Following the developer conferences held by Google and Microsoft, anticipation builds for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The tech giant based in Cupertino is preparing to launch new iterations of its operating systems and showcase its ambitions within the artificial intelligence sector.
Speculation suggests that Apple might introduce a brand-new line of products, potentially featuring a HomePod smart display. Here’s how to watch the event live.
When is the WWDC keynote?
WWDC will span the entire week, but the keynote presentation, where key announcements will unfold, is scheduled for Monday, June 9th, starting at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT.
Where can I watch WWDC?
The keynote will be held in person at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, but it will also be streamed online. The most convenient location for many viewers will be YouTube, where the livestream is embedded above.
Alternatively, viewers can catch the event streaming on Apple.com and via the Apple TV app.
What to expect from Apple’s keynote
Updated OS names
Bloomberg has reported that Apple plans to renumber all of its operating systems this year.
The company is expected to shift to iOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and similar updates, aiming to synchronize version numbers with the calendar year following their release, lending a futuristic feel.
However, macOS will retain its distinctive Californian naming convention; it is anticipated it will be dubbed Tahoe with its new version number.
A new look
In conjunction with the new version numbers, Apple is reportedly considering a substantial design refresh for its software, taking cues from the aesthetics of the Vision Pro’s visionOS.
This would include updated icons, menus, applications, and system buttons spread across iPhones, Macs, and iPads, featuring a design that emphasizes “light and transparency.” Other enhancements may involve revised toolbars, new pop-out menus for additional options, and major redesigns for the Phone, Safari, and Camera applications on iPhone and iPad.
HomePad hardware?
The conference may offer a prime opportunity for Apple to unveil its anticipated smart display — a device combining features of the HomePod and iPad with smart home controls.
Initially rumored for a March 2025 launch, expectations have shifted to later in the year. Regardless of the timeline, Apple could use WWDC to provide a glimpse of this innovative product.
AI all over again
This year, Apple is expected to make significant strides in the AI sector despite the not-so-ideal start of its Apple Intelligence initiative. There are hopes for a renewed focus on AI features for iPhones and other products, even though some functionalities announced last year are still pending.
Apple seems likely to focus on more ready-to-launch AI capabilities, opting for a strategic silence on plans to revamp Siri. Bloomberg suggests this direction may involve enhancing translation features, implementing AI-driven battery optimization, and making Apple’s foundational AI models accessible to third-party developers.
