Technology

Apple's WWDC 2025 show kicks off at Apple Park at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST on June 9, 2025 – which means we're now very close to seeing the next generation of software for iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more.

So what should we expect from one of Apple's biggest events of the year? While product launches at WWDC are unusual and unexpected, but not unheard of, this is the keynote that sets the tone for Apple's entire year. In particular, by showing us what the next version of iOS will look like, it sets the stage for the release of the iPhone 17 lineup, which most expect to happen in September.

WWDC 2025 will also mark the first anniversary of the introduction of Apple Intelligence. Considering that Apple only managed to deliver a portion of what was promised in June 2024, it's unclear how Apple will approach this AI conundrum.

There are numerous reports of turmoil behind the scenes as Apple reshuffles its Apple Intelligence team and tries to revive efforts to deliver a transformed Siri that can compete with Gemini and ChatGPT.

Some believe Apple won't mention Siri, but will focus on Apple Intelligence as it is, and mention some feature enhancements. It's unlikely it will promise any eye-opening generative features, especially after over-promising a year ago.

Let's take a look at what we, and other Apple experts, do expect Tim Cook and company to reveal on June 9...

1. iOS 26 lands with a fresh redesign

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

We're highly unlikely to see Apple commit to an all-new Siri at WWDC 2025, but we might get a hint at what's coming. After all, how can Apple deliver iOS 26 (yes, Apple is rumored to be switching to year-based software names) without a fresh, Apple Intelligence-filled Siri experience?

A more concrete idea of what to expect has emerged from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, with his June 6 predictions being particularly comprehensive. According to the well-connected Apple reporter, the biggest change will be a new software design that's based on visionOS.

That will mean lots of "digital glass" plus "light and transparency" through iOS 26 and Apple's other operating systems. Why Apple would use its faltering mixed reality headset platform as a base look is a conundrum to be solved on June 9.

Compared to that redesign, the other new iOS 26 features may seem a little underwhelming. There will seemingly be a new, dedicated Games app for accessing Apple Arcade, plus other upgrades like AI-powered battery management. Still, three of Apple's own apps – the Phone, Safari and Camera app – are apparently due for "significant revamps", with the latter benefitting from a helpful declutter.

According to TechRadar's phones expert James Rogerson, we're unlikely to see much in the way of AI-powered photo editing tools or Siri improvements. But one long-shot feature that we could see is a AI upgrade for Apple's Health app.

• Read more: iOS 19: the 5 upgrades I'm really hoping for at WWDC 2025

2. iPadOS 26 gets Mac-like features

(Image credit: Future)

It'll be fascinating to hear how Apple execs explain what we assume will be a deeper merge between the functionality of iPadOS and macOS in iPadOS 26 (which could also be iPadOS 19, if Apple sticks with its current naming convention).

TechRadar's iPad veteran Jamie Richards says better multitasking is high on his list of expected iPadOS improvements at WWDC 2025, based on the combination of a clear need and rumors from noted tipsters like Majin Bu, who has predicted a Stage Manager overhaul.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has backed this up, with claims that "Apple is completely revamping multitasking features on the iPad to be more Mac-like". Finally! The bad news? This may mean needing to hook up your iPad to expensive accessories like Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Apple might do all this because there has long been a demand to make the iPad match Macs in desktop capabilities. Yes, we know it's a tablet, but many are now using iPads with a physical keyboard and treating them like lightweight laptops. However, the inability to support more than, say, four windows open at once and interface customization that matches a Mac is a frustration.

The messaging here, though, will be critical. Apple has to inspire new iPad converts while satisfying and not scaring away iPad stalwarts who've been using the tablet since its inception in 2010.

• I've used iPads for 10 years – here are the iPadOS 19 features I want to see from WWDC 2025

3. A gaming push for macOS 26

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Most expect Apple Software Lead Craig Federighi to unveil a major macOS 26 redesign – one that, as with iOS 26, is expected to borrow from the Vision Pro interface.

While the gaze and gesture-based interface of the headset is well-regarded, it's hard to understand exactly how this will work on the Mac. Certainly, Federighi will have some exciting demos to share.

