Note: This feature was first published on 3 June 2025.
Apple is holding its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from 9 June to 13 June. Photo: Apple
Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is the annual event where Apple previews the next versions of its software platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
Typically held in June, the Apple WWDC brings together the global Apple developer community to provide insights into the latest Apple tools, technologies, and features.
The highlight of the show is the keynote, which kick-starts the event. This is followed by the Platforms State of the Union, and technical sessions where developers can dive deep into the latest technologies and frameworks with Apple experts.
This year, WWDC 2025 will be held in the week of 9 June and is expected to be one of the most interesting WWDCs in recent years, especially given the recent hiccups Apple has been facing with regards to Apple Intelligence. Still, Apple is believed to be announcing a significant overhaul for some key platforms.
A new unified look
iOS 19 is tipped to bring a significant overhaul of the user interface. Photo: Front Page Tech.
Apple plans to unify the user experience across its various software platforms by incorporating elements of visionOS into iOS, macOS, and watchOS.
Leaked renders suggest that iOS 19 might come with rounder app icons and more translucent elements. As for watchOS, it is believed to have a bolder and more transparent floating interface.
Redesigned Camera app
iOS 19 users may be able to record with the front and back cameras simultaneously. Photo: Front Page Tech
The camera interface is rumoured to to be getting a revamp. For the iPhone Pro models, the camera app will have the ability to record with the rear and front cameras simultaneously.
The bottom menu bar of the Camera app is reportedly simplified. Users can toggle between Photo and Video, which will present different options in a horizontally scrollable menu.
For example, Photo mode offers a range of options, including depth, spatial, pano, 4:3 aspect ratio, exposure, and timer. Video mode will have a slightly different set of options, including slow-mo, Timelapse, and Action.
The new Camera app interface appears to be inspired by visionOS. Photo: FPT.
Floating Dock
There is a dock at the bottom of the screen on Apple's native apps. Photo: Front Page Tech.
Apple is believed to be adding a pill-shaped dock that floats at the bottom of the screen.
The dock will likely appear in all native apps such as the App Store, Music, Phone and TV. Apple will likely also include suport for third-party apps.
The Search option, located in the dock, is elongated and features an option to the left that returns you to the dock. For the Messages app, the Search bar is relocated to the bottom and cannot be hidden.
Stage Manager for iOS 26?
iOS 19 is tipped to have a Stage Manager-like interface. Photo: HWZ
A Stage Manager-like interface is rumoured to be available for iPhones with USB-C port when connected to an external display.
For the uninitiated, Stage Manager is a multitasking interface introduced in macOS 13 and iPadOS 16. It organises open apps to the side of the screen while keeping the running window in the center.
Word on the street is that the Stage Manager-like interface for iPhone won’t offer a full desktop experience. However, it allows users to extend their screen space for presentations, editing, or a better viewing experience. If this is true, it will improve the iPhone's productivity capabilities.
A dedicated standalone gaming app
Game Centre is expected to be replaced by the dedicated gaming app. Photo: Apple
Apple is rumoured to be replacing Game Centre with a standalone app dedicated to gaming.
Unsurprisingly, the gaming app will promote Apple Arcade, third-party games from the App Store, and even allow Mac users to “tap into” games that are downloaded outside of the Mac App Store.
Every new iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV released later this year is expected to be pre-loaded with the gaming app.
iPadOS to get productivity gains
Apple's iPads are stunning pieces of hardware that have been, in some ways, held back by iPadOS. Pictured here is the M4 iPad Pro. Photo: HWZ
Software has always held back the true potential of the iPad, and Apple is reportedly looking to fix it with the next version of iPadOS.
The upcoming iPadOS is rumoured to have a more Mac-like experience with enhanced productivity, multitasking, and app window management.
Two rumoured features are a menu bar appearing at the top and the enabling of Stage Manager 2.0 whenever the iPad is connected to a Magic Keyboard.
Other Tidbits
Apart from the rumoured headline features, Apple is expected to introduce small yet handy updates to the user experience.
One of them is a new public Wi-Fi enhancement tool that syncs new networks across Apple devices and eliminate the hassle of completing public network forms on each device.
The Calendar app might gain AI features thanks to the company's acquisition of AI calendar app Mayday.
Finally, the next macOS—macOS 26—is rumoured to be called macOS Tahoe. Named after the famous lake just outside of San Francisco, it is believed that macOS' impending design overhaul will resemble the reflective blue waters of Lake Tahoe.
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