A new report claims that internally, Apple has already been testing Large Language Models for Siri that are vastly more powerful than the shipping Apple Intelligence, but executives disagree about when to release it. Apple is said to be testing models with 3 billion, 7 billion, 33 billion, and 150 billion parameters. For comparison, Apple in 2024 said that Apple Intelligence’s foundation language models were of the order of 3 billion parameters. That version of Apple Intelligence is intentionally small in order for it to be possible to run on-device instead of requiring all prompts and requests to be sent to the cloud. The larger versions are cloud-based, and in the case of the 150 billion parameter model, now also said to approach the quality of ChatGPT’s most recent releases. However, there reportedly remain concerns over AI hallucinations. Apple is said to have held off releasing this Apple Intelligence model in part because of this, implying that the level of hallucinations is too high. There is said to be another reason for not yet shipping this cloud-based and much improved Siri Chatbot, though. It is claimed that there are philosophical differences between Apple’s senior executives over the release.
2025 Apple Design Awards includes Speechify text to audio solution and Play that lets users build interactive prototypes with SwiftUI frameworks
Apple announced the winners and finalists of this year’s Apple Design Awards, celebrating 12 standout apps and games that set a high bar in design.
App:CapWords
Developer: HappyPlan Tech (China)
CapWords is a dynamic language learning tool that transforms images of everyday objects into interactive stickers — helping learners explore new words in a more intuitive and visual way. Supporting nine languages, the app is a delightful way to learn independently while immersing users in their surroundings.
Game: Balatro
Developer: LocalThunk (Canada)
Balatro is a satisfying fusion of poker, solitaire, and deck-building with roguelike elements. Players combine poker hands with joker cards — each with their own unique abilities — to create varied synergies. Hallmarked by clever details, gripping gameplay challenges players to advance their scores by crafting original decks to beat devious blinds and secure victory.
App: Play
Developer: Rabbit 3 Times (United States)
Play is a sophisticated yet accessible tool that lets users build interactive prototypes with SwiftUI frameworks. Its thoughtfully crafted user interface is both powerful and easy to navigate, helping designers create interactive prototypes and collaborate across Mac and iPhone, all synced in real time for seamless creativity.
Game: PBJ — The Musical
Developer: Philipp Stollenmayer (Germany)
PBJ — The Musical is snack-based Shakespeare, a charming game that tells the story of Romeo and Juliet with condiments. PBJ creatively mixes rhythm-based gameplay with narrative storytelling and a wonderful soundtrack. And with haptic feedback, clever camera work, and fun dialogue, it’s joyful from the start.
App: Taobao
Developer: Zhejiang Taobao Network (China)
Taobao offers a convenient and engaging shopping experience on Apple Vision Pro, providing incredible 3D models comparable to their real-life counterparts. The immersive experience enhances shopping for users, taking into consideration placement, position, controls, size, and function, and giving people the ability to compare items side by side from an extensive selection of products.
Game: DREDGE
Developer: Black Salt Games (New Zealand)
DREDGE blends slow-burn horror with exploration and adventure. Players take the helm of a fishing boat to navigate eerie islands, uncover strange wildlife, and piece together a haunting mystery. The game offers seamless interactions and a fun world of hidden treasures across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
App: Speechify
Developer: Speechify (United States)
With support for hundreds of voices in over 50 languages, Speechify is a powerful tool that transforms written text into audio with ease. Designed with accessibility at its core, and by offering features like Dynamic Type and VoiceOver, the app serves as a vital resource for people with dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision, as well as anyone who learns best by listening.
Game: Art of Fauna
Developer: Klemens Strasser (Austria)
Beautifully illustrated and mindfully designed, Art of Fauna is a puzzle game that blends vintage-inspired wildlife imagery with a deep commitment to inclusivity and conservation. Players can solve puzzles by rearranging visual elements or reordering descriptive text, making gameplay uniquely interactive. With features like full VoiceOver support and haptic feedback, accessibility is woven throughout the experience.
App: Watch Duty
Developer: Sherwood Forestry Service (United States)
During devastating wildfires in Southern California, Watch Duty once again served as a lifeline, delivering up-to-the-minute updates, evacuation information, and critical resources with clarity and reliability. The app reports information like active fire perimeters and progress, wind speed and direction, and evacuation orders.
