Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set to take place on June 10, 2024, and excitement is at an all-time high. This year, there is a keen anticipation for Apple to make significant advancements in the field of AI, which has already seen considerable progress. While Apple has kept details under wraps, behind the scenes, the Cupertino tech giant has been preparing to unveil some groundbreaking changes by integrating Generative AI into iOS. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect at WWDC 2024, including the unveiling of new iOS 18, macOS 15, visionOS 2, and more.
iOS 18 with AI Galore
The standout feature of WWDC 2024 will undoubtedly be the integration of AI capabilities into iOS 18. Apple is poised to elevate its position in the AI landscape, aiming to catch up with its competitors. According to tech analyst Mark Gurman, the forthcoming iOS 18 could potentially be the most significant software update ever, largely due to AI integration. Apple’s AI strategy will revolve around tools that enhance the daily lives of ordinary consumers. The latest iPhone operating system is expected to feature a range of new AI functionalities, including:
1. Custom emoji creation using Generative AI
2. Faster Spotlight searches
3. Smart recaps of missed notifications
4. Enhanced Safari web search capabilities
5. AI-powered photo retouching
6. Auto-generated playlists in Apple Music
7. Reply suggestions in emails and text messages
8. Improved user personalization and natural interactions with Siri
iOS 18 will bring long-awaited design enhancements, allowing for a more customizable Home Screen. Users will gain greater control over the arrangement and color customization of app icons, including the ability to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between icons. Additionally, there will be an option to change the color of app icons for easier identification.
With iOS 18, Apple will support the RCS messaging standard, facilitating smoother communication between iPhone and Android users. This will introduce several improvements, such as enhanced group chats, read receipts, real-time typing indicators, audio messages, higher-resolution photos and video, and location sharing. Alongside RCS support, Apple is expected to introduce a new text effects feature to the Messages app.
Furthermore, iOS 18 will introduce a variety of new Accessibility features. Apple also plans to enhance its popular built-in apps like Mail, Notes, Safari, Photos, and Fitness.
Safari is set to receive a fresh look and new tools, including an “Intelligent Search” feature and a Web Eraser tool. Apple Maps may introduce Topographic Maps and the ability to save custom routes, offering an alternative to pre-selected routes. The Calendar app will feature improved integration with Reminders, while the Photos app is expected to integrate AI for editing. Apple Music could see the addition of auto-generated playlists and smarter song transitions. The Notes app will now support voice memo recording and allow for more complex mathematical equations within notes, bringing it closer to Microsoft OneNote.
iPadOS 18
The upcoming iPadOS 18 update will bring most of the new iOS 18 features to iPad users, tailored to fit seamlessly on the larger screen. While iOS and iPadOS were similar until 2019, iPadOS is gradually developing its own unique identity. Like iOS 18, iPadOS 18 will offer new accessibility features, including Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues.
A major addition to iPadOS 18 will be the inclusion of a built-in Calculator app for the iPad lineup. After 14 years, iPads will finally have a native Calculator app, available on all iPads compatible with the iPadOS 18 update.
macOS 15
At WWDC, Apple is set to introduce macOS 15, expanding its lineup of macOS versions. The new macOS is anticipated to include a redesigned Calculator app with integrated Notes functionality, a resizable window, a history tape feature, and updated unit conversion capabilities. While details are scarce, it’s possible that the revamped Mac Calculator app could be based on the new iPad app slated for iPadOS 18. Additionally, the Calendar app will integrate with Reminders, allowing users to manage reminders directly within the Calendar app.
macOS 15 is expected to debut with several new Accessibility features, such as Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, Live Speech enhancement, and expanded app support for custom font sizes. Reports suggest that the Freeform app will introduce a new Freeform Scenes feature, enabling users to select specific sections on boards for easier navigation. A redesigned System Settings app is also on the horizon for Mac, along with updates to the Settings app on iPhone and iPad.
Similar to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, macOS 15 will heavily incorporate Generative AI.
watchOS 11
Apple will also unveil the latest operating system for its Apple Watch lineup. Compared to updates for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the new watchOS is expected to be a relatively minor update with fewer additions and improvements. WatchOS 11 is likely to introduce more health and fitness features for Apple Watch users, possibly integrating Artificial Intelligence. New watch faces, improved sleep tracking, and a revamped Workout app are among the anticipated changes.
tvOS 18
WWDC 2024 will also feature tvOS 18, the latest iteration of the tvOS platform for Apple TV. Last year, tvOS 17 brought significant updates, including Find My for the Siri Remote, FaceTime support, a redesigned Control Center, and enhancements to Apple Fitness+. Details about what to expect from tvOS 18 will be revealed at WWDC.
visionOS 2
With the release of Vision Pro, it’s expected that visionOS 2 will be announced at WWDC 2024. While there aren’t many rumors about visionOS 2 features, Apple has unveiled new accessibility features for Vision Pro users. The newest visionOS update will introduce system-wide Live Captions, enabling users who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow spoken dialogue in live conversations and app audio. Live Captions support in FaceTime will enable Vision Pro users to interact using their Personas.
Additional accessibility features in visionOS 2 will include Smart Invert, Reduce Transparency, and Dim Flashing Lights, benefiting users with low vision or those sensitive to bright lights and flashing.
HomePod Software Version 18
At WWDC 2024, in addition to the major software updates, Apple is expected to release software updates for the HomePod and HomePod mini. The HomePod Software Version 16, launched in 2022, did not offer many features initially, but a later 16.3 version added temperature and humidity sensing to the HomePod mini. This year, Apple is rumored to make significant changes to the HomePod lineup, potentially including software announcements at WWDC.
Other Updates at WWDC 2024
Furthermore, Apple is anticipated to update its developer-focused apps such as Xcode, Swift, and TestFlight, along with making improvements to CarPlay. The Voice Control feature in CarPlay will enable users to navigate and control apps using their voice. A Sound Recognition feature is expected to be introduced, allowing drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing to receive alerts for car horns. Additionally, Colorblind individuals will benefit from the Color Filters feature, which will make the CarPlay interface easier to use with bold and large texts.
Will There Be Hardware Announcements at WWDC 2024
Although WWDC is primarily a software-focused event, Apple has unveiled hardware products in recent years. However, there are currently no rumors suggesting that Apple will announce new hardware at WWDC 2024. In his latest newsletter, Mark Gurman does not foresee any new hardware announcements at WWDC, stating, “There’s no hardware slated to be announced at WWDC, unless Apple unexpectedly previews a new device launching later.” As a result, those anticipating the release of an M4 MacBook or other hardware may be disappointed, as it is unlikely there will be any hardware announcements this year.
Apple has a history of surprising its fans, as seen with the unveiling of Vision Pro at WWDC 2023. It’s wise to stay tuned for any unexpected announcements.
What Time Does WWDC 2024 Start?
The WWDC 2024 keynote event will commence at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, June 10. For those wondering about the start time in their country or region, here are the corresponding times:
1. United States: 10 AM (PDT), 1 PM (EDT)
2. Canada: 2 PM (ADT)
3. United Kingdom: 6 PM (BST)
4. Europe: 7 PM (CEST)
5. India: 10.30 PM (IST)
6. China and Singapore: June 11 at 1 AM
7. Japan: June 11 at 2 AM (JST)
8. Australia: June 11 at 1 AM (AWST), 2.30 AM (ACST), 3 AM (AEST)
9. New Zealand: June 11, 5 AM (NZST)
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