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WWDC25: Scheduled to begin on June 9 Apple’s Biggest Event

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WWDC25 event highlights with Apple logo and developer tools

What Game Developers Should Know?

WWDC25, Apple’s flagship developer event, unveiled major innovations that will impact mobile app and game developers for years to come. From visionOS upgrades to new Swift APIs and advanced machine learning features, the announcements pave the way for more immersive, performant, and secure apps. This post breaks down the most important takeaways for game studios and mobile developers.

Focus:

Primarily on software announcements, including potential updates to iOS 19, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. To celebrate the start of WWDC, Apple will host an in-person experience on June 9 at Apple Park where developers can watch the Keynote and Platforms State of the Union, meet with Apple experts, and participate in special activities.

What is WWDC:
WWDC, short for Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, is an annual event hosted by Apple. It is primarily aimed at software developers but also draws attention from media, analysts, and tech enthusiasts globally. The event serves as a stage for Apple to introduce new software technologies, tools, and features for developers to incorporate into their apps. The conference also provides a platform for Apple to announce updates to their operating systems, which include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

The primary goals of WWDC are to:

Offer a sneak peek into the future of Apple’s software.

Provide developers with the necessary tools and resources to create innovative apps.

Facilitate networking between developers and Apple engineers.
WWDC 2025 will be an online event, with a special in-person event at Apple Park for selected attendees on the first day of the conference.

What does Apple announce at WWDC
Each year, Apple uses WWDC to reveal important updates for its software platforms. These include major versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, along with innovations in developer tools and frameworks. Some years may also see the announcement of entirely new product lines or operating systems, such as the launch of visionOS in 2023.

Key areas of announcement include:

iOS: Updates to the iPhone’s operating system, which typically introduce new features, UI enhancements, and privacy improvements.

iPadOS: A version of iOS tailored specifically for iPads, bringing unique features that leverage the tablet’s larger screen.

macOS: The operating system that powers Mac computers, often featuring design changes, performance improvements, and new productivity tools.

watchOS: Updates to the software that powers Apple’s smartwatch line, adding features to health tracking, notifications, and app integrations.

tvOS: Updates to the operating system for Apple TV, often focusing on media consumption and integration with other Apple services.
In addition to operating system updates, Apple also unveils developer tools, such as updates to Xcode (Apple’s development environment), Swift, and other tools that help developers build apps more efficiently.

🚀 Game-Changing VisionOS 2 APIs

Apple doubled down on spatial computing. With visionOS 2, developers now have access to:

  • TabletopKit – create 3D object interactions on any flat surface.
  • App Intents in Spatial UI – plug app features into system-wide spatial interfaces.
  • Updated RealityKit – smoother physics, improved light rendering, and ML-driven occlusion.

🎮 Why It Matters: Game devs can now design interactive tabletop experiences using natural gestures in mixed-reality environments.

🧠 On-Device AI & ML Boosts

Expected to feature advancements in Apple Intelligence and its integration into apps and services. Access to Apple’s on-device AI models might be a significant announcement for developers. Core ML now supports:

  • Transformers out-of-the-box
  • Background model loading (no main-thread block)
  • Personalized learning without internet access

💡 Use case: On-device AI for NPC dialogue, procedural generation, or adaptive difficulty—all with zero server cost.

🛠️ Swift 6 & SwiftData Enhancements

  • Improved concurrency support
  • New compile-time safety checks
  • Cleaner syntax for async/await

SwiftData now allows full data modeling in pure Swift syntax—ideal for handling game saves or in-app progression.

📱 UI Updates in SwiftUI

  • Flow Layouts for dynamic UI behavior
  • Animation Stack Tracing (finally!)
  • Enhanced Game Controller API support

These updates make it easier to build flexible HUDs, overlays, and responsive layouts for games and live apps.

🧩 App Store Changes & App Intents

  • Rich push previews with interaction
  • Custom product pages can now be A/B tested natively
  • App Intents now show up in Spotlight and Shortcuts

📊 Developers should monitor these metrics post-launch for personalized user flows.

