Expectations are high for WWDC 2022. Rumors say that Apple may offer major upgrades to its operating systems. In addition, the company is nearing the end of a transition of about two years to ARM chips, and many anticipate that there will be some long-awaited Mac updates. Enter murmurs of mixed reality headphones and the June 6 conference could turn out to be one of the most memorable in recent years. Here’s what to expect when executives switch to the virtual stage.
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16
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Apple’s iPhone and iPad software updates are often the centerpiece of WWDC, but this year may be more important than usual. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg recently stated that iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will represent “quite significant” updates that affect many aspects of the interface.
Key applications, such as Health and Messaging, as well as notifications should see improvements. We can also see an Android-style car crash detection that automatically dials an emergency number. More importantly, iOS 16 could also offer the first significant changes to the lock screen in years. Gurman hinted at “significant improvements” that could include widgets with widget-style functionality. However, it is rumored that the always-on display features may be limited to the future iPhone 14 Pro.
Operating system updates can also improve multitasking, especially for iPad users. Code Detective Steve Troughton-Smith noted that the WebKit team recently added hooks for an iOS “multitasking mode” that allows free-sized windows. While we wouldn’t have a full Mac-like experience with iPadOS 16, Apple’s tablets may be more useful for heavy computing.
The likely launch plan is predictable, at least. Apple has historically offered its first previews for iOS and iPadOS developers around WWDC, and public previews a few weeks later. The finished software usually arrives in September along with the new iPhone and iPad hardware. We expect iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to follow a similar pattern.
MacBook Air M2
Jon Prosser x Renders by Ian
Macs started switching to Apple’s internal silicon a year and a half ago. While processing power has been maintained, there is no doubt that early M1-based systems such as the MacBook Air are starting to become obsolete as Windows computers with x86 technology catch up or advance. . Fortunately, you may only see one update in WWDC. Gurman said earlier that Apple was testing nine or more Macs and planned to launch a redesigned MacBook Air with the M2 at the conference.
The new Air could represent the first major rethinking of the slim and light laptop since the Retina Display model arrived in 2018. As Jon Prosser and others have stated, it is supposed to have a more square design reminiscent of last year’s 24th. iMac -inches and come in various bright colors with a white keyboard. It’s unclear if the camera notch will be transferred from the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, but there’s a chance you’ll see a MagSafe power connection and more Thunderbolt ports. Sorry, the new Pros’ SD card reader and HDMI port may not make the cut.
As for the M2? Don’t expect a giant leap in performance. It is still believed that the new chip system uses eight CPU cores and would increase the GPU from a maximum of eight cores to 10. Any further increase in speed is more likely to result from minor architectural changes. The new MacBook Air may be more competitive with its 2022-era rivals, but you probably won’t regret it much if you bought the M1.
If a new MacBook Air is released at WWDC, there is no guarantee that it will ship on time. Apple’s supply chain (like many others) has been affected by COVID-19 closures in China.
MacOS 13, tvOS 16 and watchOS 9
Cherylnn Low / Engadget
As important as iOS and iPadOS are, there are indications that other Apple platforms are online for review.
Bloomberg’s Gurman has hinted that watchOS 9 may receive some of the most important changes. You might see a low-power mode that extends battery life without being limited to basic time (as is the case with existing power save mode). Most recently, the reporter stated that the new Apple Watch software will have tangible navigation improvements. You may also see more robust health tracking that provides more performance statistics, better sleep tracking, and a “load” function that detects how long you’ve been in a state of atrial fibrillation.
Other platforms may not see equally important changes. MacOS 13 is supposed to include a revamped System Preferences panel that is more in sync with iOS settings, not to mention some redesigned default apps. In the meantime, Apple TV owners should anticipate more smart home features (if not specified).
Wildcards: Mixed reality headphones and more Mac
JOSH EDELSON / AFP via Getty Images
There’s a growing volume of hype around Apple’s AR / VR headphones, which has been rumored for a long time, but we wouldn’t bet on a WWDC debut. While it appears that the company is registering trademarks and otherwise preparing for a presentation, Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have expressed doubts. Technology doesn’t seem ready for a public debut; by the end of 2022 or 2023 it seems more likely. We didn’t rule out a brief glance to help developers prepare applications, but that seems questionable without further ado.
Similarly, we would not anticipate computers beyond the MacBook Air. Despite these rumors from Apple testing nine M2-based Macs, there have been no signs of imminent releases for most of them. An ARM-based Mac Pro still seems a long way off, and Gurman isn’t expecting any more M2-based updates until later in 2022. That said, be prepared for surprises: Apple launched the M1 with three Macs.
You probably don’t see any other consumer hardware. WWDC is still a developer meeting, and Apple usually reserves new iPhones, watches, and most other major devices for the fall. The hardware featured is aimed at professional content creators (such as the Mac Pro previewed in 2019) or is designed to familiarize developers with new technologies (such as 2020 M1-based test benches). If the MacBook Air M2 arrives on June 6, it will be an exception to a normally firm rule.
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