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 dwelling hub—however the actuality is, in the event you’re anticipating to see new {hardware} at WWDC 2025, you’re more likely to be disillusioned.
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, reminiscent of 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 may very well be a very good match for WWDC, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be 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 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, reminiscent of lamps, heaters, and robotic vacuum cleaners, even when their telephone isn’t round. Whereas the precise identify of the gadget is unclear, reviews declare it is going to mix facets of the HomePod and iPad in a single product targeted on the good dwelling, so it’s been dubbed HomePad.
Apple is reportedly making a brand new good dwelling hub that mixes an iPad with a HomePod, nevertheless it’s seemingly not transport for some time.
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Together with the good 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 digital camera. Basically, 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, current reviews declare the mission 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 in recent times, 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. Apart from 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 principle, 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 based on 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 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 growing older Mac Professional, however most reviews declare that Apple will maintain the present mannequin round till the M5 Extremely arrives.
Might 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. Apart from, 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 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 telephone. 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 customers could contemplate 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 DataApple has reportedly put aside the Imaginative and prescient Professional 2 mission 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 very least one other yr.
WWDC will seemingly be very software-centric this yr.
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What to anticipate as an alternative 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 presumably iOS 26 and macOS 26), Apple’s working programs can be up to date with a brand new, extra fashionable interface. Sources imagine that the brand new design language can be just like what Apple launched with visionOS, which has extra depth and shadows moderately 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 bettering Apple Intelligence and the Siri expertise. So there can be loads to get enthusiastic about at WWDC 2025, nevertheless it nearly definitely gained’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.
