Apple’s annual developer event, WWDC is just a few days away. And while there are sure to be some surprises, there are lots of things we can expect. Here’s Australian Apple News’ look at what might be on the cards.
Software updates
Apple will make the first beta versions of its main operating systems available to developers. Apple’s modus operandi over recent years is to have two streams of beta releases. One steam will focus on software developers and give them access to new features quickly. The second stream is a public beta that runs about two weeks behind the developer beta stream. While this is still a beta program, the software is generally more reliable than the developer betas.
Immediately after WWDC, we’ll see developers get access to
- iOS 17
- tvOS 17
- iPadOS 17
- macOS 14
- watchOS 10
Apple apps will follow that take advantage of new features but it’s unlikely we’ll see those until a week or so before the general release of all those platforms.
A new reality
It’s one of Apple’s worst kept secrets. Apple will be announcing a new operating system. xrOS (or maybe realityOS – Apple has trademarked a bunch of new names according to a Bloomberg report) will be the software platform that underpins a new hardware category.
Apple is expected to announce an all new headset that will combine virtual and augmented reality capabilities. Apple’s investment in developing its own processors and Systems-on-a-Chip (SoC) will pay off as it will be able to power the headset with a power efficient chipset that has been field tested with lots of machine learning and AI capability and graphics handling in several generations of the iPhone.
Some new Macs
We’re likely to see some new Macs announced. The new Macs, designated as models “Mac 14,13” and “Mac 14,14″ in recent FCC filings suggest the highly anticipated 15-inch MacBook Air will be released. Those two designations could be both for different SKUs (stock keeping units or models to the rest of us) of the 15-inch MacBook Air. Or possibly for a new M2-Ultra powered MacBook Pro.
There’s also speculation that the new Macs could be desktop systems. With Apple now accepting the Mac Studio for trade in, we might see a new Mac Studio or an iMac with a larger display – a clear gap in Apple’s desktop range since the 27-inch iMac disappeared.
WWDC is primarily an event focussed on software. So, it’s possible the updated or new Macs will come before the event, just as the new accessibility features that were recently announced. That’s so the focus is 100% on the new headset, its software and the first developers who will showcase what it can do.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.