There is a thought that this could be the moment Apple finally unveils a touch-friendly macOS. After all, we do expect Apple to push iPadOS and macOS closer together (see above). Put this one firmly in the 'outside bets' category, though.

A more likely scenario, according to a Bloomberg report, is a new Games app. This will theoretically connect Apple's gaming properties, like Apple Arcade, and games downloaded from the App Store. But on Macs, it could also gather games downloaded from other third-party sources.

Other areas of focus for the macOS 26 portion of the keynote – which will apparently brand the OS 'Tahoe' – are said to be better Wi-Fi management, new battery controls, Google Gemini integration, and, of course, the reveal of that all-important name

• Read more: macOS 16 Tahoe is imminent – here’s what to expect from Apple’s next desktop OS

4. Apple Watch Ultra-friendly fitness features

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

There's an outside chance that WWDC 2025 could be an exciting moment for Apple Watch fans, with watchOS 12 (or more likely, watchOS 26) potentially delivering blood pressure measurement support and a new AI health coach (there's no word on if it'll be an "Apple Intelligence Health Coach" or just "AI Health Coach").

Health and Fitness Editor Matt Evans added some color, "Blood pressure via LED remains the holy grail of watches, but the Whoop MG gets around this by using a cuff to measure BP as a baseline, then estimates fluctuations based on other vital signs like heart health."

Evans also noted that Apple Intelligence for control of basic functions may be coming to the Apple Watch. Again, this is unlikely to be a major update of Apple Intelligence functionality but rather a port of what you can do in iOS, but with a wearable flavor.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman now seems less convinced that we'll see anything on this scale at WWDC 2025 – commenting on the revamp of Apple's Health app and the AI doctor-based service, he says that "neither will be shown at WWDC" due to delays. Still, we remain optimistic that we might get a teaser showing what's coming, even if a full launch is still a way off.

A more realistic focus, according to TechRadar fitness contributor Lloyd Coombes, is on outdoor exercise tracking features that tap into the ruggedness and rucking-friendly features of the Ultra series – particularly as an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to land later this year.

• watchOS 12: 3 things I expect to see Tim Cook announce at this year's WWDC 2025

5. A smarter tvOS

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

I asked Matt Bolton, our Managing Editor, Entertainment, about what might be announced for the next version of tvOS, the platform running inside your Apple TV streaming box. He told me we should finally expect to see some intelligence in tvOS.

"In tvOS, you'll probably be able to ask for movies and shows more organically, even if you don’t know the name – or ask for recommendations based on what you like. This is really common in other AI-touting smart streaming devices."

Bolton is also looking forward to the tvOS redesign, with some reservations. "The aesthetic idea I'm imagining is a home screen that has a 3D layering element, similar to that of visionOS. The app icons float at the front, with an image behind them – and hopefully something more interesting than a plain background", he said. The potential issue with background video is it being abused by trailers or ads for shows, but it seems unlikely that Apple would take this route.

According to MacRumors, we can indeed expect the visionOS-style redesign that's expected to grace iOS 26, macOS 26 and more, to come to tvOS as well. Fortunately for those with older boxes, the new tvOS 26 could also support boxes as far back as the Apple TV HD from 2015, alongside the subsequent three generations of Apple TV 4K.

• Read more: The rumored Apple TV 4K software redesign could be amazing, as long as it avoids the biggest pitfall of streaming devices

6. Live Translate for AirPods

(Image credit: Future)

On AirPods, TechRadar's Matt Bolton expects "AI-based live translation and generally a smarter Siri conversationalist," depending on how far Apple Intelligence goes in Siri.

That hunch has since been backed up by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who says Apple is "preparing translations of live conversations for AirPods wearers", with its Translate app also getting "integrated across its operating systems as an Apple Intelligence feature".

What Bolton is hoping is also hoping to see on the AirPods front is "Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support built into iOS, with matching AirPods support. This would allow higher-quality wireless music quality and better accessibility."

With some other recent rumors predicting that the AirPods could also get more gesture control and sleep detection at WWDC 2025, it could be a fruitful show for owners of Apple's wireless earbuds.

