Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) for 2025, scheduled for June 9-13, is widely anticipated to be a more "smaller-scale" event compared to its predecessors. This subdued outlook stems primarily from the reported absence of significant new hardware releases and growing internal concerns regarding Apple's competitive standing in the rapidly evolving field of generative artificial intelligence. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is holding back on substantial AI revelations, leading to worries among some employees that the event might be a "letdown" in terms of AI advancements.

The sentiment surrounding AI at WWDC 2025 is one of tempered expectations, with reports suggesting it could be a "gap year" for major AI innovation from Apple. There are concerns that the conference might highlight Apple's perceived lag behind competitors like OpenAI and Google in the AI race, as the company is reportedly behind schedule on previously announced AI features. Gurman explicitly stated, "The conference may be a letdown from an AI standpoint," and that any AI announcements are expected to be for "basic on-device features" which may not be particularly exciting.

Despite the generally muted AI forecast, Apple might introduce a few limited AI-related updates. These could include granting third-party developers access to Apple's smaller, on-device foundation models or large language models (LLMs), reportedly with around three billion parameters and focused on text-based tasks. While a notable change, these are considered less powerful than cloud-based systems from competitors. Other potential announcements involve a new AI-powered power management mode designed to enhance battery life, the integration of the Translate app with AirPods and Siri, and possibly minor AI feature enhancements or rebranding within existing apps like Safari and Photos. However, any new Apple Intelligence upgrades are expected to be underwhelming.

A significant factor contributing to the scaled-down nature of WWDC 2025 is the lack of major new hardware launches. Unlike WWDC 2023, which saw the introduction of the Vision Pro, or WWDC 2024, which unveiled Apple Intelligence, this year’s event is unlikely to feature any groundbreaking new devices ready to ship. This absence of a "one more thing" moment in hardware is expected to temper the usual excitement surrounding the conference.

The most significant highlight of WWDC 2025 is anticipated to be a substantial software redesign. Apple is expected to unveil a visionOS-inspired user interface overhaul across its major operating systems: iOS 26 (also referred to as iOS 19), iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26. This redesign is reported to feature distinctive glass-like translucent elements, aiming for a refreshed look and feel across the Apple ecosystem.

Beyond the OS redesign, developers can look forward to some updates to Apple's developer tools. Announcements are expected to include enhancements to Swift Assist and the introduction of a new Rich Text Editor for SwiftUI, aimed at improving app development workflows.

Looking beyond WWDC 2025, Apple is reportedly working on several major AI projects, though these are not expected to be showcased this year. An indefinitely delayed revamp of Siri, intended to integrate generative AI capabilities for more conversational and context-aware interactions (a feature discussed at last year's WWDC), is now anticipated in 2026. Other features, such as AI capabilities for the Shortcuts app allowing users to create actions using natural language prompts, an in-house AI chatbot with web access, and an AI doctor service internally codenamed "Project Mulberry," are also rumored for a 2026 debut, potentially at next year's WWDC.

In conclusion, WWDC 2025 appears poised to be a transitional event for Apple, focusing on significant software aesthetic upgrades and foundational developer tool enhancements rather than revolutionary AI breakthroughs or new hardware. While immediate AI announcements may be limited, the conference could set the stage for more substantial AI-driven innovations from Apple in 2026.