Apple holds numerous secrets this year and plans to reveal several during the event. What surprises might emerge today?

The keynote at the company's Worldwide Developer Conference begins at 10 a.m. PT at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Attendees will preview upcoming software updates including iOS and WatchOS, though new hardware such as a rumored foldable iPhone is unlikely at this stage.

WWDC 2026 centers on software enhancements and AI progress, leaving much open to speculation and making predictions enjoyable.

The CNET Group runs a Big Guessing Game contest on its sites including CNET, Lifehacker, Mashable, PCMag and ZDNET. Three rounds allow forecasts on Apple announcements, with correct answers earning entries for a chance to win the newest Apple Watch revealed in September.

Round 1 focused on new software such as iOS, iPadOS, VisionOS, WatchOS and MacOS. Reader predictions submitted before the June event have arrived and prove impressive.

Most readers expect Apple's new CEO to appear at WWDC

The June keynote marks the final one for CEO Tim Cook ahead of his September resignation. It remains unclear if incoming CEO John Ternus will present. An overwhelming 96 percent of CNET readers anticipate Ternus will speak, while 4 percent disagree.

Cook previously served as chief operating officer and focused on supply chain improvements that supported Apple's growth to trillion-dollar status. Ternus, now vice president of hardware engineering, has appeared in prior keynotes. Cook is expected to open with his standard greeting, though Ternus may join as a presenter.

MacOS 27 might skip a nickname this year

Readers offered varied ideas for MacOS 27's name without reaching agreement. Since 2013 the OS has used California place names such as Mavericks or Catalina, following earlier big cat titles like Cheetah and Jaguar.

Over 9 percent suggested MacOS 27 without any nickname, a departure from tradition. Other popular choices included Redwood at 6 percent, Shasta at 4 percent and Mammoth at 3 percent, along with Big Bear and Emerald Bay.

Prior releases reflect the updated numbering system introduced in 2025:

MacOS 26 (2025): Tahoe
MacOS 15 (2024): Sequoia
MacOS 14 (2023): Sonoma
MacOS 13 (2022): Ventura
MacOS 12 (2021): Monterey
MacOS 11 (2020): Big Sur

Apple Intelligence mentions remain unpredictable

Reader estimates for mentions of Apple Intelligence during the keynote range widely from zero to extremely high figures. The median prediction stands at 26, while the average reaches 68.

The term debuted at WWDC in June 2024 and rolled out to iPhones, iPads and Macs by October 2024, becoming central to Apple's AI strategy. Initial features covered text rewriting, photo cleanup and notification sorting. Further updates have expanded accessibility tools such as VoiceOver and Magnifier with natural language support.

Expectations include deeper integration with features like an updated Siri possibly powered by external AI models. The extent of AI focus on Monday remains to be seen.

Readers anticipate an AI health coach in WatchOS

Regarding AI, 89 percent of readers predict the next WatchOS will add an AI health coach, while 11 percent do not. WatchOS 26 introduced Workout Buddy, an AI trainer operating in real time.

Commentary from CNET's smartwatch lead suggests this feature builds toward broader fitness and AI capabilities on the device. An AI coach could help interpret health data and encourage improved habits, aligning with recent Apple developments.

Will the iOS 27 public beta arrive in June?

Apple's beta program offers early testing opportunities, though exact public release timing stays uncertain until announced. Fifty-three percent of readers expect the iOS 27 public beta this month, 17 percent forecast July, 9 percent August and 21 percent September.

July holds historical precedent, with prior betas launching in that month. The second round of the guessing game on July 7 will shift focus to devices such as iPad and iPhone. Correct predictions improve chances to win the latest Apple Watch in September.