Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place from June 10 to June 14, 2024. Following recent AI-focused events by tech giants like Google and Microsoft, anticipation is high for Apple’s announcements. The California-based company is expected to reveal key features of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, along with updates for watchOS, macOS, and visionOS, with a significant focus on AI to stay current with industry trends. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect from WWDC 2024.
WWDC 2024 Schedule and Viewing Details:
WWDC 2024 will run from June 10 to June 14, featuring over 100 technical sessions. Major announcements are anticipated during the keynote address on June 10 at 10:30 PM (IST). The event will be available for live streaming on Apple’s official website, the Apple TV app, the Apple Developer app, and Apple’s YouTube channel. On-demand playback of the keynote will be accessible after the live stream concludes.
Expected Announcements:
Artificial Intelligence
Apple is reportedly collaborating with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into iOS 18 and is also in talks with Google to potentially bring the Gemini AI assistant to iPhones. Siri is expected to improve through the use of Apple’s large language models, with AI enhancements aimed at everyday tasks such as suggested email and message replies, text summaries, voice memo transcriptions, and advanced photo editing capabilities.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
New features for iOS and iPadOS apps are anticipated, including support for Rich Communication Service (RCS), which offers end-to-end encryption and is safer than SMS. Other rumored updates include emoji suggestions based on typed text, custom routes and topography in Maps, a voice recording tool for Notes, icon color changes, and a non-grid app arrangement system.
Apple Music might receive an auto-generated playlist feature powered by OpenAI, akin to Spotify’s offerings. Productivity apps are also expected to gain generative AI functions. Mail, Fitness, and Health apps could see new features as well.
A native password management app will be introduced to streamline password storage across Apple devices. The Calculator app on iPhone and Mac is set for a significant update, featuring Notes integration, improved unit conversion, and a sidebar displaying activity history. This app will also become accessible on iPadOS.
macOS 15
macOS 15 might adopt several iOS updates, including a restructured System Settings menu with a higher priority for the General tab and lower for Sound and Notification options. Potential changes include a Shortcuts option for launching specific settings or actions via personalized phrases, and a redesigned Siri icon as a monochrome symbol.
Potential Hardware Announcements
While hardware announcements are not expected at WWDC 2024, Apple might introduce M3 or M4 chips to other desktop systems still using the M2 generation. There could also be new AirPods Max with a USB-C charging port, an Apple TV box, an Apple TV camera, and revamped peripherals.
Speculations are also rife about the Vision Pro launching outside the US, though there is no clear information on visionOS 2 upgrades. New iPhones and Apple Watches are expected to be unveiled in September.
