Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2023) kicks off today, June 5, 2023. This year’s event promises to be a significant one, where Apple will unveil its list of expected new features for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. In addition to software updates, there are strong speculations that Apple will introduce its first augmented reality(AR)/virtual reality(/VR) headset called RealityPro.
What To Expect At WWDC 2023
While the Worldwide Developers Conference is primarily focused on software, Apple is likely to discuss updates and enhancements to its mobile operating systems, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. Health tracking features are expected to receive a significant boost, with the ability to monitor various aspects such as mood and vision changes over time. Apple might also introduce a journaling app that allows users to log their thoughts and activity levels for further analysis. The lock screen is rumored to receive a refresh, featuring widgets tied to the calendar, weather, and other apps when in horizontal mode.
Furthermore, Apple may use this event to demonstrate its progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Reports suggest that the company will introduce an AI-powered digital coaching service aimed at motivating people to improve their exercise, sleep, and eating habits. Additionally, Apple might showcase its accessibility tools for the iPhone and iPad, including a feature that can replicate a user’s voice for phone calls after just 15 minutes of training. Here are some of the iOS updates from Apple at the WWDC 2023.
Apple iOS 17 Features
With the introduction of widgets in iOS 16, Apple allowed users to add useful information to their home screens. Building upon this feature, iOS 17 may bring a new smart-home display mode that activates when the iPhone is locked and placed horizontally. This mode would show notifications, weather conditions, calendar appointments, and more. The display will use colorful text against a dark background for easy readability.
Additionally, Apple has announced upcoming accessibility features for cognitive, vision, and speech accessibility, set to launch later this year. These features aim to improve interaction with physical objects for people with vision disabilities and enhance communication during phone and FaceTime calls.
Other rumored updates for iOS 17 include a journaling app. The ability to sideload apps to comply with European Union regulations, a mood-tracking feature in the Health app, and improvements to location services. There are also speculations about enhancements to Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which may integrate Siri and be less intrusive on the main display.
Apple RealityPro Headsets
Rumors suggest that the new headset, possibly named either Reality One or Reality Pro, will feature an iOS-like interface. Along with an immersive video display, and advanced sensors and cameras. That enables users to control the device through hand gestures, eye movements, and voice commands using Siri. One of the most exciting features is the outward-facing display that can capture eye movements and facial expressions. A revolutionary inclusion that allows observers to interact with the wearer more naturally.
In terms of functionality, the mixed-reality headset is expected to offer a wide range of applications, including gaming, fitness, and meditation. Users will also have access to popular iOS apps like Messages, FaceTime, and Safari.
iPadOS 17
Similar to iOS 17, iPadOS 17 is expected to share many features with its iPhone counterpart. This includes the smart-home display mode, journaling app, and sideloading capabilities. There are also rumors about the Health app and its mood-tracking feature finally making their way to iPad.
The major update for iPadOS 17 seems to revolve around the existing Stage Manager feature, introduced in iPadOS 16. This multitasking feature mimics a desktop computer experience, allowing users to organize, group, resize, and overlap app windows. To improve the experience, Apple may introduce additional capabilities such as webcam support for external monitors. And sleep mode for the iPad display while the external display remains active.
watchOS Upgrade at WWDC 2023
As for watchOS, it is expected to receive a more significant update compared to other upcoming operating systems. It is believed that there will be a renewed focus on widgets and fundamental changes in how the device functions. The updated interface will likely combine iOS 14-style widgets with the old watchOS Glances system. Where users can scroll through various widgets, such as weather, activity tracking, and calendar appointments, without needing to open each app individually.
There is a possibility of widget stacks being introduced in watchOS. To enable users to gather multiple widgets and scroll through them. Alongside all the interface overhauls, Apple might also alter and repurpose the functions of some controls on the Apple Watch.
MacOS 14 and Hardware
In addition to the mixed reality headset, there are expectations of other hardware announcements at the event. One possibility is the launch of a new 15-inch MacBook Air powered by Apple’s M2 processor. With two core options, similar to the previous 13-inch MacBook Air’s 8-core or 10-core CPU. This is geared at providing users with a larger-sized Apple laptop option without having to opt for the higher-end MacBook Pro. Also, there are speculations about the next-generation Mac Studio featuring the M2 Max and a new M2 Ultra chip.
Watch WWDC 2023 keynote
The Worldwide Developers Conference will be live-streamed on Apple’s website and official YouTube channel. Starting at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET with a keynote address from Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. Watch out for the latest products, operating systems updates, and many more.