Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference looks set to dial down the spectacle compared to its blockbuster 2023 and 2024 editions.

Remember when WWDC 2023 unveiled Apple’s most hyped product in years? That $3,499 Vision Pro headset and its visionOS platform stole the show. Then in 2024, riding the generative AI wave, Apple took the wraps off "Apple Intelligence" at WWDC, marking its grand entrance into the AI arena.

But this year? Don’t hold your breath for earth-shattering reveals.

"No major hardware is primed for launch," Gurman flatly stated in his Power On newsletter, hinting at a quieter year for new gadgets.

AI’s Turn to Play Second Fiddle?

Behind the scenes, some Apple staffers reportedly see WWDC 2025 as potentially… whelming — especially on the AI front. Gurman suggests Apple’s progress in catching generative AI leaders like OpenAI and Google may feel incremental, making its lag starker than ever.

While major AI leaps seem unlikely, Apple will likely spotlight developer tools. Gurman notes Swift Assist — last year’s coding assistant — will get some love, and SwiftUI could score a powerful rich-text editor.

Apple’s Platforms Poised for a Visual Revolution

Even if AI takes a backseat, Apple might finally deliver what fans have craved: a design refresh. Gurman claims iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26 will showcase a sleek, visionOS-inspired glass-like aesthetic. Think translucent effects, modernized menus, revamped buttons, and an overall sleeker vibe across devices.

"This UI overhaul will easily be the star of the show," Gurman wrote, "even if critics might pan it as playing catch-up instead of breaking new ground."

Style Over Substance? It Depends Who You Ask

How WWDC 2025 lands hinges entirely on perspective. Die-hard Apple loyalists might cheer the fresh visuals and polished ecosystem, while others — especially after rivals’ recent AI fireworks — could walk away disappointed by the generative AI gap.

2026: The Real AI Power Play?

Here’s the silver lining: Bigger things appear brewing for 2026. Apple’s rumored to be cooking up a supercharged generative AI strategy, including a ChatGPT-rivaling Siri, an Apple Intelligence-powered Shortcuts revamp, and deeper AI integration throughout its systems.

So while WWDC 2025 might lack the seismic punches of years past, it could be the calm before Apple’s next storm — a strategic pivot setting the stage for its next giant leap.