It’s springtime within the tech world, so birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the Apple campus is preparing for its annual developer convention. WWDC 2023 is going on right this moment at Apple’s spaceship HQ in Cupertino. Following last month’s Google I/O, WWDC is the place we’ll study what’s arising for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and their equipment. We additionally anticipate a bunch of beta software program we will tinker with on Apple’s many gadgets, and probably even Apple’s long-rumored AR/VR headset.
When is WWDC and learn how to watch
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference will air on-line between June 5-9, 2023. There will probably be an in-person element to the occasion for builders who’ve signed up beforehand and need to attend the Apple Park particular occasion. You possibly can tune in to the opening keynote on June 5, 2023 by means of YouTube or straight from Apple’s web site.
What can we anticipate at WWDC?
There will probably be bulletins centered round all of Apple’s software program divisions, together with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and watchOS 10. Famous business analyst, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, has already stated there’s no expectation for main tvOS upgrades. Although we anticipate little fanfare over the following model of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 may have a complete new feel and look, plus new health-centric options.
Apple has additionally traditionally used WWDC to tease new {hardware}, together with upgrades to its selfmade processors and refreshes of its hottest gadgets. Devoted Mac customers hope to listen to extra concerning the Mac Professional, final refreshed in 2019, earlier than Apple’s M processor takeover. And if the rumors are on the mark, we’ll lastly get to see one thing to do with the much-leaked-about Apple Reality Pro headset. Gurman has additionally not too long ago stated we will anticipate “several new MacBooks” on the occasion.
What’s new in iOS 17?
We’ve already damaged out a few of the extra compelling iPhone 15 rumors in a separate article, so head there in case you’re thinking about {hardware}. In any other case, iOS 17 is shaping as much as be fairly much like iOS 16. Along with important bug fixes and efficiency enhancements, it is going to develop on iOS 16’s options for customizing the lock display. It’s additionally imagined to introduce new options for the Dynamic Island that dropped with the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max. We’d lastly get information on the CarPlay update we’ve been anticipating since final yr, and Apple Health will probably provide “yet another factor” to maintain the Apple-using crowd logging their information with the iPhone’s default health-tracking app. There’s additionally been authorized stress for Apple to lastly open up the operating system to third-party side-loading, akin to what Android has had entry to all this time, so we’d see one thing on that. To that finish, iOS 17 may additionally spell the end of support for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
What’s new in iPadOS 17?
Like iPadOS 16, iPadOS 17 is more likely to have a lot of the identical DNA as iOS 17, however with some giant display enhancements. We’re nonetheless ready for some fundamental talents to hold over, together with the iPhone’s customizable Lock Screen. There’s phrase that the iPad will get a model of the Health app for individuals who don’t hassle with the iPhone. And the 2015 first-gen 12.9-inch iPad Professional, the 2017 Fifth-gen iPad, and the 2016 9.7-inch iPad Professional may officially lose support after this software program hits.
What’s new in watchOS 10?
Whereas final yr was an enormous one for brand spanking new Apple Watch models, this yr ought to usher in improved software program. Gurman has teased that watchOS will probably be “a reasonably in depth improve,” together with some “notable adjustments to the person interface.” A rendering over at 9to5Mac provides a glimpse at what the brand new watchOS 10 may appear like, together with fewer “bubbles” and extra widgets embedded all through.
What’s new in macOS 14?
To date, there’s little or no in the best way of rumors for the following iteration of MacOS. With the present model being referred to as Ventura, you may at present guess which California landmark the following one could possibly be referred to as (“Redwood” is a top quality identify) however that doesn’t clarify what’s coming subsequent.
On the MacRumors podcast from April, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated we probably received’t seen something actually “groundbreaking.” Together with efficiency updates, the most effective we will hope for is Apple persevering with the pattern of baking in additional iOS options into its laptop computer working system, akin to Pockets or iCloud backups.