Apple WWDC 2025: Date, time, and live streaming details
WWDC 2025 will take place from June 9 to June 13, 2025. While most of the conference will be held online, Apple is planning a limited-attendance event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, at Apple Park on the first day. This hybrid approach—online sessions alongside an in-person event—has become a trend in recent years, ensuring a global audience can still access the latest news and updates from Apple.

Keynote Schedule (Opening Day – June 9):
Pacific Time (PT): 10:00 AM

Eastern Time (ET): 1:00 PM

India Standard Time (IST): 10:30 PM

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 5:00 PM

Gulf Standard Time (GST): 9:00 PM

Where to watch WWDC 2025:
The keynote and subsequent sessions will be available to stream for free via:

  1. Apple.com
  2. Apple Developer App
  3. Apple Developer Website
  4. Apple TV App

Apple’s Official YouTube Channel

All registered Apple developers will also receive access to technical content and lab sessions through their developer accounts.

How to register and attend WWDC 2025
WWDC 2025 will be free to attend online, and anyone with an internet connection can view the event via Apple’s official website or the Apple Developer app. The keynote address will be broadcast live, followed by a series of technical sessions, hands-on labs, and forums that will be streamed for free.

For developers:
Apple Developer Program members: If you’re a member of the Apple Developer Program, you’ll have access to exclusive sessions and events during WWDC.

Registering for special events: While the majority of WWDC is free online, there may be additional opportunities to register for hands-on labs or specific workshops if you are selected. Details on how to register will be available closer to the event.

Expected product announcements at WWDC 2025
WWDC 2025 will focus primarily on software announcements, but Apple may also showcase updates to its hardware, depending on the timing of product releases. Here are the updates and innovations we expect to see at WWDC 2025:

iOS 19
iOS 19 is expected to bring significant enhancements to iPhones, including:

Enhanced privacy features: More granular control over data sharing.

Improved widgets: Refined widgets with more interactive capabilities.

New AR capabilities: Given the increasing interest in augmented reality, expect Apple to continue developing AR features.
iPadOS 19
With iPadOS, Apple will likely continue to enhance the iPad’s role as a productivity tool. Updates could include:

Multitasking improvements: Expanding on the current Split View and Stage Manager features for a more desktop-like experience.

More advanced Apple Pencil features: Improved drawing, sketching, and note-taking functionalities.
macOS 16
macOS will likely introduce a new version that continues to focus on integration between Apple’s devices, including:

Improved universal control: Expanding the ability to control iPads and Macs seamlessly.

Enhanced native apps: Continuing to refine apps like Safari, Mail, and Finder with better integration with other Apple platforms.

watchOS 12
watchOS 12 will likely focus on new health and fitness features, with:

Sleep and health monitoring enhancements: Providing deeper insights into health data, particularly around sleep tracking.

New workouts and fitness metrics: Additional metrics for athletes, especially those preparing for specific fitness goals.

tvOS 19
tvOS updates may bring more smart home integration, including:

Enhanced Siri integration: Better control over smart home devices via the Apple TV.

New streaming features: Improvements to streaming quality and content discovery.
visionOS 3
visionOS, the software behind the Vision Pro headset, is expected to evolve with new features:

Expanded VR/AR interactions: New immersive apps and enhanced virtual environments.

Productivity and entertainment upgrades: Bringing more tools for working and enjoying content in virtual spaces.

🔗 Further Reading:

✅ Suggested Posts:

App Store Server Notifications (2025): A Deep Dive into New NotificationTypes

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Apple App Store server notification types update with cloud and code icons

Updated: May 2025

Apple recently expanded its App Store Server Notifications with powerful new NotificationType events. These updates are critical for developers managing subscriptions, in-app purchases, refunds, and account state changes. This deep-dive covers the latest NotificationTypes introduced in 2025, their use cases, and how to handle them using Swift and server-side logic effectively.

🔔 What Are NotificationTypes?

