Yearly, as Apple’s WWDC approaches, hypothesis about what new merchandise could arrive alongside all the large software program bulletins. Whereas sources declare that Apple has been engaged on a brand new interface for iOS, macOS, and different working programs, we haven’t heard a lot about new {hardware} coming at WWDC.
There are rumors about merchandise within the works—most notably new Macs and the “HomePad” good house hub—however the actuality is, in case you’re anticipating to see new {hardware} at WWDC 2025, you’re more likely to be dissatisfied.
WWDC is a software program occasion
Traditionally, WWDC is an occasion targeted nearly solely on software program. In spite of everything, it’s a convention for builders. Yearly, Apple not solely reveals its plans for the way forward for its working programs on the occasion, but additionally provides builders early entry to new APIs and frameworks. This permits them to begin optimizing their apps for the brand new platforms months forward of public releases.
Whereas there have been occasional {hardware} bulletins, equivalent to the unique HomePod, the transition to Apple silicon in 2020, and the primary have a look at the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional in 2023, these moments had been tightly linked to developer wants.
This yr, rumors counsel that Apple has been engaged on new {hardware} merchandise that could possibly be an excellent match for WWDC, but it surely doesn’t seem like they’ll be prepared in time for this yr’s occasion. Right here’s why.
HomePad: Delayed
In an effort to take HomeKit to the following degree, Apple has been engaged on a sensible house hub with a built-in display for a number of years. The thought is to let customers simply management their HomeKit equipment, equivalent to lamps, heaters, and robotic vacuum cleaners, even when their cellphone isn’t round. Whereas the precise identify of the system is unclear, reviews declare it should mix features of the HomePod and iPad in a single product targeted on the good house, so it’s been dubbed HomePad.
Apple is reportedly making a brand new good house hub that mixes an iPad with a HomePod, but it surely’s probably not transport for some time.
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Together with the good house capabilities, HomePad will reportedly additionally operate as an Apple TV-like leisure system so customers can stream video and music, or make FaceTime calls from its built-in digicam. Primarily, it is going to be a house companion system that’s both mounted to a wall or sits in a dock.
Whereas the HomePad was as soon as anticipated to launch within the spring, latest reviews declare the challenge is delayed, presumably till 2026. The principle cause is because of a deep integration with Apple Intelligence and the brand new Siri expertise, which have been beset with points.
It’s attainable that Apple provides a sneak peek of HomePad at WWDC, because it did with HomePod and Imaginative and prescient Professional, however most reviews say Apple is concentrated on fixing Siri first.
M5 Macs and iPads: Not but
WWDC has been a scorching spot for brand new Macs lately, with Apple Silicon, the redesigned M2 MacBook Air, and the M2 Extremely chip all making their debuts at WWDC.
As such, there was hypothesis about whether or not Apple will announce any new Mac {hardware} at WWDC. Except for the Mac Professional, which hasn’t seen any updates since 2022, Apple has already accomplished the transition of the whole Mac lineup to the M4 chip, launched final yr with the iPad Professional.
In concept, this might imply that Apple will transfer onto the following era of chips at WWDC, however don’t depend on it. Apple usually unveils the primary new Macs with the following era of chips within the fall, round October and November. And in response to a number of sources within the business, this would be the case as soon as once more this yr. A brand new iPad Professional with the M5 chip and M5 MacBook Professional are mentioned to be on monitor for the second half of 2025.
It’s attainable that Apple unveils a brand new high-end chip for the getting old Mac Professional, however most reviews declare that Apple will preserve the present mannequin round till the M5 Extremely arrives.
May the M5 debut at WWDC? It’s not going.
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iPhone 17: Coming in September
Though previously Apple has launched new iPhone fashions at WWDC, it’s been greater than a decade since an iPhone mannequin debuted on the occasion. Moreover, the iPhone 16e solely simply arrived in March, and the iPhone 17 lineup will arrive in September.
One of many foremost causes is that the brand new iPhone all the time ships with the brand new model of iOS introduced at WWDC, so Apple wants time to check and refine the brand new software program earlier than launching the brand new cellphone. So in case you’re planning to purchase an iPhone 17, you’ll have to attend till September at the least.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional 2: Possibly subsequent yr
The primary Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional is decidedly a developer system. It was introduced at WWDC 2023 however didn’t ship till 2024, primarily so builders had time to construct new apps for the headset. And with a $3,499 price ticket, it’s nonetheless mainly a developer package.
The present Imaginative and prescient Professional is powered by the M2 chip, which some customers could think about outdated for a product that prices $3,500. Though Apple is rumored to be engaged on an up to date Imaginative and prescient Professional with an M5 chip inside, this mannequin is unlikely to reach earlier than subsequent yr.
Based on a report from The DataApple has reportedly put aside the Imaginative and prescient Professional 2 challenge to work on a extra inexpensive model of its combined actuality headset, however that mannequin isn’t anticipated to ship for some time both. So whereas we’ll get a have a look at the brand new visionOS software program, the identical {hardware} is probably going sticking round for at the least one other yr.
WWDC will probably be very software-centric this yr.
Foundry
What to anticipate as an alternative at WWDC 2025?
As soon as once more, this WWDC will likely be all about software program and companies, so count on main updates throughout all Apple platforms.
From iOS 19 to macOS 16 (or presumably iOS 26 and macOS 26), Apple’s working programs will likely be up to date with a brand new, extra trendy interface. Sources imagine that the brand new design language will likely be just like what Apple launched with visionOS, which has extra depth and shadows moderately than a very flat interface.
Apple can be rumored to be engaged on new options to make iPadOS extra just like macOS, in addition to additional bettering Apple Intelligence and the Siri expertise. So there will likely be a lot to get enthusiastic about at WWDC 2025, but it surely nearly definitely received’t contain any new gadgets.
WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9 with a gap keynote. You should definitely comply with Macworld’s full protection of the occasion.
