Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 is just around the corner, set to showcase the latest updates and innovations from the tech giant. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect from this year's event.
Event Details of Apple WWDC 2024
Apple WWDC 2024 will take place from June 10 to June 14. The highlight of the event will be Apple's keynote on June 10 at 1 PM ET, which can be watched on apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and Apple's YouTube channel. This keynote is anticipated to reveal the key features for the next versions of Apple’s major operating systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS.
Generative AI
Generative AI is expected to be a major focus of WWDC 2024. Apple is rumored to integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT into iOS 18, enhancing Siri with Apple’s own large language models. The generative AI features may include suggested email and message replies, TL;DR text summaries, voice memo transcriptions, and improved photo touchup tools. Apple aims to process AI tasks on-device to uphold user privacy, sending minimal data to data centers.
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| Associated press |
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
- Rich Communications Service (RCS): Finally coming to Messages, RCS will improve messaging between iOS and Android devices, offering end-to-end encryption, enhanced media sharing, and better group chat functionality. This update addresses long-standing user requests for a more integrated and secure messaging experience across platforms.
- Custom Emoji Generation: Based on text content in messages, this feature will allow for more personalized and expressive communication.
- Home Screen Customization: Users will be able to change app icon colors and layout more freely, moving away from the rigid grid system to create a more personalized home screen experience.
- Apple Music: May include an auto-generated playlist feature that curates music based on listening habits, similar to Spotify's AI-powered recommendations.
- Apple Maps: Set to receive custom routes and topographic maps, enhancing navigation and outdoor activities.
- Notes: Might add a voice-recording tool with transcription capabilities, making it easier to capture and organize thoughts on the go.
macOS 15
macOS 15 will likely incorporate many updates seen in iOS, with specific enhancements:
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| Photo by Devindra Hardawar |
- System Settings Reorganization: Categories will be prioritized by importance.
- Siri Menu Bar Icon: Expected to adopt a new flat monochrome design.
- Accessibility: Custom spoken phrases for Shortcuts.
Hardware Expectations
This year, significant hardware announcements are not expected:
- Recent Updates: The iPad lineup, MacBooks, and iMacs were recently refreshed.
- Possible Minor Updates: New desktop chips (M3 or M4) and updated peripherals like AirPods Max with USB-C.
- Apple TV Box: A new version might be released, potentially with a built-in camera for FaceTime.
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro headset is anticipated to expand its availability beyond the US to countries like Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UK. Updates to visionOS 2 may be discussed, although details remain scarce.
Other Updates
While not the primary focus, updates to other Apple platforms are expected:
- watchOS: Likely to see minor updates following last year’s major overhaul.
- tvOS, CarPlay, and HomePod: These platforms will also receive updates, with details likely revealed during the Platforms State of the Union event at 4 PM ET on June 10.
Conclusion
Apple's WWDC 2024 promises exciting advancements in software, particularly with generative AI, and some incremental hardware updates. As always, the official announcements will confirm the speculations and reveal new features and products that Apple has been working on.