Game: Neva
Developer: Devolver Digital (United States)
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Neva is an action-adventure tale that follows a girl and her wolf companion through a beautiful world in decline. As the seasons shift, so does their relationship — offering a quiet meditation on care, connection, and the cost of environmental loss. With themes of friendship and leadership, players guide the pair through breathtaking landscapes, and a story that is as moving as it is timely.
App: Feather: Draw in 3D
Developer: Sketchsoft (South Korea)
This drawing tool allows users to transform 2D designs into 3D masterpieces. Developed with a focus on creativity and user experience, Feather makes it easy for people of all skill levels to build advanced 3D modeling designs on iPad, drawing on touch and Apple Pencil interactions to help users bring their imaginations to life.
Game: Infinity Nikki
Developer: Infold Games (Singapore)
With its enchanted realm of color, detail, and rendering, Infinity Nikki is a true visual achievement. This cozy open-world adventure challenges players to collect wonderful things, and is packed with magical outfits, whimsical creatures, and unexpected moments.
iOS 18 saw below average adoption despite Apple Intelligence, just an average of 83.2% compared to iOS 14 which saw the highest adoption rate with 90%.
By January 2025, iOS 18 appeared to be ahead of its predecessor, reaching 76% of all compatible iPhones a month before iOS 17 did the year before. Users are adopting iOS 18.1 at twice the rate that they adopted 17.1 in the year ago quarter. Apple says that iOS 18 is currently installed on 82% of all compatible iPhones. In announcing that figure, Apple said that this adoption rate is down to its users being aware of the benefits of updating, plus how simple the company has made it to update. Comparing Apple’s own figures from the last ten years, however, iOS 18 comes in at just under the average of 83.2%. In the last decade, iOS 14 saw the highest adoption rate with 90%. Then iOS 17 scored the lowest with 77%. since 2019, the company has separately recorded the iOS adoption rate for iPhones released in the previous four years.It’s not clear why it introduced this, or why it chose four years, but the figures do not materially help iOS 18’s case.Using only this last-four-years data from Apple in 2019, the average adoption rate is 87.9%. That means iOS 18’s figure of 88% is just 0.1% above the average.The minimum adoption rate during this period and for this range of iPhones is 85%, which was achieved by both iOS 12 and iOS 14. The maximum was 92% for iOS 13. Overall, iOS adoption rate for all compatible devices is reasonably steady, having never fallen below 77% in the last ten years, and never rising above 90%.
Apple introduces iOS 26 and macOS 26 in major operating system rebrand
Apple has changed its operating system names at WWDC 2025, introducing the year as part of the name. All systems will be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26, aiming to make the naming process clearer and more consistent across all platforms. This change aligns with rivals Samsung and Microsoft, making it easier for users to understand and identify the latest updates. The design overhaul, known as “Liquid Glass,” features a transparent interface.
Apple introduces live translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone at WWDC 25
Apple is introducing Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, for Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls. Live translation can translate conversation on the fly. The translation feature is “enabled by Apple Built models that run entirely on your device so your personal conversations stay personal. In Messages, Live Translation will automatically translate text for you as you type and deliver it in your preferred language. Similarly, when the person you’re texting responds, each text can be instantly translated. When catching up on FaceTime, Apple’s translation feature will provide live captions. And on a phone call — whether you’re talking to an Apple user or not — your words can be translated as you talk, and the translation is spoken out loud for the call recipient. As the person you’re speaking to responds in their own language, you’ll hear a spoken translation of their voice.
Developers can use API keys to bring AI models from other providers to Xcode
Apple has released a new version of its app development suite, Xcode, which integrates OpenAI’s ChatGPT for coding, document generation, and more. Developers can use API keys to bring AI models from other providers to Xcode for AI-powered programming suggestions. The new AI integrations allow developers to generate code previews, iterate on designs, and fix errors. ChatGPT can be accessed without creating an account, and paid users can increase rate limits. Apple also launched the Foundation Models framework, allowing developers to access on-device AI models with just three lines of code. The company chose ChatGPT over a vibe-coding software in partnership with Anthropic.
