On Monday, June 9, Apple is set to unveil a series of significant software updates at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025, held in Cupertino, California. The company is expected to release version 26 of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS, marking a notable leap in version numbers. This move suggests a concerted effort to unify and streamline the user interfaces across all Apple devices, drawing inspiration from the glassy and translucent design of the Vision Pro's visionOS. For its flagship platform, the iPhone, iOS 26 represents the first major visual overhaul since Jony Ive’s flat design introduced in iOS 7 in 2013. Key aesthetic changes include a more transparent and glass-like appearance for the Mac menu bar, iPhone app icons, and widgets. Beyond visual enhancements, Apple is anticipated to introduce practical features such as a Preview-type app for iPhone and iPad, and a dedicated "Gaming" app for mobile devices, though details on these are still scarce. However, one of the most pressing questions is how Apple will address its lagging AI capabilities, particularly its next-generation Siri voice assistant. At last year’s WWDC, Apple announced Apple Intelligence, touting generative AI features like Genmoji, notification summaries, and writing tools. Despite months of delays, the revamped Siri with on-screen awareness and agentic functionality—meant to assist users more proactively—has yet to materialize. Recent reports suggest that these promised features were largely promotional hype, as the Siri team had not completed the necessary development. This has put Apple under scrutiny, especially as competitors like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic continue to advance their AI technologies with rapid-fire updates and innovative features. Industry insiders believe that WWDC 2025 will be crucial for Apple to reassert itself in the AI landscape. While new live translation features for phone calls and texts are expected, the overall focus on AI might be more subdued compared to previous years. Key Developments and Insights Unified Software Design: The shift to version 26 for all operating systems indicates a strategic move towards unifying Apple's ecosystem. This approach aims to create a consistent user experience across devices, making it easier for users to navigate and manage their multiple Apple products. The glassy and translucent design inspired by the Vision Pro’s visionOS is expected to bring a fresh, modern look to Apple's software lineup. Practical Feature Additions: iOS 26 is likely to include a new Preview-type app, enhancing file management and viewing experiences on iPhones and iPads. Additionally, a dedicated Gaming app for mobile devices could signal Apple's growing emphasis on the gaming sector, potentially appealing to a broader audience. AI Lag Concerns: The absence of advanced AI features, notably the revamped Siri, is a significant concern. Apple's marketing strategies have been criticized for hyping features that weren't fully developed, leading to skepticism and disappointment among users and developers. Competitors' advancements in AI, especially in generative models and chatbots, have outpaced Apple, putting the company under pressure to catch up. Regulatory and Developer Challenges: Apple faces regulatory pressures that impact its business model, including stricter scrutiny of its App Store policies. Developers remain frustrated with Apple’s stringent rules and lack of transparency. These issues could be exacerbated if the company fails to deliver on its AI promises, potentially dampening developer enthusiasm. Evaluation by Industry Insiders David Pierce, editor-at-large at The Verge, and Nilay Patel, co-host of The Vergecast, discuss the importance of WWDC 2025 for Apple. They highlight that while the visual redesign and unified naming scheme are significant, they may not be enough to counteract the lag in AI technologies. Pierce notes that Apple needs to demonstrate tangible advancements and better developer support to reclaim its position as an innovation leader. The Vergecast also explores the broader context of Apple’s challenges, including regulatory changes and developer discontent. The hosts agree that Apple must address these issues head-on and show that it is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology. They speculate that AI integrations and enhanced developer tools, such as improvements to Shortcuts, could be key areas where Apple aims to make a strong impression. Company Profile and Background Apple Inc., founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, is a multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California. Known for its cutting-edge hardware and software, Apple has a significant influence on consumer technology trends. However, recent years have seen the company struggle to keep pace with competitors in certain areas, particularly AI. The WWDC 2025 is a critical opportunity for Apple to showcase its commitment to innovation and user-centric design, while addressing the growing concerns of its developer community and regulatory bodies. Stay tuned for live coverage and in-depth analysis from the Gizmodo crew, including Senior Consumer Tech Editor Raymond Wong, Senior Writer James, and Staff Reporter Kyle Barr, who will be on the ground at Apple Park to bring you the latest updates and insights from the conference.