Apple WWDC 2025 to Be a Smaller-Scale Event with Modest AI Announcements: Report

Apple is expected to make relatively modest AI announcements at WWDC 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports, with insiders acknowledging that the company still lags behind rivals like OpenAI and Google in the AI race.

Key AI Update: On-Device Models Opening to Developers -

Apple's most notable AI move this year will be making its on-device foundation models, with roughly 3 billion parameters, available to third-party developers. These models, designed for tasks such as text summarization and autocorrect, will soon be usable within developer apps. However, they remain less capable than the larger, cloud-based models offered by competitors.

What’s Coming in iOS 26 and Developer Tools -

Alongside the AI updates, Apple will introduce several software enhancements, including:

• A new battery power management mode
• A redesigned Translate app, integrated with Siri and AirPods
• New AI-powered features in Safari and Photos

Gurman notes that this year’s updates are relatively subdued, with Apple preparing for more significant AI advancements at WWDC 2026.

Technical Highlights and Ongoing Projects -

• On-Device AI Models: ~3 billion parameters; soon available to third-party apps
• iOS 26 Features: Enhanced power management, updated Translate, and AI enhancements in Safari and Photos
• Developer Tools: Improved AI integration in UI testing and a built-in rich text editor for SwiftUI
• Visual Redesign: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26 will adopt a translucent, glass-like aesthetic inspired by visionOS

Apple is also actively developing larger AI models (3B, 7B, 33B, and 150B parameters), exploring cloud-based systems, and working on major initiatives like a revamped Siri, an upgraded Shortcuts app, the health-focused "Project Mulberry," and a web search tool comparable to ChatGPT.

Expectations for WWDC 2025 -

Gurman suggests that with no major hardware launches and only incremental AI updates, some within Apple fear WWDC 2025 may feel underwhelming compared to the progress seen at other tech firms. The highlight is expected to be the redesigned user interface, though some worry it may come off as a sign of stagnation.

WWDC 2025: Schedule and Outlook -

The conference will run from June 9 to June 13, with the keynote scheduled for June 9 at 10:00 a.m. PDT (10:30 p.m. IST). Apple is expected to focus on opening its on-device AI models to developers and launching platform updates, including iOS 26’s visual overhaul.

While no major hardware announcements or revolutionary AI breakthroughs are anticipated, WWDC 2025 is positioned as a stepping stone toward Apple’s broader AI ambitions in 2026.

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