NotificationTypes are event triggers Apple sends to your server via HTTPS when something changes in a user’s app store relationship, including:

  • New purchases
  • Renewals
  • Refunds
  • Grace periods
  • Billing issues
  • Revocations

🆕 New NotificationTypes in 2025 (iOS 17.5+):

NotificationTypePurpose
REFUND_DECLINEDCustomer-initiated refund was denied
GRACE_PERIOD_EXPIREDGrace period ended, subscription not renewed
OFFER_REDEEMEDUser successfully redeemed a promotional offer
PRE_ORDER_PURCHASEDA pre-ordered item was charged and made available
AUTO_RENEW_DISABLEDAuto-renew toggle was turned off manually
APP_TRANSACTION_REVOKEDApp-level transaction was revoked due to violations or fraud

🛡️ Why it matters: These help prevent fraud, enable smoother user communication, and allow tighter control of subscription logic.

⚙️ Sample Server Logic in Node.js


// Example: Express.js listener for Apple server notifications

app.post("/apple/notifications", (req, res) => {
  const notification = req.body;
  const type = notification.notificationType;

  switch(type) {
    case "OFFER_REDEEMED":
      handleOfferRedemption(notification);
      break;
    case "GRACE_PERIOD_EXPIRED":
      notifyUserToRenew(notification);
      break;
    case "APP_TRANSACTION_REVOKED":
      revokeUserAccess(notification);
      break;
    default:
      console.log("Unhandled notification type:", type);
  }

  res.status(200).send("OK");
});

📲 Swift Example – Handle Subscription Cancellation Locally


func handleNotification(_ payload: [String: Any]) {
    guard let type = payload["notificationType"] as? String else { return }

    switch type {
    case "AUTO_RENEW_DISABLED":
        disableAutoRenewUI()
    case "REFUND_DECLINED":
        logRefundIssue()
    default:
        break
    }
}

📈 Best Practices

  • Always verify signed payloads from Apple using public keys
  • Maintain a notification history for each user for audit/debug
  • Use notifications to trigger user comms (email, in-app messages)
  • Gracefully handle unexpected/unknown types

🔗 Further Reading:

✅ Suggested Posts:

Steam Next Fest – How Small Studios Use It to Build Hype

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A stylized Steam interface with a 'Next Fest' banner, wishlist button, live stream window, and play demo button, surrounded by indie game icons and graphs

For indie game developers, the biggest visibility boost in 2025 isn’t from social ads or Discord drops — it’s from Steam Next Fest. This biannual event lets you showcase your game to millions of PC gamers, all hunting for their next obsession.

But just showing up isn’t enough. To capitalize on this golden window of discovery, studios must be strategic. Here’s how savvy devs turn demos into wishlists — and wishlists into funding, followers, and fans.

🎮 What Is Steam Next Fest?

Steam Next Fest is a free week-long digital showcase by Valve, typically held in February and October. Developers can submit a demo, run livestreams, and appear in curated genre pages — all in front of a global audience.

Key benefits:

  • Massive traffic bump (Next Fest pages get 10–20M visits)
  • Wishlist growth (avg. 400–1,200 wishlists for small teams)
  • Community feedback from demo players

📆 Timeline: How to Prep Like a Pro

60 Days Before

  • Apply to Next Fest (requires a Steam page and verified build)
  • Create a working demo build (15–30 mins of content)
  • Prepare a strong store page: GIFs, tags, capsule art

30 Days Before

  • Announce participation on socials
  • Set up a press kit + YouTube devlog
  • Start teasing gameplay on TikTok or Reddit

During the Fest

  • Run livestreams from your devs — Q&A, speedruns, challenge modes
  • Update the demo midweek with feedback-based tweaks
  • Encourage Steam review submissions for the demo

💬 Feedback Loop = Design Fuel

Use player feedback from the demo to guide design updates and tune your final release. Common feedback sources:

  • Steam Community Hub
  • Twitter threads and Discord chats
  • Email capture from in-demo popup or feedback form

📊 Metrics That Matter

MetricGoalWhy It Matters
Wishlist Adds1,000+Drives launch ranking and funding interest
Demo Completion Rate30%+Indicator of player retention and polish
Stream Viewers50–500Community growth and social proof

📬 Final Tips for 2025 Devs

  • Use FOMO: “Demo only live this week!” drives urgency
  • Tag correctly: Steam’s recommendation algorithm uses tags aggressively
  • Post daily: Visibility resets slightly each day with update pings

Steam Next Fest can be more than just a spotlight — it can be your marketing foundation for the next 12 months. Plan smart, build momentum, and listen hard.

