Every year, as Apple’s WWDC is approaching, speculation is what new products can arrive with all the major software messages. While sources claim that Apple has been working on a new interface to iOS, macOS and other operating systems, we haven’t heard much about new hardware coming on WWDC.
There are rumors of products in the works – most especially new Macs and “Homepad” Smart Home Hub – but the reality is if you expect to see new hardware on WWDC 2025, you will probably be disappointed.
WWDC is a software event
Historically, WWDC is an event that focuses almost exclusively on software. After all, it is a conference for developers. Each year, Apple not only reveals its plans for the future of its operating systems at the event, but also gives developers early access to new APIs and frameworks. This allows them to start optimizing their apps for the new platforms months ahead of public releases.
While there have been occasional hardware messages, such as the original HomePod, the transition to Apple Silicon by 2020, and the first look at the Apple Vision Pro in 2023, these moments were closely linked to the developer’s needs.
This year, rumors suggest that Apple has been working on new hardware products that may be a good fit for WWDC, but it doesn’t look like they’ll be ready in time for this year’s event. Here’s why.
Homepad: Delayed
In an attempt to take Homekit to the next level, Apple has worked at a smart home node with a built -in screen for several years. The idea is to let users easily control their HomeKit accessories such as lamps, heaters and robotic vacuum cleaners even when their phone is not there. While the actual name of the device is unclear, reports claim that it will combine aspects of HomePod and iPad in a single product focused on the smart home, so it has been called HomePad.
Apple is reportedly making a new smart home node that combines an iPad with a HomePod, but it probably won’t be sent for a while.
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Along with the smart home features, HomePad also also acts as an Apple TV-like entertainment device so users can stream video and music or make FaceTime calls from its built-in camera. Essentially, it will be a home -mate that is either mounted on a wall or sits in a dock.
While HomePad was once expected to be launched in the spring, the recent reports claim that the project is delayed, possibly until 2026. The main reason is due to deep integration with Apple Intelligence and the new Siri experience that has been troubled with problems.
It is possible that Apple is giving a sneak peek at Homepad at WWDC, as it did with HomePod and Vision Pro, but most reports say Apple is first focused on fixing Siri.
M5 MACS and iPads: Not yet
WWDC has been a warm place for new Macs in recent years, with Apple Silicon, the redesigned M2 MacBook Air and M2 Ultra Chip, all debuting at WWDC.
As such, there has been speculation as to whether Apple will advertise any new Mac hardware at WWDC. With the exception of MAC Pro, which has not seen any updates since 2022, Apple has already completed the transition of the entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip introduced last year with the iPad Pro.
In theory, this could mean that Apple will move on to the next generation of chips at WWDC, but not count on it. Apple typically reveals the first new Macs with the next generation of chips in the fall, around October and November. And according to several sources in the industry, this will be the case again this year. A new iPad Pro with M5 Chip and M5 MacBook Pro is said to be on the field in the second half of 2025.
It is possible that Apple reveals a new high-end chip to the aging Mac Pro, but most reports claim that Apple will keep the current model around until the M5 Ultra arrives.
Could the M5 debut on WWDC? It’s not likely.
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iPhone 17: Coming in September
Although Apple has previously introduced new iPhone models on WWDC, it has been more than a decade since an iPhone model debuted at the event. In addition, the iPhone 16E only arrived in March and the iPhone 17 setup arrives in September.
One of the main reasons is that the new iPhone is always broadcast with the new version of iOS announced at WWDC, so Apple needs time to test and refine the new software before the new phone is launched. So if you are planning to buy an iPhone 17 you will at least have to wait until September.
Apple Vision Pro 2: Maybe next year
The first Apple Vision Pro is definitely a developer. It was announced on WWDC 2023, but did not send until 2024, mainly so developers had time to build new apps for the headset. And with a price of $ 3,499, it’s still basically a developer set.
The current Vision Pro is driven by the M2 chip, which some consumers may consider outdated for a product that costs $ 3,500. Although Apple is rumored to work on an updated Vision Pro with an M5 chip inside, this model is unlikely to arrive by next year.
According to a report from The informationApple has allegedly set aside the Vision Pro 2 project to work on a more affordable version of its mixed reality headset, but this model is also not expected to send for a while. So while we get a look at the new VisionoS software, the same hardware is probably clinging around for at least a year.
WWDC is likely to be very software centric this year.
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What can one expect II the place on WWDC 2025?
Once again, this WWDC is about software and services, so expect major updates across all Apple platforms.
From iOS 19 to MacOS 16 (or possibly iOS 26 and MacOS 26), Apple’s operating systems are updated with a new, more modern interface. Sources believe that the new design language will match what Apple introduced with Visionos, which has more depth and shadows rather than a completely flat interface.
Apple is also rumored to work on new features to make iPados more similar to macOS as well as further improve Apple Intelligence and the Siri experience. So there will be plenty to be excited about on WWDC 2025, but it almost certainly doesn’t involve any new devices.
WWDC 2025 starts on June 9 with an opening key. Be sure to follow Macworld’s full coverage of the event.