Apple’s widgets, now integrated into your space with visionOS 26, offer personalized information at a glance
Personalized spatial widgets: Apple’s widgets, now integrated into your space with visionOS 26, offer personalized information at a glance. Users can customize widgets to size, color, and depth, and add features like customizable clocks, weather adapters, quick music access, and photos that can transform into panoramas. Adding depth to 2D images: Apple has updated its visionOS Photos app with an AI algorithm that creates multiple perspectives for 2D photos, allowing users to “lean right into them and look around.” Spatial browsing on Safari can also enhance web browsing by hiding distractions and revealing inline photos, and developers can add it to their apps. Talking heads: Apple has introduced Personas, an AI avatar for video calls, on the Vision Pro. The new avatars, created usingvolumetric rendering and machine learning technology, are more realistic and accurate in appearance, including hair, eyelashes, and complexion. They are created on-device in seconds. Immerse together: VisionOS 26 allows users to collaborate with headset-wearing friends to watch movies or play spatial games. This feature is also being marketed for enterprise clients, such as Dassault Systèmes, which uses the 3DLive app to visualize 3D designs in person and with remote colleagues. Enterprise APIs and tools: Apple has introduced visionOS 26, a new operating system that allows organizations to share devices among team members and securely save eye and hand data, vision prescription, and accessibility settings to iPhones. The system also includes a “for your eyes only” mode to restrict access to confidential materials. Additionally, Apple has introduced Logitech Muse, a spatial accessory for Vision Pro, allowing precise 3D drawing and collaboration. The company plans to add more APIs for app development.
WWDC 25 was notably quiet on a more personalized, AI-powered Siri
Apple announced several updates to its operating systems, services, and software, including a new look called “Liquid Glass” and a rebranded naming convention. However, the company was notably quiet on a more personalized, AI-powered Siri, which was first introduced at WWDC 24. The company’s SVP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, only briefly mentioned the Siri update during the keynote address, stating that the work needed more time to reach high-quality standards. The delay in the AI era suggests that Apple won’t have news about the Siri update until 2026, a significant delay in the AI era. The more personalized Siri is expected to bring artificial intelligence updates to the virtual assistant built into iPhone and other Apple devices. Bloomberg reported that the in-development version of the more personalized Siri was functional, but it was not consistently working properly, making it not viable to ship. Apple officially announced in March that the Siri update would take longer to deliver than anticipated.
Apple Intelligence opened up to all developers with Foundation Models Framework
Apple has announced that developers will soon be able to access the on-device large language models that power Apple Intelligence in their own apps through the Foundation Models framework. This will allow third-party apps to use the features for image creation, text generation, and more. The on-device processing will allow for fast, powerful, privacy-focused AI features that are available without an internet connection. Apple has also announced plans to expand the number of languages its AI platform supports and make the generative models that power it more capable and efficient. The company’s move comes as the company continues to make its intelligence systems accessible to third-party apps.
Apple Vision Pro ‘Spatial Widgets’ blend digital life into your real space allowing users to pin interactive elements like clocks, music controls, weather panels, and photo galleries directly into their physical space.
Apple has introduced spatial widgets in its Vision Pro headset, allowing users to pin interactive elements like clocks, music controls, weather panels, and photo galleries directly into their physical space. These widgets are customizable in size, color, depth, and layout, and are meant to be part of the user’s space. The Vision Pro update marks a clear step toward persistent spatial computing, with widgets like Photos, Clock, Weather, and Music playing the role of physical objects. However, the experience of using spatial widgets raises questions about how digital environments are changing the way we relate to physical ones. While Vision Pro is still shown in cozy, furnished homes, the integration of digital objects into physical spaces could lead to a different reality. The visionOS 26 update is currently available in developer beta, with a public release expected in fall 2025. As more developers build spatial widgets, the headset might feel useful in quiet, everyday ways. The end goal of AR/VR is to augmentation of reality, overlaying digital things on analog reality. However, Apple is not pushing this path for now, as it would be crucified if it did. The company has a decent track record for a corporation, despite the potential for a dystopian future where technology works against us.