What’s new with Mac Execs and iMacs?
We’re anticipating some {hardware} at WWDC 2023, particularly the Mac Professional, which we hoped would get its replace final yr when the M2 processor debuted. It may even be the opener for the Apple M2 Extremely processor, however Gurman stated on the MacRumors podcast to attend till later within the yr and to not anticipate it to have an Apple M processor improve.
Only a few months into 2023, we have been already feeling whiplash concerning Apple’s mainline desktop gadget. Early rumors stated {that a} new model of the iMac won’t come until 2024, however in March, extra proof confirmed the iMac may see a 2023 launch. Greater than that, the present phrase on the road is it will incorporate the latest version of the M-Series chip, the M3. This can be a important step up from the final model of the iMac and its M1 silicon.
It’s been a number of years for the reason that final iMac launch, so after all a brand new model ought to get a pleasant, huge stage to indicate off its capabilities. Although that raises the query if that stage goes to be WWDC 2023. Rumors have that will probably be prepared for launch within the second half of 2023, however is Apple going to upstage its extra fashionable laptop computer merchandise by exhibiting off a M3-powered desktop first?
What’s new with MacBooks?
There’s been a bevy of rumors saying the Cupertino firm is engaged on new Mac Execs that incorporate Apple’s proprietary silicon, although we might have to attend one other yr for M3-powered laptops. Apple can also be reportedly engaged on a 15-inch MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Professional to go together with previously-announced 14- and 16-inch Pro models. These are more likely to embody an M2 chip.
Apple could also be trying to make a splash in its laptop computer showcase, contemplating current provide points. The corporate has been hit tougher than different producers, as stories present it had shipped 40% fewer MacBooks in the first few months of 2023 in comparison with final yr. The corporate has additionally been ordering far fewer M2 chips for its mainline MacBook merchandise. All this factors to a drop in demand in comparison with pandemic highs.
Whether or not or not this implies any individual at Apple will discuss up an OLED MacBook or M3-powered laptop computer at this yr’s WWDC stays to be seen. Nonetheless, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is anticipating “several new macbooks” to be announced at this year’s WWDC conference.
What’s new with Apple’s VR/AR headset?
That is the massive one. The corporate’s deliberate VR headset would easily be one of Apple’s biggest risks since its preliminary debut of the primary iPhone again in 2007. Although there have been questions on once we’d lastly see the headset, all reports point to a debut at this year’s WWDC. Apple’s first foray into the VR market goes to be very completely different than virtually some other providing on the market when it comes to performance, accessible apps, and value.
Based mostly on a number of leaks and stories over the previous few months, Apple will showcase its $3,000 “Actuality” headset. The gadget is anticipated to make use of combined actuality, that means it combines full shade passthrough for augmented actuality features in addition to the digital actuality apps most individuals are used to with cheaper headsets just like the Meta Quest 2. The headset will probably include a separate battery back attached by wire to the headset, although the remainder of its performance needs to be wi-fi.
Does that imply a wholly new Apple OS?
The rumors point out the “Actuality” headset can be powered by the so-called “xrOS” working system. The headset’s MR functionality will probably be most-obvious in its app choice. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said the “Actuality One”—if that’s actually its last product identify—will embody a slew of apps one would possibly instantly acknowledge come inventory on iOS, akin to calendars, mail, messaging, and notes. There may even be AR variations of Apple Books that can allow you to sit down and switch the pages on a digital guide. Alongside some VR and AR video games, the gadget additionally appears to be constructed to entice the wellness crowd with its Health+ app.
Apple wants to indicate off a tool that does one thing completely different from opponents with a view to create sufficient buzz to justify its existence, provided that VR seems to be on the decline elsewhere. With a $3,000 anticipated asking value, the Actuality headset may be geared extra in direction of fanatics and companies. Future gadgets will probably decrease that value considerably, however this preliminary launch will set the tone for all future gadgets, and probably all the VR business.
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