Apple's WWDC 2025 Did AI Just Take a Backseat?

Apple's Top AI Announcements from WWDC 2025: A Deep Dive

WWDC 2025 has wrapped up, and while Apple may have subtly shifted its focus away from the heavy "Apple Intelligence" branding of last year, the tech giant still delivered some intriguing AI-related updates. This year saw a greater emphasis on core operating system enhancements, a new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic, and a streamlined naming convention. However, fear not, AI enthusiasts! Apple hasn't abandoned its AI ambitions. Let's explore the key AI announcements that emerged from the event.

Apple is strategically weaving AI into various aspects of its ecosystem, from image analysis to workout coaching and real-time translation. Here’s a closer look at what's new:

Visual Intelligence: Enhancing Your Perception

Visual Intelligence, Apple's AI-powered image analysis technology, is receiving a significant upgrade. This feature allows you to identify objects, landmarks, and more in your surroundings using your iPhone's camera.

Now, Visual Intelligence can interact directly with on-screen content. Imagine seeing a captivating outfit on social media; Visual Intelligence can instantly initiate an image search, leveraging resources like Google Search and ChatGPT, to find similar items or provide additional information.

Key highlights:

• Access: Accessible via the Control Center or through customization of the Action button.
• Availability: Expected with the release of iOS 26 later this year.
• Functionality: Image search of on-screen content using Google Search, ChatGPT, and similar apps.

ChatGPT Integrated into Image Playground

Apple is doubling down on its AI-powered image generation tool, Image Playground, by integrating ChatGPT. This integration unlocks a new realm of creative possibilities.

Here’s what ChatGPT brings to the table:

• Style Variety: Generate images in diverse styles like "anime," "oil painting," and "watercolor."
• Enhanced Prompts: Send prompts directly to ChatGPT for even more customized and imaginative image creation.

Workout Buddy: Your AI-Powered Personal Trainer

Need a little extra motivation during your workouts? Apple's new Workout Buddy is an AI-driven coach designed to provide personalized encouragement.

How it works:

• Motivational Talks: Using a text-to-speech model, Workout Buddy delivers motivational pep talks at the start of your run, highlighting your personal bests and average heart rate.
• Post-Workout Summaries: After your workout, the AI summarizes your performance, including average pace, heart rate, and any milestones achieved.

Live Translation: Breaking Down Language Barriers

Apple Intelligence is powering a groundbreaking live translation feature for Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls. This technology seamlessly translates text or spoken words into your preferred language in real time.

Key features:

• FaceTime: Live captions during video calls.
• Phone Calls: Real-time translation of conversations spoken aloud.

AI-Powered Call Management

Apple is introducing two innovative AI features to enhance your phone call experience:

1. Call Screening: Automatically answers calls from unknown numbers, allowing you to hear the caller's name and the reason for the call before deciding whether to answer.
2. Hold Assist: Detects hold music and allows you to continue using your iPhone while waiting for a call center agent. You'll receive a notification when an agent becomes available.

Smarter Polls in Messages

The Messages app is getting a boost with AI-powered poll suggestions. Apple Intelligence analyzes your conversations and recommends relevant poll topics to facilitate decision-making within group chats. Struggling to decide on a restaurant? Apple Intelligence might suggest a poll to narrow down the options.

AI-Powered Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app is becoming even more powerful with AI integration. Users can now incorporate AI models into their shortcuts to enable features like AI summarization.

Contextually Aware Spotlight

Spotlight, the on-device search feature for Mac, is receiving a smart upgrade. By incorporating Apple Intelligence, Spotlight will become more contextually aware, providing suggestions for actions that align with your current tasks and typical usage patterns.

Foundation Models for Developers

Apple is empowering developers with its Foundation Models framework, enabling them to build more AI capabilities into their third-party apps, even when offline. This move aims to foster innovation and encourage the creation of new AI-driven features within the Apple ecosystem.

Siri's Delayed Evolution

Perhaps the most disappointing news was the announcement that the much-anticipated AI-powered enhancements for Siri are not yet ready. While attendees eagerly awaited a glimpse of these promised features, Craig Federighi, Apple's SVP of Software Engineering, announced that further updates would have to wait until next year. This delay raises questions about Apple's strategy for Siri in a rapidly evolving and competitive market.

While WWDC 2025 may not have been the "AI bonanza" some expected, Apple's subtle yet significant AI integrations demonstrate a commitment to enhancing user experiences across its product line. From smarter image analysis to AI-powered personal training and seamless language translation, Apple is strategically weaving AI into the fabric of its ecosystem. The delay in Siri's AI evolution is a notable setback, but the other advancements showcased at WWDC 2025 point towards a future where AI plays an increasingly integral role in the Apple experience.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/12/here-are-apples-top-ai-announcements-from-wwdc-2025/