Apple’s summer conference, WWDC 2025, scheduled for June 9 at 8:00 PM Moscow time, may not meet the expectations of those hoping for revolutionary developments in artificial intelligence (AI). According to 9to5Mac, citing insider and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the event could potentially be “underwhelming” in terms of AI, as Gurman stated in his Power On newsletter. This has sparked widespread discussion among fans and experts.

What will Apple present in AI?

Despite the pessimistic forecasts, Apple is still expected to introduce several AI-related updates:

  1. Opening on-device models to developers
    The main announcement will be third-party iOS developers getting access to Apple’s on-device AI models with 3 billion parameters. These models, used for tasks like text summarization and autocorrection, will allow apps to be built with native Apple Intelligence integration. While this is a significant step, the capabilities of these models are limited compared to cloud-based systems from OpenAI or Google, reducing their revolutionary impact.
  2. New power-saving mode
    Apple will implement AI-driven battery power management, optimizing energy consumption based on user behavior. This will improve battery life for iPhones and iPads, especially when AI functions are actively used.
  3. Speech translation in AirPods and Siri
    AirPods will gain real-time speech translation, and Siri will become more accurate in processing voice commands thanks to AI enhancements. This will make the devices more convenient for international users.
  4. AI labels in apps
    Features in Safari, Photos, and other apps will be marked as “AI-powered.” For example, Photos may include improved retouching or automatic photo categorization.

Why is this disappointing?

Gurman refers to 2025 as a “transitional” year for Apple in the AI race. The company is lagging behind competitors like OpenAI (ChatGPT) and Google (Gemini), which offer more powerful cloud-based solutions. Apple’s on-device models, while energy-efficient, cannot compete in terms of analytical depth or versatility. The announcements at WWDC 2025 seem more like preparation for future steps than a breakthrough.

Moreover, many of these features will only become available with the release of iOS 19 and macOS 16 in fall 2025, reinforcing the sense that Apple is playing catch-up. In the context of rapid progress by its rivals, this could strengthen the perception of Apple as trailing behind in AI.

Other expectations for WWDC 2025

Beyond AI, the conference is expected to showcase:

  • iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, visionOS 3: Updates with improved interface customization and AI integration.
  • New developer APIs: Simplifying app creation for Vision Pro and other platforms.
  • Hardware announcements: Possibly new Macs with M5 chips, although the main focus will be on software.