Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner. Cupertino will host the event online from June 7th to 11th, 2021. The keynote will begin at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on the first day. As usual, we expect major software announcements from Apple, including new versions of iOS, iPad OS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Hardware announcements are rare at WWDC, but it is very likely that Apple will show off some new devices. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what Apple has in store for us.
What can you expect from WWDC 2021?
iOS 15
David Imel / Android Authority
New iPhone software is definitely in sight for WWDC 2021. Typically, Apple introduces the latest version of iOS for its number one product, and this year it shouldn’t be any different.
BloombergMark Gurman reports that iOS 15 will fundamentally revise the mobile software. Gurman said the updated software could include new ways for users to handle notifications, an updated lock screen, and added privacy for flagship devices.
iPhone users may have the option to change notification settings based on whether they are driving, working, or sleeping. Users should also be able to create custom activity categories for notifications and set automatic replies based on their status. Apple will apparently also update iMessage to ultimately function more like a social network.
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In addition, Apple recently introduced some new accessibility features that should also be available on iOS 15.
As usual, don’t expect Apple to release iOS 15 at the event. After a public beta in the summer, the new iPhone software will usually be available to general customers in September. However, you should learn more about this soon after the event when developers are given access to test.
iPad OS 15
Just like iOS, Apple’s tablet operating system is expected to see new changes. The foregoing Bloomberg The report suggests that the “most significant update” to date could be displayed on the iPad home screen. Apple may plan to allow users to place widgets anywhere on the home screen, just like they do on the iPhone. An entire app grid can be replaced by widgets.
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Elsewhere, many iPad Pro users are putting their hopes on iPad OS 15 to solve productivity problems on the new M1 iPad Pro. The current software on the tablet limits all third-party apps to a maximum of 5 GB of RAM each. This is despite the new iPad Pro with 16 GB of RAM. Developers using professional multimedia apps hope Apple will remove the restrictions on WWDC.
macOS 12
Gary Sims / Android Authority
Details about the new macOS are sparse, but how loud BloombergApple is planning a small update of its PC software compared to the major redesign introduced with Big Sur. Last year, Apple made it clear that iOS, iPad OS, tvOS, watchOS and macOS should look and function as similarly as possible. We may see other macOS features that serve this purpose.
As for the name of the new macOS, Apple has dedicated the software to California landmarks in recent years, so the tradition is likely to continue this year.
Like iOS 15 and iPad OS 15, macOS 12 should be released in the form of a developer beta after the show.
watchOS 8 and tvOS 15
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
There have been no major leaks or rumors about the new versions of watchOS and tvOS. However, over the past few years there has been talk of some new features that may be available at WWDC 2021.
It would be good to see Apple finally taking over the blood sugar monitoring feature on the Apple Watch. Apple is also expected to introduce its new Assistive Touch accessibility feature with the new smartwatch software. We also hope that with watchOS 8, more new health features will be available for the Apple Watch.
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Regarding tvOS 15, an unconfirmed report from a not-so-trusted source suggests that the software could bring a much-needed design update to the platform. The current Apple TV layout leaves a lot to be desired and this could change for good at WWDC. The tvOS App Store is also expected to get a new interface. In addition, Apple could introduce a new mode for children with advanced parental controls.
hardware
Gary Sims / Android Authority
As mentioned earlier, WWDC tends to have few new devices. However, last year Apple announced its internal M1 silicon at the event. The year before, Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR were introduced.
There are rumors that Apple may launch a new version Macbook Pro and Mac mini at the keynote on June 7th. Both tips come from leaker Jon Prosser, who is not always accurate. Even so, he predicts that the new Mac mini will get an updated M1X processor from Apple and a redesigned external case.
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Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro rumor has also been supported Bloomberg. The release reported that the laptop could hit the market as early as the summer, making WWDC the perfect place for Apple to showcase it. The machine’s processor is expected to outperform the current M1 chip. It is said to be available in 14-inch and 16-inch screen sizes with a redesigned case, a magnetic MagSafe charger and additional ports for connecting external drives and devices.
We haven’t seen Apple’s third generation AirPods either, so an update may be planned for the real radio buds as well.
So those were all things to expect at Apple’s WWDC 2021 keynote. We will follow the event live and present the latest developments to you here.