• AirPods said to get some nice free upgrades at WWDC 2025, including more gesture control and sleep detection

7. One more thing – iPhone 17 Air teaser?

Could the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (above) get a new rival in the form of the rumored iPhone 17 Air? (Image credit: Future)

When it comes to an Apple keynote, never rule out a surprise. In the past, we've gotten glimpses of a new Mac Pro, new MacBooks, and the Vision Pro.

This year, new Macs are a very outside possibility, as is mixed reality and AR headgear, like a Vision Pro Lite and Apple Glasses, respectively.

There's also the tiniest chance that Tim Cook could tease Apple's first folding iPhone or, more likely, even the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Let's face it, Apple needs some razzle-dazzle this year to distract from what's been a somewhat bumpy 12-month ride. And the iPhone 17 Air rumors have been ramping up lately, with recent whispers predicting that it'll be even slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge at just 5.5mm thick.

Stick with TechRadar.com for all the latest news from Apple's big developer event.

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Action stations, folks, the Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and we've got our hands on the new console!

We've also tested the latest Surface Pro tablet, found out how Spotify Wrapped 2024 got it so wrong, and tuned in to Summer Game Fest 2025 for some major announcements.

Once you've scrolled down to catch up on the week's 7 biggest tech news stories, be sure to also read our picks of the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend (June 6)

7. Nintendo Switch 2 launched

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Our Nintendo Switch 2 review in progress is live now! We’re giving you our console impressions as they happen, testing everything from hardware features to the hottest games, including Mario Kart World. There’s plenty to dive into this first week of launch, and we’re already finding that the Switch 2 is leaps and bounds more powerful than its predecessor.

The Switch 2 is capable of outputting 4K resolution at up to 120fps. It also has support for Nvidia DLSS for smoother performance, as well as HDR on compatible displays for a more vivid image. Several original Nintendo Switch games have also received upgrades, allowing them to shine even brighter on Switch 2 with performance boosts and higher resolutions.

We will be covering the Nintendo Switch 2 and updating our live blog regularly, so be sure to tune in to learn more about the console as we work our way up to a full written review in the next few weeks.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch 2 review-in-progress live

6. Samsung teased a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra

(Image credit: Digital Trends)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 might already be the most expensive widely available Samsung phone, but it’s teasing an all-new "Ultra-experience" with a foldable design that could steal that crown.

While it doesn’t tell us much, Samsung does suggest we’ll see the new phone soon, meaning it could be a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra that launches alongside the standard Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

It also describes the device as having “bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create,” which we certainly won’t complain about. Though we’ll have to wait and see how pricey it gets.

• Read more: Samsung's first Ultra foldable could be launching soon

5. Spotify admitted it got Wrapped wrong

(Image credit: Future)

At Spotify’s Open House event in Stockholm last week, the music streaming platform finally addressed the criticism it received for Spotify Wrapped 2024, which saw the most negative feedback than any year before.

CPO Gustav Söderström addressed this, sharing that feedback from Spotify users was largely in response to Wrapped’s false listening data, which saw a flurry of users claiming that Wrapped showed them artists they hadn’t streamed at all in 2024. From the negative feedback that stormed social media last December, Spotify is hoping to learn its lesson – and it’s already thinking about Wrapped 2025.

“I think people just wanted something newer, something that wasn’t there the year before”, Söderström revealed as he alluded to the successes of previous music recaps by adding, “There was also some feedback that some of the things people loved from years before were not there”. For me, I hope this means the return of Sound Town from Wrapped 2023.

• Read more: Here’s what could change with Wrapped 2025

4. Photoshop came to Android

(Image credit: Adobe)

Following the release of Photoshop for iPhone earlier this year, the biggest photo-editing app has finally made it to Android in pro-grade form, complete with Photoshop's core features and AI generative capabilities.

The free beta version of Photoshop for Android offers much of the same functionality as the iPhone app, with an intuitive interface designed specifically for phones, core Photoshop tools such as layering, masking, and blending, plus, of course, generative Firefly and Adobe Stock assets.

We're yet to use the app, but we watched a demonstration of its capabilities presented by Adobe, and it looks super impressive, seemingly being one of, if not the most, fully equipped and powerful photo editors for Android phones. We'll be giving it a spin in the coming weeks to see how it compares with the desktop/web version – stay tuned!

