With summer around the corner, it’s time for WWDC, one of Apple’s biggest events of the year. The company’s annual June event is for software announcements, mainly the new iOS and macOS versions, so we can expect the same thing this year.
However, Apple might introduce some new hardware this summer. Reliable sources have been saying that we might see the new Mac chip or even a redesigned iPad Pro.
In this article, we are going to list the major announcements and some rumored reveals you can expect to see at this year’s WWDC event. We will keep you posted with the latest updates when the keynote takes place this June.
What are the dates?
Apple last week announced that it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 6 through 10. The company also said that it will showcase the latest updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Like any pre-event announcement, Apple has yet to reveal if we can see any new hardware products. So we have to wait and see.
Did Apple make any hardware announcements in the past?
Yes, the Cupertino firm did announce some of its hardware products at its software event.
One of the most notable hardware reveals made by Apple at WWDC is the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G was introduced at WWDC 2008, marking the first time an iPhone model was revealed at the company’s WWDC event, followed by the iPhone 3GS (2009) and iPhone 4 (2010).
In 2012, we saw the launch of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, making it the first Apple’s professional laptop aimed at graphics designers to be announced at the software event.
During WWDC 2019, Apple revealed the new Mac Pro – the most expensive Mac machine at the time. Despite negative reviews on the product’s price, the Mac Pro was something graphics designers were looking for.
Is the WWDC 2022 only-online?
The short answer is No. In fact, the last two WWDC events have been online due to the pandemic. Now with Covid-19 under control and restrictions removed, we can expect a physical event.
According to Apple, the event will be all-online, but will include a small in-person component. Specifically, some developers and students will be able to attend the event at Apple Park on June 6, along with the online community.
What to Expect
Apple is expected to focus on its software announcements at this year’s event. This will include the announcements of new updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. It’s also possible to see new hardware at the event.
IOS 16
IOS 16 is rumored to be a significant update over the current iOS 15. There are a lot of rumors hinting at the new features and changes coming to the next version of iOS.
According to a Twitter account named Majin Bu, iOS 16 will come with a bunch of interface and design changes. Some leaked images show that the new UI will be a blend of that of macOS Big Sur and Monterey.
Speaking of new features, sources say that iOS 16 might come with interactive widgets at launch. The new feature would allow iPhone users to perform certain functions directly in their widgets. For example, they could control music playback via the Music widget on the Home Screen, without having to go deep into the Music app.
According to some rumors, iOS 16 will bring the always-on-display feature to the iPhone. In fact, this feature is not new as it has been on Android for many years. It would be a warm welcome if it finally makes the cut.
So, which iPhones will run iOS 16?
The current iOS 15 supports very old iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6s or 1st-gen iPhone SE. It’s believed that iOS 16 will drop support for 2016 iPhones or earlier. That means all iPhones from the iPhone 7 will be able to run the new update when it launches.
IPadOS 16
Apple has been trying to make its tablet a laptop replacement in recent years. However, iPadOS 15 is still missing a lot of things that prevent Apple from achieving that goal. At this year’s WWDC, we are expecting to see some improvements and more synergy with Mac apps.
According to sources, iPadOS 16 will include better support for Mac apps. Indeed, popular editing apps like Xcode, Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro are believed to be coming to iPad. But these apps will only be available on the more expensive iPad Pros, which have at least 8GB of RAM – enough for Final Cut Pro.
IPadOS 16 is also expected to come with minor visual changes. Specifically, the Home Screen will be redesigned with new icons and more interactive widgets. Plus, you will be able to use widgets in the Lock Screen without unlocking your tablet.
There will be an improvement in the Files app with better support for external media and network drives, so you will be able to export large data using AirDrop.
MacOS 13
MacOS Monterey is a step up when compared to its predecessor. The next generation macOS is expected to be a huge leap and includes better app support for the company’s silicon chip.
It remains unclear what Apple will call it. However, the next version of macOS is said to be called Mammoth and will support all Mac models (2014 or later).
According to sources, the new macOS version will retain the design of the user interface from macOS Monterey. Instead, Apple will make some changes to Safari and applications.
As for the features, there will be better support for iPadOS and iOS apps. Also, Universal Control, the feature that allows you to control your Mac screen using the same mouse or trackpad, will get some improvements.
One feature that we have been crying for is the ability to create Time Machine backups directly to iCloud. This will allow you to restore your Mac from the cloud in the same way we can do with your iPhone and iPad, which is pretty great.
WatchOS 9
Apple has been improving its watchOS for years, adding a more comprehensive support for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. WatchOS 9 is expected to come with new changes in Health & fitness apps.
Sources say that watchOS 9 will no longer support Apple Watch Series 3 at launch. If you’ve got a Series 4 or later, then you should be fine to get the update.
Hardware Products
WWDC has long been a software-focused event, but Apple used to showcase new hardware products in the past. This year, we can expect Apple to do the same thing.
Sources hint that Apple will update its Mac mini this year with an M1 Pro chip under the hood. In fact, Apple has been incorporating its own chips into its Mac lineup in recent years. In March, the Cupertino firm released the Mac Studio with the M1 Ultra, the most powerful chip ever made. So, there’s a good chance that the Mac Mini will get the hardware update.
There are also some rumors about a new MacBook Air with M1 chip and a 14-inch MacBook Pro also with the M2 chip. However, there are no detailed reports about Apple’s next-generation silicon chip. We need to wait and see.
