Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman sparked speculation with a teasing tweet that some interpreted as a hint of a live iPhone keynote. In reality, the “in‑person” wording most likely refers to Apple staff attending the event to manage lines, check‑in guests and run hands‑on demos, not a fully live broadcast, and the phrasing was likely deliberately ambiguous.

Since the pandemic, Apple has favored pre‑recorded video presentations for WWDC and iPhone launches, adding live staff on stage for a hybrid experience that blends excitement with polished pacing. The recent WWDC introduced a live Tech Talk panel, signalling a move toward more animated live elements. Apple’s hybrid model has become a staple of its product events, balancing studio polish with on‑stage energy.

The upcoming iPhone Ultra, described as the biggest change since the iPhone X, will likely be followed by a live panel that capitalizes on the device’s reveal and its impact on iOS 27. The iPhone Ultra’s redesign will also allow Apple to showcase new iOS features more dynamically during any live segment.

While a completely live keynote carries risk of demo failures, especially for Ternus’s debut, Apple is expected to keep a hybrid format with a livelier atmosphere rather than a full‑scale live broadcast. Even if the keynote stays pre‑recorded, the added live panel and Ternus’s relaxed demeanor should make the event feel more engaging for attendees.