareness” mode with simple head movements, eliminating the need for stem controls.
A standout new feature under development is “Automatic Sleep Detection.” This aims to automatically pause audio playback when AirPods detect a user has fallen asleep while wearing them. While its integration with Apple Watch’s sleep tracking is currently unclear, it underscores Apple’s push into health and convenience.
Could iOS 26 Be on the Horizon for WWDC 2026?
While iOS 19 is not expected at WWDC 2025, there’s buzz about a potential shift in Apple’s operating system naming convention. Speculation suggests Apple might leap directly to “iOS 26” at WWDC 2026, skipping several numerical iterations. This strategic move would likely align iOS versioning with other Apple platforms, simplifying consistency across the company’s ecosystem.
WWDC 2025 promises to be a pivotal event, laying the groundwork for Apple’s software and hardware advancements in the coming year and beyond.