📚 Suggested Posts

Apple’s Core Technology Fee Under EU Scrutiny: Implications for Developers

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Illustration depicting the Apple logo juxtaposed with the European Union flag, symbolizing regulatory scrutiny

Apple’s introduction of a new Core Technology Fee has drawn the attention of European Union regulators, raising concerns about its impact on app developers and market competition.

💼 What is the Core Technology Fee?

In an effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple implemented a €0.50 fee per app installation for developers distributing apps outside the App Store. This fee applies annually for each installation beyond the first million, even when using third-party app stores or direct downloads.

🕵️ EU’s Concerns and Investigations

The European Commission has initiated a thorough examination of this fee structure, questioning its alignment with the DMA’s objectives to foster fair competition. Regulators are assessing whether the fee:

  • Disincentivizes alternative distribution: By imposing costs on non-App Store installations, it may deter developers from exploring other channels.
  • Increases consumer prices: Additional developer costs could be passed on to users, undermining affordability.
  • Restricts market entry: Smaller developers might find it challenging to compete, stifling innovation.

📣 Developer Community Response

Many developers have voiced apprehension, arguing that the fee:

  • Negates the benefits of alternative distribution: The financial burden may offset the advantages of bypassing the App Store.
  • Complicates compliance: Navigating the new fee structure adds complexity to app distribution strategies.
  • Impacts profitability: Especially for free or low-margin apps, the fee could significantly affect revenue.

⚖️ Potential Outcomes and Implications

Should the EU determine that the Core Technology Fee violates DMA provisions, Apple could face:

  • Substantial fines: Penalties up to 10% of global annual revenue.
  • Mandated policy revisions: Requirements to alter or eliminate the fee structure.
  • Increased regulatory oversight: Ongoing scrutiny of Apple’s compliance with competition laws.

🧾 Conclusion

Apple’s Core Technology Fee represents a pivotal point in the ongoing dialogue between tech giants and regulatory bodies. Developers should stay informed about these developments, as outcomes will shape the future landscape of app distribution and monetization in the EU.

📬 Subscribe to TechsWill for the latest updates on app development, regulatory changes, and market trends.

Apple’s App Store Policy Shift: What Developers Need to Know Post-Epic Ruling

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Illustration depicting Apple's App Store icon alongside symbols representing external payment options, highlighting the recent policy changes

In a landmark decision, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines in the United States, allowing developers to include external payment links within their apps. This change comes in response to a court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case, marking a significant shift in Apple’s longstanding policies.

🔄 Key Changes Implemented

  • External Payment Links: Developers can now add buttons or links in their U.S. App Store apps directing users to external websites for purchases, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system.
  • No Additional Entitlements Required: Unlike previous requirements, developers don’t need special permissions to include these external links in their apps.
  • Neutral Messaging: Apple must allow developers to inform users about alternative payment options without imposing restrictive messaging or design limitations.

💼 Implications for Developers

  • Increased Revenue Control: By directing users to external payment platforms, developers can retain a larger share of their revenue, avoiding Apple’s standard commission fees.
  • Enhanced User Experience: The ability to guide users seamlessly to external payment options can lead to a more streamlined purchasing process.
  • Compliance Requirements: While the policy change offers more flexibility, developers must ensure their apps comply with the updated guidelines to avoid potential issues during the app review process.

🌐 Broader Industry Impact

This policy shift reflects a growing trend towards increased flexibility and fairness in digital marketplaces. As regulatory pressures mount globally, other tech giants may follow suit, leading to a more open and competitive app ecosystem.

🧾 Final Thoughts

Apple’s revised App Store policies represent a significant win for developers seeking greater autonomy over their monetization strategies. By embracing these changes, developers can explore new avenues for revenue generation while providing users with more payment options.

📬 Stay informed with TechsWill for the latest updates on app development and digital marketplace trends.

App Store Freedom Act: U.S. Legislation Aims to Open Mobile App Market

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Illustration depicting a mobile device displaying multiple app store icons, symbolizing the introduction of third-party app stores alongside Apple's App Store and Google Play.

