Apple’s WWDC 2025 Keynote Could Disappoint AI Fans, But There Are…

Apple’s WWDC 2025 is expected to be a letdown for AI enthusiasts, as major upgrades are unlikely. While minor features will be showcased, significant advancements are being reserved for 2026. Notable projects in development include a revamped Siri, AI enhancements for the Shortcuts app, a health-focused AI doctor, and a ChatGPT competitor called Knowledge.

As WWDC 2025 approaches, expectations are running high, especially in the world of AI. But, if you’re dreaming of a big Apple Intelligence breakthrough, you might need to temper those hopes. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, who’s got a pretty solid track record on Apple updates, hints that major advancements just won’t be ready for this year’s conference. He suggests that attendees may end up feeling disappointed, with nothing groundbreaking on the AI front.

It’s not all bad news, though. While the excitement around Apple’s AI developments might be a letdown this year, there’s still some interesting stuff happening behind the scenes. Specifically, Gurman notes we’ll get a glimpse of an AI-driven battery management feature and the plans to open up Foundation Models to third-party developers. This could enhance how AI works across iOS, which could be crucial for future innovations.

Furthermore, there’s going to be a subtle rebranding of existing features within Safari and Photos, now tagged as “AI-powered”. That said, it’s hard not to think this might feel a bit like window dressing for what should be a bigger announcement. On a brighter note, Gurman reveals that Apple has some more significant AI improvements lined up for a reveal in 2026, aiming to position itself as an AI leader.

So, what are the four major AI projects brewing at Apple? Let’s break it down. First up is the long-awaited upgrade to Siri. An enhanced version, referred to as LLM Siri, has been anticipated for some time, but it’s looking increasingly likely that it won’t make an appearance this June.

Apple’s vision for LLM Siri is to provide a voice assistant that competes on the same level as the likes of Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. Unfortunately, this upgrade doesn’t seem likely to land in the forthcoming iOS 19—now thought to be renamed iOS 26.

Next, there’s chatter about a revamped Shortcuts app, which is reportedly getting the AI treatment. This update would enable users to craft custom actions that harness AI capabilities instead of relying solely on manual creation. Delays mean this project, once planned for this year, might not see the light of day until 2026.

Then we have Mulberry, an ambitious AI doctor that’s supposed to belong to the next generation of Apple’s Health app. Gurman mentions a potential 2026 release during a spring update for iOS 26. This chatbot-like feature looks to mesh seamlessly with wearables like the Apple Watch, focusing on health and fitness.

Lastly, Apple is said to be working on a ChatGPT rival called Knowledge. This would allow users to glean data from the open internet, a feature some employees have referred to as Knowledge. Robby Walker, who previously led effort on Siri, has handed the reins over to Mike Rockwell from Vision Pro for this project. Yet, insiders claim that Knowledge is already wrestling with some hiccups similar to those that have stunted Siri’s revamp.

Even though it seems we’re in for a quiet WWDC when it comes to AI, the prospects for Apple’s future innovations remain intriguing—if not a bit frustratingly long-term.

In summary, while Apple’s WWDC 2025 may not deliver the significant AI breakthroughs many were hoping for, there are still fresh projects in the pipeline that could greatly enhance the Apple experience as we roll into 2026. From an improved Siri to a potential AI-powered medical assistant, Apple is cooking up some ambitious plans. However, it’s clear that the tech giant has a few hurdles to clear before it can confidently step back into the AI spotlight.

Original Source: www.techradar.com