Every June, Apple hosts one of its most important events of the year: the Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC. While it’s technically a conference for developers, it has become a major moment for Apple fans, tech journalists, and anyone who wants a glimpse into the future of Apple’s platforms and devices.

With WWDC 2025 just around the corner, it’s a great time to look at what the event is all about, why it matters, and what kinds of announcements we’ve seen in the past.

What Is WWDC?

WWDC is Apple’s annual developer conference where the company unveils the latest versions of its software platforms—iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. It’s where developers learn what’s coming next so they can update their apps and build new experiences that take advantage of Apple’s latest technologies.

But even if you’re not a developer, WWDC is worth following. The opening keynote—usually led by Apple CEO Tim Cook—features major announcements that affect every Apple user.

What Gets Announced?

While hardware occasionally makes an appearance, WWDC is primarily focused on software. Here’s what Apple typically announces:

• New iOS and iPadOS features that affect how we use our iPhones and iPads every day.
• macOS updates with new capabilities for the Mac.
• watchOS and tvOS changes that enhance the Apple Watch and Apple TV experience.
• New developer tools like APIs, frameworks, and enhancements to Swift and Xcode.
• Occasionally, new hardware is revealed—especially products aimed at developers or pro users.

Big Moments From Past WWDCs

Apple has used WWDC as a stage for some of its most significant announcements. Here are a few highlights from recent years:

• 2020: Apple announced its transition from Intel processors to custom Apple Silicon chips, changing the future of the Mac.
• 2021: SharePlay was introduced, allowing users to watch movies or listen to music together over FaceTime.
• 2022: The M2 chip debuted alongside a redesigned MacBook Air.
• 2023: The Journal app, StandBy mode, and interactive widgets were introduced with iOS 17.
• 2024: Apple revealed the Apple Intelligence initiative and laid the groundwork for major advancements in on-device AI.

While we don’t know exactly what will be unveiled at WWDC 2025, history tells us it will likely include major updates to iOS 19, macOS 15, and more. Rumors have swirled about deeper integration of AI, accessibility improvements, and possibly new tools for developers building for Vision Pro.

How to Watch

The good news? WWDC is free and open to everyone. Apple streams the keynote online, and most of the developer sessions are available to watch on demand afterward. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone curious about what your iPhone will be able to do this fall, it’s worth tuning in.

WWDC 2025 is expected to take place in early June, with the keynote usually held on a Monday at 1 PM Eastern / 10 AM Pacific. Mark your calendar!