• Read more: Photoshop finally gets a pro-grade Android app

3. We tested Microsoft’s new Surface Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 12 (2025) has arrived with solid performance, excellent battery, and at a good price (starting at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,499).

But excitement for Surface devices seems to have dried up while the Surface Pro 12 (2025) is seemingly out to prove that Microsoft hasn’t abandoned its consumers, nor has it forgotten about its Surface lineup – though we worry it may be a case of too little, too late.

While it can be more flexible than iPads and Android tablets, it’s not the best value proposition after you invest in the add-on (but almost necessary) Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard. Plus, the much-trumpeted AI features still feel either underbaked or inessential.

• Read more: Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2025) review

2. iOS 26 rumors predicted bad news for some iPhones

(Image credit: Future)

A new iOS launch is always a nervy time for those with older iPhones – and this week, some pre-WWDC 2025 rumors predicted the models that will be cut adrift from software updates when Apple’s software show kicks off on June 9.

If you own an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, it might be time to start planning an upgrade. Those are the models that, according to the rumors, won’t be able to run iOS 26 when the update officially rolls out later this year.

And yes, we do mean iOS 26. This year, Apple is also rumored to be switching its software names to years, rather than version numbers. So that obviously means iOS 26, in the year 2025. It’s never straightforward, is it?

• Read more: Will your iPhone get iOS 26? This is the rumored support list for the rebranded iOS 19

1. The first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones landed

(Image credit: Edifier)

We’ve been waiting for the first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones to arrive, and Edifier has beaten its rivals to the punch with the Doo Ace on-ears.

However, the availability of the latest Bluetooth tech doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to buy them as their specs come with several downsides – and they’re only available in China, so a lot of you reading this won’t be able to buy them even if you wanted.

They are, at least, very inexpensive at CNY229 (about $32 / £24). So they might not be a flagship showcase of what Bluetooth 6.0 can do compared to the best wireless headphones, but they might still impress some with a low price, this new tech, and a very lightweight design.

• Read more: Edifier's Doo Ace are the first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones we've seen

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 7.

• Resident Evil Requiem has officially been announced
• The ninth entry launches on February 27, 2026, for PC and console
• Requiem's protagonist is FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, who could be related to Resident Evil Outbreak's Alyssa Ashcroft

It's official, Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

The next Resident Evil game was the final announcement of Summer Game Fest 2025 and was unveiled with a chilling cinematic trailer showing off the game's protagonist, FBI technical analyst Grace Ashcroft, and a nuked Racoon City.

Capcom is calling the ninth entry "a new era of survival horror," and host Geoff Keighly describes it as a "bold shift for the franchise both in tone and gameplay," and that players should expect "high-stakes cinematic action".

"Requiem for the dead. Nightmare for the living. Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth title in the mainline Resident Evil series," the blurb reads. "Prepare to escape death in a heart-stopping experience that will chill you to your core.

"A new era of survival horror begins in 2026. Technological advancements combined with the development team's depth of experience combine in a story with rich characters and gameplay that's more immersive than ever before."

Bizarrely, Jun Takeuchi, Resident Evil executive producer, made a brief appearance earlier in the broadcast to tease the game, but stated that Capcom wasn't ready to reveal it.

From the trailer, it seems that Resident Evil Requiem will follow Grace as she investigates a serial killer who has a connection to her deceased mother.

It's unclear if former Resident Evil characters, like Leon and Jill, will make an appearance, but it appears that Grace Ashcroft is related to Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak and Outbreak File #2.

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• Street Fighter 6 Year 3 characters have been revealed at Summer Game Fest
• A hilarious trailer featuring wrestler Kenny Omega showed them off
• They are Alex, Sagat, Ingrid and C.Viper

We now know which four characters will be released as part of Street Fighter 6's Year 3 character pass.

The characters were announced during the Summer Game Fest 2025 showcase, in a humorous live-action trailer starring legendary wrestler (and Street Fighter pro) Kenny Omega.

The characters you'll be getting in Season 3 are Alex, C.Viper, Ingrid, and Sagat. And while these are all fan favorite characters in some regards, it does feel like a very safe selection overall.