A new bill introduced in the U.S. Congress seeks to reshape the mobile app ecosystem by promoting competition and consumer choice.

On May 6, 2025, Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) introduced the App Store Freedom Act, targeting large app store operators like Apple and Google. The proposed legislation mandates several key changes:

  • Third-Party App Stores: Companies with over 100 million U.S. users must allow the installation of third-party app stores and permit users to set them as default.
  • Equal Access for Developers: Developers should be granted equal and cost-free access to interfaces, features, and tools.
  • User Control: Users must have the ability to remove or hide pre-installed applications.
  • Alternative Payment Options: The bill seeks to curb restrictive payment policies by allowing third-party payment options within apps.

Non-compliance could result in penalties enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, including civil fines of up to $1 million per violation.

This legislation mirrors recent European Union regulations that have compelled Apple and Google to make significant changes, such as enabling third-party store downloads and non-default payment options.

Representative Cammack emphasized that monopolistic practices by dominant app stores have led to higher prices, reduced consumer choice, and suppressed innovation.

Implications for Developers and Consumers

If enacted, the App Store Freedom Act could:

  • Enhance Competition: By allowing alternative app stores, developers may find more favorable terms and consumers could benefit from diverse app sources.
  • Reduce Costs: Alternative payment options might lower transaction fees, potentially leading to reduced prices for consumers.
  • Increase Innovation: With fewer restrictions, developers might experiment more freely, leading to innovative apps and services.

Conclusion

The App Store Freedom Act represents a significant step toward democratizing the mobile app marketplace in the U.S. By challenging the dominance of major app store operators, it aims to foster a more competitive and consumer-friendly environment.

📬 Subscribe to TechsWill for more updates on mobile app legislation and market trends.

Apple’s 2025 Accessibility Updates: Empowering Users with Inclusive Features

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Collage showcasing Apple's new accessibility features: App Store Accessibility Nutrition Labels, Mac's Magnifier app interface, Braille Access note-taking on iPad, and Live Captions on Apple Watch.

Apple has announced a suite of new accessibility features set to launch later this year, aimed at enhancing digital inclusivity across its devices and platforms.

These updates emphasize Apple’s continued push to make the App Store, iOS, macOS, and even Apple Watch more accessible to users with visual, cognitive, and physical challenges.

🛍️ Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store

To help users make informed choices, Apple is introducing Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store.

These labels will specify an app’s support for features like:

  • VoiceOver
  • Adjustable contrast
  • Captions and subtitles
  • Dynamic text sizing

It’s a major step toward ensuring all users know what accessibility features to expect before installing an app.

🔍 Magnifier App Comes to Mac

The Magnifier app, previously available only on iOS, is now coming to macOS. With camera zoom, brightness, contrast controls, and filters, it provides an enhanced viewing experience — especially when using Continuity Camera with an iPhone.

This is a powerful tool for users with low vision or those needing real-time visual assistance.

📝 Braille Access for Note-Taking

Apple is rolling out Braille Access on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Vision Pro.

Features include:

  • Full Braille Screen Input
  • Support for third-party braille hardware
  • Note-taking and calculations in braille

This allows blind and low-vision users to work and communicate seamlessly across all Apple devices.

📖 Accessibility Reader

The new Accessibility Reader enables users to customize:

  • Text size and spacing
  • Color themes
  • Contrast levels
  • Text-to-speech options

This feature will benefit users with cognitive or visual impairments and improve reading clarity across various apps and websites.

⌚ Live Captions on Apple Watch

Live Captions are now coming to the Apple Watch, offering:

  • Real-time captioning for audio and voice
  • Better communication in noisy environments
  • Accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing users

This small device just became much more inclusive.

🧠 Brain-Computer Interface Support

Apple is working with Synchron, a brain-computer interface company, to enable Switch Control via brain signals.

This opens doors for individuals with severe physical limitations to control their devices — using only thought.

💬 Final Thoughts

These features not only push the envelope of accessibility tech but also set a new standard for inclusive app ecosystems.

If you’re a developer, expect Accessibility Nutrition Labels to become a key part of app submissions. And if you’re a user — Apple is making it easier to engage with tech on your terms.

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