At the centre of the anticipated launch is a complete overhaul of its operating systems’ appearance, a new naming convention, and cautious updates to its much-publicised Apple Intelligence tools.

The interface update, internally dubbed “Solarium,” takes cues from the visionOS used in Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Early reports suggest users should expect a visually striking “Liquid Glass” look, transparent toolbars, glass-like UI elements, and a system-wide aesthetic meant to unify Apple’s product ecosystem. 

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that this could be “the most dramatic overhaul” in Apple’s software history.

The change doesn’t end there as Apple appears set to abandon version numbers in favour of a year-based naming system. So, instead of iOS 19, we’ll now see iOS 26, aligning with macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. It’s a change aimed at better cohesion across platforms.

Though Apple Intelligence dominated WWDC 2024, this year’s event will likely tone down the hype. After falling short on delivering an improved Siri and being condemned for over-promising, Apple is reportedly playing it safe. 

Still, some features, like automatic message translation and improved battery life management using AI, are on the cards. 

The AI features may also help the iPhone learn which apps to prioritise for power efficiency and show a charging time estimate on the lock screen.

iOS 26 will bring visible changes to everyday apps. Messages is tipped to get polls and custom chat backgrounds, while Notes may finally allow Markdown exports, a small but meaningful update for content creators. 

Meanwhile, a standalone gaming app could debut, streamlining Game Center, Apple Arcade, and store-bought games into one interface. Apple is also expected to expand gaming across iPadOS and macOS.

As for macOS, WWDC 2025 rumours point to the end of Intel-era Mac support. Devices like the 2018 Mac mini and 2020 Intel MacBook Air may be cut off. macOS 26, potentially called “Tahoe” will reportedly carry forward the visual overhaul with support continuing only on M1 and newer Macs.

One underreported but essential focus is accessibility. New features include braille-compatible app launching, Live Captions for Apple Watch, and a simplified Reader mode for users with dyslexia and visual impairments. 

There’s also a move to add “accessibility nutrition labels” in the App Store, helping users evaluate app usability before downloading.

The Apple Watch may gain a blood pressure feature and AI-powered notification summaries. However, watchOS support could leave out Series 6, with Series 7 and newer models remaining in play. 

Likewise, iPadOS 26 could drop support for the 7th-gen iPad but bring new multitasking tools and a mobile Preview app for PDF annotation.

Notably absent from this year’s expected announcements is Apple’s long-rumoured smart glasses. While sources say Tim Cook is invested in bringing spatial computing to wearables by 2026, no major reveal is anticipated today. 

However, Apple may quietly begin courting developers for future app support, as it did with the Vision Pro.

And though Apple won’t address it on stage, the impact of US tariffs can’t be ignore. With the Trump administration threatening 25% tariffs on non-US-made Apple products, CEO Tim Cook recently noted a projected $900 million hit this quarter. 

If there’s any mention of Apple’s promised $500 billion domestic investment, it’ll be more political than product-oriented.

Finally, the Apple Design Awards have already named winners across six categories, highlighting the best in innovation, accessibility, and visual design. It’s a quiet nod to the developer community just before the big announcements roll in.

WWDC 2025 officially begins today at 6 p.m. WAT, and developer betas are expected to be released immediately after the keynote. Public betas should follow in July, with full software rollouts likely timed with the iPhone 17 launch this September.

Apple has a lot to prove this year with functionality, reliability, and restraint. 

Through these features, Apple is enabling users with a wide range of abilities to experience the tech giant’s products in ways that are personalized and commendable.

Control Your Device with Just Your Eyes

Aimed at users with physical disabilities, Eye Tracking allows for complete control of iPhones and iPads using just eye movements. 

This built-in feature leverages the front-facing camera and on-device machine learning to ensure user privacy and remove the need for additional hardware. Dwell Control enables users to select elements on the screen simply by focusing their gaze.

Music Haptics to Feel the Rhythm

Music Haptics is an innovation for deaf and hard-of-hearing users. In utilizing the Taptic Engine in iPhones, this feature translates music into a great experience through taps, textures, and subtle vibrations. 

It works seamlessly with millions of songs in the Apple Music library and will be available as an API for developers to integrate into their apps.

A Wider Range of Speech Recognition

For users with atypical speech patterns caused by conditions like ALS or cerebral palsy, Apple introduces Listen for Atypical Speech. 

This feature uses on-device machine learning to recognize individual speech patterns, providing greater customization and control. 

Again, Vocal Shortcuts enable users to create personalized voice commands to trigger complex tasks on their iPhones and iPads.

Reduced Motion Sickness with Vehicle Motion Cues

Vehicle Motion Cues is a thoughtful feature designed to combat motion sickness commonly experienced while using iPhones or iPads in moving vehicles. 

It utilizes animated dots on the screen that subtly adapt to the vehicle’s motion, minimizing sensory conflict and ensuring a smoother ride.

CarPlay has Enhanced Accessibility

CarPlay receives a welcome accessibility upgrade with the inclusion of Voice Control, Color Filters, and Sound Recognition. Drivers and passengers can now navigate CarPlay features and apps using just their voice. 

Colour Filters enhance the CarPlay interface for users with colour blindness, while Sound Recognition alerts deaf or hard-of-hearing users to important sounds like car horns and sirens.

Accessibility in visionOS

This year, visionOS introduces systemwide Live Captions, a great one for everyone, including deaf and hard-of-hearing users, allowing them to follow conversations and audio from apps in real-time. 

Apple Vision Pro gains the ability to move captions within the Apple Immersive Video window, alongside support for new hearing devices and cochlear implants.

Additionally, features like Reduce Transparency, Smart Invert, and Dim Flashing Lights cater to users with low vision or light sensitivity.

Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Throughout May, Apple is hosting various initiatives in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Select Apple Stores will offer free sessions showcasing accessibility features, while the Apple TV app highlights inspiring content from creators with disabilities. 

The App Store features a curated collection of apps promoting inclusion, and Apple Books offers ebooks and audiobooks focusing on disability narratives. 

Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations continue to prioritize inclusivity with sign language options and audio descriptions, while Apple Support provides valuable resources for users to personalize their Apple devices for optimal accessibility.