Alex debuted in Street Fighter 3: New Generation, and was effectively the face of that game. He also appeared in Street Fighter 5.

C.Viper was arguably one of the more iconic debutants from Street Fighter 4, and her omission from Street Fighter 5 certainly left some fans out in the cold.

Ingrid is an interesting one, as she effectively only ever appeared in two games - one of those was Capcom Fighting Evolution, which many fighting game fans would prefer to pretend didn't exist (though it is playable again today via Capcom Fighting Collection 2). She also appeared in Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX, a PSP port often considered among the best the Alpha subseries has to offer.

Lastly there's Sagat. Cool.

As for when you can expect to play as these new characters, Capcom has release windows for them in a recent X / Twitter post.

Sagat is out first in 'Summer 2025,' followed by C.Viper in 'Autumn 2025.' Third is Alex in 'Early Spring 2026,' with Ingrid closing the year out in 'Late Spring 2026.'

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• The free-to-play PvP shooter Mecha Break officially launches for PC and Xbox Series X in July
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• The Mecha Break launch trailer debuted at Summer Game Fest 2025
• It's coming to PC, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
• Players can expect the full version on July 1, 2025

Amazing Seasun Games has announced that Mecha Break will launch on July 1 for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC at Summer Game Fest 2025.

The free-to-play multiplayer shooter was revealed at The Game Awards 2023 and had a pre-launch beta that took place in August 2024. A separate open beta also concluded in March 2025, and pre-registrations have been available for some time.

Mecha Break will offer three distinct combat modes, including 3v3 Deathmatch, 6v6 Hero Shooter, or PvPvE Extraction Shooter, and allow players to master assault, melee, sniper, reconnaissance, and support classes.

"In the aftermath of the Catastrophe, a mysterious carbon-silicon mineral known as Corite has breathed new life into Earth's depleted energy industry," the game's description reads.

"But its gift came with a curse — its pathogenic nature and uncontrollable spread are slowly devouring the last habitable spaces on the planet. Within 30 years, the heavily polluted Marcens Zones threaten to engulf the entire globe, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction.

"Amid the chaos of this catastrophic event, you find yourself thrust into the role of an unlikely hero — a pilot of the third-generation BREAK Striker. Now, you must navigate an uncertain path, one fraught with peril and discovery. But you are not alone. A secretive organization known as S.H.A.D.O.W. has extended an offer, one that could change the fate of both you and the world."

Mecha Break is also being developed for PS5, but there's no release date for that version just yet.

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Unveiled at Summer Game Fest, Killer Inn is an upcoming multiplayer murder mystery pitting players against each other in the search for the true killers.

Much-anticipated bantamweight rematch headlines a stacked bill in New Jersey.

Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s the Merc with a Mouth flying face-first into his next game: Marvel’s Deadpool VR – and it’s coming exclusively to the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S.

We just got our first trailer for the title at Summer Game Fest, and it’s jam-packed with violence against a host of Marvel villains and Deadpool’s signature humor.

While the gameplay focus doesn’t tell us too much about the story, the trailer’s description reveals that Deadpool has been given the chance to make big bucks after being transported to Mojoworld, which X-Men animated fans will recognise as the home of the TV-obsessed Mojo.

He signs a contract (which he obviously doesn’t read properly) and that sends him across the Marvel universe to face off against Hydra goons, the Hand, and iconic villains including Omega Red and Mephisto.

In a press release sent out to us ahead of the announcement, the combat style was described as “if you can imagine it, you can probably do it.” Based on what we’ve seen, this appears to be the case.

Deadpool blocks incoming fire with his katanas before wall running while shooting at his foes and finishing them off by chucking his pistol at the robot trying to gun him down. Later in the trailer, we see him throwing appendages (his own and others) at his foes, pressing a goon’s face into a spinning plane propeller, and using the Hand’s kunai against them.

If you like action-packed VR sandboxes, this looks like it could be right up your street, as the footage seems to stress the importance of creative killing rather than simply flailing your katanas around.

All the while, Neil Patrick Harris is delivering humorous quips as the voice actor for Deadpool in this title. And while we only get a small taste of his performance, he already sounds like a great pick for the role with his characteristically dry, sarcastic humor.

