Change is a-comin'

Apple plans major tweaks to core iPhone and iPad apps.

Lewis Wallace
June 06, 2025

It sounds like some of your favorite iPhone and iPad apps will get more than just a glossy, translucent face-lift this year.

Apple reportedly plans to make big changes to the Phone, Camera and Messages apps in the upcoming versions of iOS and iPadOS.

The Phone app -- a familiar interface that's been part of the iPhone since the device's launch -- will receive a major overhaul.

While the standard joke is that nobody uses an iPhone for phone calls these days, changing the look and feel of such core functionality can be risky. (Look what happened when Sonos redesigned its app recently.)

Luckily, Apple plans a fail-safe.

We don't have long to wait to see all this new stuff, including the new Phone app, a simplified Camera app, a beefed-up Messages app and that magical cross-platform UI overhaul that makes every Apple operating system look more like visionOS.

Apple's WWDC25 keynote, which will showcase the company's plans for the coming year and beyond, streams at 10 a.m. Pacific on Monday. If you can’t wait, here’s what to expect from the big changes coming to the Phone, Messages and Camera apps.

Also in today’s newsletter:

The Apple Watch is in for some fun in the near future, too. The next version of watchOS reportedly will let you add third-party apps and widgets to the Control Center for easy access. Maybe you can stash Snapchat in there!
Want to watch Apple’s WWDC25 keynote live? Here’s how.
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When it comes to setups, sometimes less is more.

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Apple plans major changes to some of your favorite apps at WWDC25

Even more rumors of changes to core iPhone and iPad apps expected at WWDC25 just came out, including big tweaks to Phone, Safari and Messages.

Apple Watch Control Center may finally open up to third-party apps

The wearable might take a lesson from the iPhone's Control Center and open up to third-party widgets with watchOS 12/26.

How to watch Apple’s WWDC event

How can you watch Apple’s WWDC event? You can stream the keynote on YouTube, on the apple.com website or on your smart TV.

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Say goodbye to paid upgrades: Get Windows 11 for life for $22

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Snapchat reaches Apple Watch

With Snapchat for Apple Watch, you can stay in touch even when you don’t have your iPhone or iPad with you.

Apple sees stronger iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 adoption across devices

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 have seen faster adoption than their predecessors, running on a higher percentage of devices.

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‘The Wild Ones’ unleashes intrepid, tech-wielding conservationists [Apple TV+ trailer]

The upcoming docuseries looks like a thrilling, high-tech ride on the way to saving endangered animals.

watchOS 12 could play nice with older Apple Watch models

A reliable leaker says the next version of watchOS will support the same Apple Watch models as watchOS 11.

How to make AI images on your iPhone with Image Playground

The Apple Intelligence app Image Playground lets you generate unlimited AI images on your iPhone, in a variety of styles, all for free.

Today in Apple history: Apple chooses Intel over PowerPC

On June 6, 2005, Steve Jobs said Apple would transition the Mac from PowerPC processors to Intel. The first Intel Macs arrived within months.

User wants to downsize ultra-wide display, jack up refresh rate [Setups]

Today's featured setup boasts a still-going-strong M1 Pro MacBook Pro but seeks a smaller, high-hertz monitor to replace a curved 49-incher.

Tweets of the day

Excited to share a new company I’ve started creating beautifully crafted framed displays, starting with the original iPhone. Available in silver or black aluminum, every detail is done right. It’s something elegant, nostalgic, and unlike anything else on the market.
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson)
1:28 PM • Jun 6, 2025

My Mac was getting full, and the settings just said "system data"
So I searched a bit and I found a nice app that shows what takes space + visualises it
Result: I had 500GB in Adobe cache editing 💀
The app is Open Source and free, really good to do some cleanup. Name is Grand
— Nico (@nico_jeannen)
3:59 PM • Jun 5, 2025

Apple prepping for the portless iPhone.
Expect them to reveal a new MagSafe data cable feature as well.
Either iPhone 2026 or iPhone 2029?
— Vadim Yuryev (@VadimYuryev)
1:49 PM • Jun 5, 2025

R.I.P. to the 30-Pin Dock 💔💀
sold out forever on @Apple dot com
— Elite Obsolete Electronics (@eliteobsolete)
8:42 AM • Jun 5, 2025

Wallpaper of the day

WWDC Wallpaper
#WWDC25
basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog…
— Basic Apple Guy (@BasicAppleGuy)
10:15 PM • Jun 5, 2025

One more thing ...

❝

That's why I dropped the “interim” from my title. I'm still called iCEO, though, because I think it's cool.

— Steve Jobs, 2000.

Today’s poll

How excited are you about WWDC25?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Any Vision Pro users here?

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