Apple’s World Developers Conference (WWDC) is almost here: it will start on June 6 (Monday) and last until 10. Face-to-face attendance will be limited, most attendees will experience the event online. What does Apple have in store for us?
This event is about software and developers. What the casual user should expect are new versions of Apple’s various operating systems that power their phones, tablets, watches, computers, media players, and perhaps other devices.
iOS 16
The new version of iOS will lay the groundwork for the new iPhones coming in September, which are rumored to have Always On Display functionality. The main challenge with this is to keep energy usage low and Apple has always been pretty good at it. Will the iPhone 13 and older have AoD? Unlikely, as most of the energy savings come from hardware, not software.
A screen-related change to watch for is an API that allows detailed control over how the status bar is displayed. A more dynamic system could indicate the distance of the notch to other designs.
According to reports, Apple plans to break the deadlock
So what can current users expect? Well, Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman reports that Apple will renew the notification system. In addition, the health monitoring functions of the system will be improved, but the details are scanty.
Gurman also predicts that Apple’s own apps will have a revision with iOS 16. It is reported that the particular messages will have a “social network-like functionality” focused on audio messages. The Health app is expected to get medication management features and improvements in sleep and women’s health monitoring.
The lock screen is also set to receive new features: “widgets that have widget-like capabilities”. iOS already has widgets on the Home screen and in Today’s view, those on the lock screen may behave differently.
Apple is also working on a revision of the multitasking interface, but the changes will be much broader on its tablets.
iPadOS 16
The new version of the operating system aims to bring iPads closer to laptops. Analysts expect changes to the multitasking interface to include freely resizable windows in addition to the current split-screen system. Even the application switch will be retouched.
watchOS 9
It is reported that the new software will introduce a new power saving mode. It won’t be as limited as the power save mode, as it will still allow you to use some applications and features while extending battery life. How much time? We will know on Monday.
The user interface can also be reworked and there will be new health features. Rumors suggest that the new version will get detection of atrial fibrillation, as well as new types of training and metrics.
macOS 13 and new Mac
macOS 13, also known as “Mammoth”, may see a review of its own apps, similar to its iOS counterparts.
And while WWDC is primarily a software event, some filters suggest that Apple might introduce the first of the Mac M2s. The company is supposed to start with a new MacBook Air, a new Mac mini is no doubt.
tvOS 16
There may be improvements to smart home controls, but Apple has kept the changes a secret.
AR / VR
A full revelation of Apple’s rumored VR headsets is quite unlikely, but the company could present its work on virtual and augmented reality, which has so far been done behind the curtains. A key component of this will be the software that will power future headphones, called rOS.
Services
At least last year there was a rumor of a “buy now, pay later” service for Apple Pay. This will allow users to buy an item and pay for it in installments. The service was described with two options: four interest-free payments every two weeks and interest-free monthly payments. We haven’t heard much about it lately, but Apple may have given up.