WWDC 2025 Review: Is Apple’s Careful AI Approach Still Enough?

Every year, I look forward to WWDC like a kid waiting for candy. This year was no different. But before we dive into the AI talk, let’s start with the design updates.

The New Glass UI: Clean, But Not Groundbreaking

Apple’s redesign was one of the more noticeable updates this year. The new glass theme is smooth, clean, and fits well across their product line.

I’ve been experimenting with similar visuals in my own AR project, which I’ll be sharing in July. So it was fun to see that direction pop up at WWDC. That said, as much as I appreciated the polish, it didn’t feel groundbreaking. It looked good, yes, but it wasn’t exactly a “wow” moment.

Wait, Apple’s Been Doing AI?

Apple has been using AI behind the scenes for a while now, but this year’s WWDC felt like their first attempt at making that presence more visible. Still, while most tech companies are sprinting ahead, Apple’s approach continues to feel pretty cautious.

Compared to Google’s bold rollout at I/O, Apple’s announcements were quieter and more selective. And for a company of its size and influence, it’s hard not to notice how slow things have been. Personally, this pace has pushed me to rethink my loyalty to the Apple ecosystem. If I’m not getting enough value for the money, it makes sense to start exploring alternatives, and I’ve already begun doing that in a few areas.

What’s even more puzzling is that Apple has already been using ChatGPT for about a year now. For a company that has built its brand around privacy and ecosystem control, leaning on OpenAI’s model instead of launching their own feels like a strange move. It’s not just about brand identity — it’s a real concern. If OpenAI ever experiences a data breach, we’re talking about sensitive user information potentially being exposed through an external system Apple brought in. That’s already a problem, not just a hypothetical risk. And it makes me question whether Apple is still prioritizing user protection the way it once claimed to.

Playing It Safe or Falling Behind?

Apple’s slower rollout could be about protecting user privacy. Or it could be about buying time. It’s hard to say.

From a UX point of view, I get it. Thoughtful design takes time. I love when products are simple, smart, and built with care. But when things move too slowly, users notice. And we adapt. We find tools that are faster, cheaper, or just more exciting to use.

So here’s the thing, is Apple playing it safe for the right reasons, or are they just struggling to keep up?

So… What Now?

Live translation for calls is a win. Fitness upgrades are a bonus. But for a company that built its name on being ahead of the curve, these AI updates felt more like catching up than breaking new ground.

As a designer and everyday user, I’m watching closely. Not just to see what’s possible, but to see who’s making moves that really serve people well. And if Apple wants to keep our attention, it might need more than just good intentions and a glassy interface.