Apple is hosting its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) on June 7 in an all-virtual format again.
We’re expecting updates to iOS, macOS, WatchOS, and tvOS, along with privacy-focused features across Apple’s ecosystem. Plus, there might be some hardware announcements too. Let’s dive into it.
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
Apple introduced grouped notifications iniOS 12, and now it might bring a refresh to that system. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, you’ll be able to setcustom notification context modes. These include modes such as working, sleeping, or driving. Based on that different apps will show you notifications.
Plus, the report noted that there will be changes made to lock screen and control center icons. An earlier leak on Reddit suggested that Apple might change the icon design to make them non-flat.
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As per a writer namedConnor Jewiss, who said he saw some version of iOS 15, Apple’s health app will get new features such as food tracking.
When I said I’d seen some iOS 15, I’m not going to disappoint:
◼️- Dark Mode UI tweaks?- Messages app tweaks?- Food tracking and other new features in Health?- Confirmation of UI changes from previous screenshot rumor?- New notification settings and look on lockscreen
— Connor Jewiss (@connorjewiss)May 25, 2021
Jewiss also noted that Apple might make some tweaks to the dark mode UI.
Gurman’s aforementioned report also highlighted that Apple wants to make iMessage a robust WhatsApp competitor. To do that, the firm will introduce custom auto-reply settings. A report from MacRumors noted that Apple’s already workingon the ability to retract or deletesent messages.
The only notable thing we know about that’s coming to iPadOS is the ability to rearrange widgets on your screen — a feature Apple introduced forthe iPhone last year.
Upgrade to the M1 chip
Apple unveiled its much-awaited ARM-based M1 chip last November, and it blew the competition out of the water. However, Apple has merely scratched the surface by including the processor in new models of the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro, the Mac Mini, the iPad Pro, and the iMac.
The M1 chip has limitations of maxing out at 16GB RAM and no support for external graphics cards. So we haven’t seen a truly expansive machine for professionals based on this chip.
A report fromBloombergpublished last month noted that the new chip — expected to be called M1X or M2 — will have two variants. While the combination of eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficiency cores will remain the same in both versions, the GPU will have either 16 or 32 cores.
Hardware announcements
While WWDC is mostly a software affair, we might see some hardware announcements based on the new chip. Earlier this week, MacRumors reported a regulatory filing of seeminglya new MacBook Pro 16-inch model.
Multiplereportsfrom earlier this yearsuggested that Apple might get rid of the Touch Bar in favor of physical Fn keys. Plus, we’ll see more USB ports, and return of the HDMI port along with an SD card reader.
Everything else
It’s expected that Apple might bring some improvements to macOS, tvOS, and WatchOS, but we haven’t heard a great deal about what’s coming. A recent job posting by the company hinted that it mightclub smart home and TV together under a new moniker of homeOS.
WWDC’s teaser image had a reflection of apps on the character’s glasses that got everyone excited about Apple’s rumored AR glasses. We might hear something aboutthe company’s augmented reality vision, but I won’t hold my breath for it.
How to watch it
You can watch the WWDC live stream onApple’s siteorits Youtube channelstarting 10AM PT/1PM ET/7PM CET/10.30PM IST.
Don’t forget to tune intoPluggedfor all the coverage related to the event.
Story byIvan Mehta
Ivan covers Big Tech, India, policy, AI, security, platforms, and apps for TNW. That’s one heck of a mixed bag. He likes to say “Bleh.“Ivan covers Big Tech, India, policy, AI, security, platforms, and apps for TNW. That’s one heck of a mixed bag. He likes to say “Bleh.”
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