(Image credit: Meta / Marvel)

Meta and developer Twisted Pixel haven’t yet given this title an exact release date, but have said it’s coming “Late 2025,” and it can’t come soon enough.

Deadpool and his fans have been crying out for a new video game.

Since his 2013 title’s release, the character’s popularity has skyrocketed thanks to a trilogy of much-loved movies starring him. However, Activision also lost the Marvel license it had in 2014, so the game is impossible to get digitally and can’t be rereleased physically.

That’s why copies of the 2013 Deadpool game have seen prices over $100 / £100 at times, and can still fetch prices in the $50 / £40 range from resellers.

If this Meta Quest 3 title can live up to the superhero-fantasy that was Batman: Arkham Shadow – one of the best Batman games ever made, and the perfect title for anyone who has dreamt of wearing the cowl – I exp[ect it could be the sought of 2025 system seller the Quest 3 and Quest 3s have been looking for (especially given rumors that a Meta Quest 4 refresh has been delayed until at least 2027).

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The unexpected prequel DLC expands the dark Pinocchio-inspired world with over 10 hours of new gameplay, and it's available now.

Magnetic Joy-Cons and better graphics make the Nintendo Switch 2 feel like an evolution, but its familiar design and a lack of early exclusive games mean you're OK to wait.

• A new trailer for Dying Light: The Beast was shown off at Summer Game Fest
• The DLC-turned-full game release will be out on August 22
• Anyone who bought the game originally as DLC will receive the full version at no extra cost

Dying Light: The Beast just received an official release date at Summer Game Fest 2025.

Revealed alongside a new gameplay and story trailer showcasing first-person action, Dying Light: The Beast is set to launch on August 22 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

The game was initially being developed as downloadable content (DLC) for Dying Light 2: Stay Human, but developer Techland announced at Gamescom 2024 that the project had become a standalone title.

"Development of Dying Light: The Beast originally started as a story DLC for Dying Light 2: Stay Human," Techland announced at the time. "But after two years of work, its size and scope has changed so much that it evolved into a standalone, self-contained experience.

"To show appreciation for the community who patiently waited for the DLC, Techland will be offering Dying Light: The Beast at no extra cost to all owners of the Dying Light 2: Stay Human Ultimate Edition, delivering a full standalone adventure instead of just a DLC."

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• A new Mafia: The Old Country trailer debuted at Summer Game Fest
• The story focused trailer gave us a look at several new characters
• The game is slated to launch on August 8, 2025

Mafia: The Old Country will officially launch on August 8 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

Hangar 13 made the announcement at Summer Game Fest 2025 and gave us a brand new look at the third-person action game with a cinematic trailer, which also provided some new insight into the story.

"Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily. Fight to survive as Enzo Favara and prove your worth to the Cosa Nostra in this immersive third-person action-adventure set during a dangerous, unforgiving era," the game's description reads.

"Enzo will do anything for a better life. After a brutal childhood of forced labor, he's ready to risk everything to become a man of honor in the Torrisi crime family. His oath to the Cosa Nostra, with all the power, temptation, and hardship it entails, is a burning reminder of this simple truth: Family Takes Sacrifice."

Pre-orders for the Standard and Deluxe Editions are available now. Players who secure a copy will receive the Soldato Pack featuring distinctive cosmetics and a helpful Charm.

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The presence of AI in music is on the rise, and there are plenty of questions about whether that's a good thing or not. Of course, the music business is a business, so the real question is whether it can be a success, not whether the quality matches human artists. The incredibly successful musical artist and producer Timbaland is going to find out for himself.

Timbaland has signed an AI pop act named TaTa to his new company Stage Zero, according to Billboard. The first performer for an AI-powered music genre he's named “A-Pop,” TaTa was created in a partnership with AI music platform Suno, a company Timbaland has worked with before. According to a statement to Billboard, Timbaland thinks of TaTa as far more than just a more complex auto-tune tied to a chatbot. TaTa is “a living, learning, autonomous music artist.”

I get the appeal of AI for someone like Timbaland. He’s a producer. His talent allows him to hear the possibilities for a song or artist before they are fully formed. And AI tools like Suno and its various rivals, like Udio, can generate catchy melodies, layered harmonies, and even full songs in just a few minutes. What took days now takes hours, and what took months now takes days. AI music production is fast, consistent, and never a diva about its lunch order.

