Apple Praises Developers with a Twist

The WWDC 2025 keynote was a spectacle, with Apple turning up the charm as singer-songwriter Allen Stone humorously transformed rave reviews from the App Store into catchy lyrics. His song, titled "6 out of 5 Stars," celebrated devs with playful lines like, "This isn’t just an app, it’s a piece of art." But underneath this feel-good moment, artists and developers alike are left wondering about the reality of their partnerships.

Apple's Developer Dilemma

Beneath the surface, Apple's relationship with its developer community has been strained. The company has been embroiled in legal battles, fighting accusations of monopolistic practices within its App Store. Developers are left questioning if they should continue to put their trust in a tech giant that seems to be nickeling and diming them while disregarding their need for modern tools.

AI Ambitions Fall Flat

Apple's much-anticipated rollout of an AI-enhanced Siri was delayed, a disappointment that went briefly acknowledged during the keynote. SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi hinted that the team needs more time to deliver the high standards Apple is known for. Apple introduced various AI features, but many felt recycled from competitors, with claims of superiority losing traction.

Promising Integrations but No Surprises

Despite some integrations with OpenAI and the addition of ChatGPT to its apps, there were no announcements of partnerships with other AI innovators, leaving many speculating about missed opportunities. An upgrade to its Shortcuts app offered some AI functionality, but lacked the deeper capabilities many developers crave.

App Store Commissions: The Elephant in the Room

The glaring silence around App Store commissions tempers any celebrations. Apple recently lost a significant battle against Fortnite maker Epic Games, forcing it to allow alternative payment mechanisms. Yet, during the keynote, Apple chose not to discuss how it plans to better support developers or improve payment systems that many believe bleed them dry.

A Missed Opportunity to Connect

Although speculation suggested some promising developer-centric improvements might be unveiled, the keynote left many wanting. Apple missed a key chance to address the grievances of its developer community and reinforce its dedication to their success. Instead, a small tweak to its App Review Guidelines barely whispered of changing market dynamics.

The Bottom Line: Do Developers Matter to Apple?

Apple’s moves seem more focused on increasing its revenue rather than genuinely empowering developers. They’ve pushed for more ad spending via their App Store's new default search page—an indicator that, while the company fancies itself as a champion for development, profit margins seem to be its primary concern. A lack of clarity on how to transition to innovative designs like 'Liquid Glass' left many questioning the worth of their well-functioning apps.

Conclusion: A Show for Show’s Sake?

As the event wrapped up with a catchy performance celebrating positive reviews—many of which developers know are diluted by fake bots—Apple seemed to sidestep the crucial issues faced by its community. The concert, while entertaining, left the underlying frustrations unaddressed, reminding us that applause can sometimes mask deeper challenges. Will Apple truly elevate its partners, or is it all a performance to enrich its brand?