Connected 555: The Rickies - WWDC25 Predictions

WWDC25 Predictions: The Rickies Game

• 🏆 The hosts, Mike, Federico, and Stephen, play "The Rickies," a game of predicting Apple's announcements for WWDC25.
• 💡 The game involves regular picks and risky picks, with a "keynote chairman" title awarded to the winner.
• 📝 Predictions are scored based on accuracy, with complex rules for "risky picks" involving three supporting details.

Operating System Design and Versioning

• 🎨 A new OS design is predicted for at least one platform, with speculation on whether it will resemble Vision OS or incorporate more "physical layering and structure."
• 🔄 Apple is predicted to rebrand its operating system version numbers, moving away from the current annual numbering (e.g., iOS 18) to a new system, possibly starting with version 26.
• 📉 The new macOS version is expected to drop support for some Intel Macs, continuing Apple's transition to Apple Silicon.

Apple Intelligence and AI Features

• 🧠 New features powered by Apple Intelligence are anticipated, with a specific hope for LLM integration in the Health app to better explain data.
• 📱 The possibility of Apple opening up its Apple Foundation Model (AFM) to developers is discussed, with a prediction of a smaller, on-device version and limited API access for tasks like summarization.
• 🤝 A partnership with Microsoft for Xbox Game Pass is suggested as a risky pick for a new gaming app called "Apple Games."

Vision OS and Hardware Predictions

• 👀 An "eye scrolling" feature is predicted for Vision OS, potentially allowing users to scroll by gazing at scroll bars or the bottom of a window.
• 🎮 Support for VR game controllers, specifically PlayStation VR2 controllers via a partnership with Sony, is a risky pick for Vision OS.
• 🖥️ An updated Mac Pro is predicted, featuring an M3 Ultra chip, increased unified memory beyond the Mac Studio's 512GB, and positioned as a local AI development computer.

Other Predictions and Flexi Picks

• 🗂️ iPadOS is expected to receive updated window management tools, potentially including features similar to macOS.
• 📱 Split-screen multitasking is predicted for the iPhone, though potentially a year early.
• 🤖 Swift Assist is expected to be mentioned again, possibly with a partnership with Anthropic (Claude) for its AI models.
• ❓ A disclaimer about "simulated footage" in keynote videos is predicted due to the potential need to show a roadmap beyond immediately available features.
• 🤝 A third-party assistant API for certain markets, with a nod to EU regulations, is also predicted.