But, so what? That might be fine for elevator music or background music in a million insurance commercials, but that's not what Timbaland is pitching. Music that people listen to for fun or for the feelings may have been created in a burst of inspiration and a dream, like "Let It Be" was for Paul McCartney, but far more often, an album is the result of a lot of hard work, experiments, failures, and emotion. Consistency is what you want from fast food, but music shouldn't be that way. Sometimes a song is amazing, and sometimes it's bad, but that's better than dully competent.

It's like with AI writing. Usually it's very competent and accurate, but supremely dull and lacking imagination. Sure, a good set of prompts can provoke something more imaginative, but even that's ultimately from the prompt; the AI just stitches together the rest from whatever good idea appeared in the prompt.

It's not like AI music is always going to be bad. Timbaland is keen to point out that TaTa is not just an avatar, but a model able to learn. But, say TaTa has twenty thousand great pop songs to learn from. It may perform something that sounds just as good, but really will be exactly the average.

I think we often confuse technical ability with artistry. AI can write lyrics and generate beats and melodies. But it doesn’t understand what it's writing, and I think you can tell in the best music the intention behind the singing. It’s the difference between cooking from a recipe and cooking from memory. Both result in a nice meal, but one has a story behind it to enhance the flavor.

AI Pop

I think AI has a place in music. I really like how it can help the average person without technical or musical skills produce a song. Anyone with an idea can make a song without a whole team or a record label behind them. But, ultimately, it's the idea and the person providing it that make or break a song. AI should be a tool, even a collaborator, but I don't think it should be the whole act. That's not helping humans make better music; that's just replacing them. We’re replacing them with algorithms and calling it progress.

Timbaland says TaTa is the first of a new generation of musical acts. That might be true, as there's certainly a lot of AI-generated music on streaming platforms now. We may soon see AI artists on half of the Top 40, all optimized for TikTok loops. But I question how many of them will be considered the best music around.

Even as AI keeps getting better, more convincing, and more nuanced, I think real voices and songs will stand out. Timbaland could make a lot of money from TaTa, because he's that talented a producer. But I’d rather hear what he does collaborating with a young artist who's come up with a great hook and lyrics for a chorus.

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• Atomic Heart 2 has been officially announced at Summer Game Fest
• The game looks a lot more open than the first
• A spin-off multiplayer title named The Cube was also revealed at the show

• Atomic Heart 2 has officially been announced at Summer Game Fest
• The game is being developed for PC and console
• Mundfish also unveiled The Cube, a first-person multiplayer spin-off game set in the same universe as Atomic Heart

Mundfish has officially announced the sequel to Atomic Heart, along with a spin-off first-person multiplayer game set in the same universe called The Cube.

Announced during Summer Game Fest alongside an explosive gameplay trailer showcasing the game's dystopian and retrofuturistic open world, Atomic Heart 2 is being developed for PC and console.

"Get ready for dangerous new adventures that will redefine the gameplay experience and raise the bar for the genre's capabilities," reads the game description.

The studio also said the game will have a heavy emphasis on the story, role-playing elements, and player freedom within the retrofuturistic universe of an alternate history.

There's no release date just yet, but you can wishlist the game on Steam right now.

After this, the studio also unveiled the first look at its Atomic Heart spin-off game, The Cube, which is set a few years after the original games. This role-playing (RPG) shooter is also being made for PC and console and doesn't have a release date.

"At Mundfish, we were the first in the industry to implement a technology that allows thousands of objects to move and rotate simultaneously across massive stretches of terrain - online and in real time. No other game has ever done this before," said Robert Bagratuni, Founder and CEO of Mundfish, in a press release.

"This became possible thanks to our innovative proprietary split-rendering system, which redefines how motion is handled in interactive environments. The technology delivers maximum performance even under extreme load. In The Cube, physics, ballistics, and gravity feel completely natural - but under the hood, it’s powered by rocket science. The system enables seamless transitions, precise object tracking, and synchronized multiplayer in a living, ever-evolving world. It’s a true technological breakthrough."

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