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 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 residence hub—however the actuality is, when you’re anticipating to see new {hardware} at WWDC 2025, you’re prone to be dissatisfied.
WWDC is a software program occasion
Traditionally, WWDC is an occasion centered virtually fully 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 start out optimizing their apps for the brand new platforms months forward of public releases.
Whereas there have been occasional {hardware} bulletins, akin to 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 had been tightly linked to developer wants.
This yr, rumors counsel that Apple has been engaged on new {hardware} merchandise that could possibly be a very good match for WWDC, nevertheless it 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 subsequent stage, Apple has been engaged on a sensible residence hub with a built-in display for a number of years. The thought is to let customers simply management their HomeKit equipment, akin to lamps, heaters, and robotic vacuum cleaners, even when their telephone isn’t round. Whereas the precise title of the machine is unclear, stories declare it can mix points of the HomePod and iPad in a single product centered on the sensible residence, so it’s been dubbed HomePad.
Apple is reportedly making a brand new sensible residence hub that mixes an iPad with a HomePod, nevertheless it’s seemingly not transport for some time.
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Together with the sensible residence capabilities, HomePad will reportedly additionally operate as an Apple TV-like leisure machine so customers can stream video and music, or make FaceTime calls from its built-in digital camera. Basically, will probably be a house companion machine 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 challenge is delayed, presumably 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 attainable 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 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. Except the Mac Professional, which hasn’t seen any updates since 2022, Apple has already accomplished the transition of your entire 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 technology of chips at WWDC, however don’t depend on it. Apple sometimes unveils the primary new Macs with the subsequent technology 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 stated to be on observe for the second half of 2025.
It’s attainable 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.
May the M5 debut at WWDC? It’s not going.
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iPhone 17: Coming in September
Though prior 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. In addition to, the iPhone 16e solely simply arrived in March, and the iPhone 17 lineup will arrive in September.
One of many important 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 telephone. So when you’re planning to purchase an iPhone 17, you’ll have to attend till September not less than.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional 2: Possibly subsequent yr
The primary Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional is decidedly a developer machine. 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 shoppers 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 Info, Apple has reportedly put aside the Imaginative and prescient Professional 2 challenge to work on a extra reasonably priced 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 not less than 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 companies, so anticipate main updates throughout all Apple platforms.
From iOS 19 to macOS 16 (or presumably iOS 26 and macOS 26), Apple’s working techniques can be up to date with a brand new, extra trendy interface. Sources imagine that the brand new design language can be much like what Apple launched with visionOS, which has extra depth and shadows slightly than a very flat interface.
Apple can be rumored to be engaged on new options to make iPadOS extra much like macOS, in addition to additional bettering Apple Intelligence and the Siri expertise. So there can be a lot to get enthusiastic about at WWDC 2025, nevertheless it virtually definitely gained’t contain any new gadgets.
WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9 with a gap keynote. Make sure you observe Macworld’s full protection of the occasion.
