WWDC 2024 next week: Here are 5 things Apple will announce and 1 thing it will skip at the event
The timer is on. Apple is all set to host its next biggest event of the year, the 35th annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, from June 10 to June 14. The event will start with the keynote session, followed by many new announcements, including the unveiling of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and more. Apple is also likely to finally step into the AI space, with anticipation of AI-centric features coming across Apple products.
Let’s take a detailed look at everything we are expecting at WWDC 2024 and one thing which Apple might not touch and will make us wait for the next event.
1. iOS 18 with AI integration
At WWDC 2024, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 18, which is said to be the biggest upgrade in iPhone history, focusing on artificial intelligence. The new OS is rumoured to feature AI-powered photo retouching, voice memo transcriptions, and smart recaps for missed notifications. Siri is also said to get a big upgrade with the incorporation of large language models for more natural conversation capabilities and better user personalization.
Additionally, users can expect AI-generated custom emojis, suggested replies in messages, and auto-generated playlists in Apple Music. The Home Screen will also become more customizable, allowing users to create blank spaces between app icons and change their colours.
2. iPadOS 18 with updates to boost productivity and creativity
Just like iOS 18, iPadOS 18 will mirror many of the advancements found in iOS 18, including AI-driven features and a more customizable home screen. The update is expected to enhance the iPad’s capabilities as a productivity and creativity tool, with improvements in multitasking, file management, and app organisation. New features in the Notes and Photos apps, as well as better integration with Apple Pencil, are also expected, making the iPad an even more powerful device for both personal and professional use.
3. macOS 15 to bring AI to Macbooks
For the MacBook lineup, Apple will unveil the next-gen macOS iteration. macOS 15 will likely inherit many of the AI features introduced in iOS 18, including AI-assisted writing in Pages, slide deck creation in Keynote, and code writing in Xcode. The integration of AI is expected to streamline various tasks, making them more efficient and user-friendly.
According to reports, macOS 15 will continue Apple’s tradition of naming its OS versions after California landmarks, with potential names like Redwood, Sequoia, or Mammoth. The new macOS will also include updates to built-in apps such as Notes, Mail, Photos, and Fitness, aligning them with their iOS counterparts.
4. watchOS 11 to bring enhanced health and fitness features
watchOS 11 is anticipated to bring several new health and fitness features to the Apple Watch. While specific details are scarce, enhancements are expected in the Fitness app, potentially integrating new AI-driven metrics and personalised workout suggestions. The update might also introduce improved sleep tracking, stress management tools, and more comprehensive health data analysis. With watchOS 11, Apple aims to reinforce the Apple Watch’s position as a leading device for health monitoring and fitness tracking.
5. visionOS 2 with more updates for AR/VR ecosystem
visionOS 2 is expected to be another highlight of WWDC 2024, showcasing Apple’s commitment to augmented and virtual reality. This new version will likely introduce advanced AR capabilities, enhanced user interfaces, and improved performance for the Apple Vision Pro headset. Developers can expect more tools and frameworks to create immersive AR/VR experiences. The update aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AR/VR, making it easier for developers to integrate these technologies into their apps.
WWDC 2024 will be all about software and no hardware
WWDC 2024 will be exclusively about software, with no hardware announcements expected. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple does not plan to unveil any new hardware at this year’s conference. “There’s no hardware slated to be announced at WWDC, unless Apple unexpectedly previews a new device launching later (to be clear: I don’t expect that),” he said.
This means Apple might not launch previously rumoured devices such as the next-generation Apple TV, which was expected to feature a faster processor and a lower price. Therefore, attendees and viewers can anticipate a focus on Apple’s latest software developments, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2, without any new hardware introductions.