At WWDC 2025, Apple sang developers’ praises amid AI letdowns and App Store battles

During the recent WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple celebrated its app developers in a unique way, with singer-songwriter Allen Stone transforming glowing App Store reviews into a light-hearted song titled "6 out of 5 stars." While the performance highlighted the positive feedback from users, it also starkly contrasted with the ongoing struggles developers face within the company's ecosystem. The tech giant has been embroiled in a series of legal battles and regulatory challenges concerning its App Store practices, raising questions about why developers should continue to trust a company seemingly at odds with their interests. Apple has faced intense scrutiny over its alleged monopoly, and developers have endured a turbulent few years as a result. Notably, the much-anticipated AI enhancements, particularly a revamped Siri, have been postponed, with Apple only acknowledging this setback briefly during the keynote. Senior Vice President Craig Federighi mentioned that the AI project needed more time to meet Apple's standards, leaving many in the developer community feeling underwhelmed. At WWDC, Apple's references to AI were often reminiscent of features already offered by competitors like Google. The company introduced some AI capabilities in its services, such as integrating OpenAI technology into its Image Playground app and offering coding assistance in Xcode. However, despite speculation about collaborations with other AI entities, no significant partnerships were unveiled. Apple did introduce improvements to its Shortcuts app by including AI features, yet many felt these changes were merely temporary fixes rather than substantial advancements. Furthermore, the ongoing issues surrounding App Store commissions were notably absent from the discussion, despite recent legal rulings requiring Apple to allow developers to use alternative payment options. While Apple announced a new standalone Games app during the keynote, the focus remained largely on consumer benefits rather than support for developers. Many had hoped for a reduction in App Store fees, but their expectations were met with silence. As the keynote concluded with a musical performance, it appeared to serve more as a facade of appreciation for developers rather than a genuine acknowledgment of their contributions. With recent AI delays and a continued focus on maximizing revenue from developers, the event left many feeling that Apple is prioritizing its own interests over those of the developer community, despite their crucial role in driving the company's success.