Yearly, as Apple’s WWDC approaches, hypothesis about what new merchandise could arrive alongside all the massive software program bulletins. Whereas sources declare that Apple has been engaged on a brand new interface for iOS, macOS, and different working techniques, 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” sensible dwelling hub—however the actuality is, in the event you’re anticipating to see new {hardware} at WWDC 2025, you’re prone to be upset.
WWDC is a software program occasion
Traditionally, WWDC is an occasion targeted nearly completely 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 techniques on the occasion, but in addition offers 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, resembling the unique HomePod, the transition to Apple silicon in 2020, and the primary take a look at the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional in 2023, these moments have 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 appear 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 subsequent stage, Apple has been engaged on a wise dwelling hub with a built-in display screen for a number of years. The concept is to let customers simply management their HomeKit equipment, resembling lamps, heaters, and robotic vacuum cleaners, even when their cellphone isn’t round. Whereas the precise identify of the gadget is unclear, stories declare it can mix points of the HomePod and iPad in a single product targeted on the sensible dwelling, so it’s been dubbed HomePad.
Apple is reportedly making a brand new sensible dwelling hub that mixes an iPad with a HomePod, but it surely’s doubtless not transport for some time.
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Together with the sensible dwelling capabilities, HomePad will reportedly additionally perform as an Apple TV-like leisure gadget so customers can stream video and music, or make FaceTime calls from its built-in digicam. Primarily, it will likely be a house companion gadget 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 stories declare the venture is delayed, probably till 2026. The principle motive is because of a deep integration with Apple Intelligence and the brand new Siri expertise, which have been beset with points.
It’s potential that Apple offers a sneak peek of HomePad at WWDC, because it did with HomePod and Imaginative and prescient Professional, however most stories say Apple is targeted on fixing Siri first.
M5 Macs and iPads: Not but
WWDC has been a sizzling 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. Excluding the Mac Professional, which hasn’t seen any updates since 2022, Apple has already accomplished the transition of all the Mac lineup to the M4 chip, launched final yr with the iPad Professional.
In principle, this might imply that Apple will transfer onto the subsequent era of chips at WWDC, however don’t depend on it. Apple usually unveils the primary new Macs with the subsequent era of chips within the fall, round October and November. And in line with a number of sources within the trade, 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 stated to be on monitor for the second half of 2025.
It’s potential that Apple unveils a brand new high-end chip for the growing old Mac Professional, however most stories declare that Apple will maintain the present mannequin round till the M5 Extremely arrives.
Might the M5 debut at WWDC? It’s unlikely.
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iPhone 17: Coming in September
Though up to now Apple has launched new iPhone fashions at WWDC, it’s been greater than a decade since an iPhone mannequin debuted on the occasion. Apart from, the iPhone 16e solely simply arrived in March, and the iPhone 17 lineup will arrive in September.
One of many primary causes is that the brand new iPhone at all times 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 the event you’re planning to purchase an iPhone 17, you’ll have to attend till September at the very least.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional 2: Possibly subsequent yr
The primary Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional is decidedly a developer gadget. 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 equipment.
The present Imaginative and prescient Professional is powered by the M2 chip, which some shoppers could take into account 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.
In keeping with a report from The Info, Apple has reportedly put aside the Imaginative and prescient Professional 2 venture 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 take a look at the brand new visionOS software program, the identical {hardware} is probably going sticking round for at the very least one other yr.
WWDC will doubtless be very software-centric this yr.
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What to anticipate as a substitute at WWDC 2025?
As soon as once more, this WWDC can be all about software program and providers, so count on main updates throughout all Apple platforms.
From iOS 19 to macOS 16 (or probably iOS 26 and macOS 26), Apple’s working techniques can be up to date with a brand new, extra trendy interface. Sources consider that the brand new design language can be just like what Apple launched with visionOS, which has extra depth and shadows fairly than a totally flat interface.
Apple can also be rumored to be engaged on new options to make iPadOS extra just like macOS, in addition to additional enhancing Apple Intelligence and the Siri expertise. So there can 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. Remember to comply with Macworld’s full protection of the occasion.