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Apple will be hosting its WWDC 2023 event from June 5 to June 9 later this year. The tech giant is expected to announce annual software updates for its devices, such as iOS 17 and macOS 14, and there have been rumors of possible hardware announcements as well, such as new MacBook Air models and Apple’s first Mixed Reality Headset. In this article, we will take a look at the key details of WWDC 2023 and what to expect from Apple’s much-awaited press conference.
WWDC 2023: Date, time, location, and how to watch
WWDC 2023 will take place from June 5 to June 9. The main keynote will commence at 10 AM PT or 1 PM ET on the first day of the event, where the most significant announcements will be made. Although the event will continue for a few more days, it primarily focuses on developers who can try and learn more about Apple’s new technologies.
Like the past few years, WWDC 2023 will follow a hybrid format, taking place both online and in-person at Apple Park in California. The company will present a pre-recorded keynote for the online audience, while the attendees present in person will be able to view the pre-recorded keynote together and participate in developer sessions and labs. For those watching from home, the event will be live-streamed on Apple’s YouTube channel and the Apple Events website.
At this year’s WWDC, Apple is expected to unveil the latest versions of its operating systems, including iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and the next version of tvOS. In addition to this, Apple is also expected to make some hardware announcements, which will likely include its highly-anticipated Mixed Reality Headset as well as new Macs with the M3 chipset. Here’s everything we know so far:
iOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS 14, and more
The next major release of iOS, iOS 17, is expected to debut alongside other software updates. Bloomberg’s reliable Mark Gurman initially reported that iOS 17 was going to be a “tune-up release” to address the significant amount of bugs present in iOS 16, but it seems that Apple has since changed direction mid-way.
Gurman now suggests that iOS 17 will come with some “nice to have” features. While it may not come with “tentpole improvement like last year’s revamped lock screen,” iOS 17 is expected to check off some of the most user-requested features.
Apple could also be forced to make some groundbreaking changes to iOS due to Europe’s Digital Markets Act. According to some reports, iOS 17 will support third-party web browsing engines. Currently, apps such as Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge have to rely on Apple’s WebKit engine to render a webpage.
In addition to this, Apple could also announce support for third-party apps (or third-party app stores) for iPhone with iOS 17 since European legislation requires Apple to allow side-loading apps from 2024. However, some reports claim that support for third-party apps and app stores will only be limited to Europe, and users in other regions won’t be able to sideload apps onto their iPhone.
According to a leak from @analyst941, who has a mixed track record, iOS 17 will feature a revamped Control Center. The Control Center is said to be more customizable, meaning Apple could finally allow third-party app developers to build customizable quick settings for iPhone.
Some recent leaks suggest that Apple could also be working on upgraded versions of Health and Wallet app for the iPhone. The Wallet app is rumored to introduce tab and search functionality, whereas the Health app is set to undergo a significant redesign. It is also expected that the Health app will launch on the iPad this year.
Taking a look at watchOS 10, Mark Gurman says that the upcoming Apple Watch OS will feature “notable updates to the user interface.” The new OS will reportedly bring back widgets that will be “reminiscent of the Siri watch face” from a few years ago. Users will reportedly be able to scroll through a series of widgets, like activity, weather, stock, and calendar, without having to launch individual apps. There’s also a rumor going around that watchOS 10 may support pairing with multiple devices.
For now, not much reliable information is available about macOS 14 or tvOS 17. We will update this page and when new information is available.
Mixed Reality Headset
One of the most anticipated announcements at WWDC 2023 is Apple’s rumored Mixed Reality Headset, dubbed “Reality Pro.” Apple has reportedly been working on its Mixed Reality Headset for a number of years now, and it is expected that the company will finally show it off at WWDC 2023. The company is not only expected to showcase the device but also its operating system, “xrOS,” and features that will enable developers to create apps for the headset.
According to reports, Apple’s upcoming Mixed Reality Headset will be priced at $3,000 and initially be available in limited markets. The device is expected to offer users both virtual and augmented reality experiences, such as a new way to video conference and a new way to consume multimedia content, possibly utilizing a combination of transparent lenses and displays. Previous reports also suggest that Apple’s Reality Pro headset will feature two 8K displays, multiple cameras, and an M-series chipset.
Reports suggest that Apple has already given a sneak peek of its upcoming mixed reality headset to a few select executives, who reportedly found the device uncomfortable to wear and lacking a “killer app.” Despite this feedback, Apple is still expected to announce the headset at WWDC 2023. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes that the trajectory of the headset could follow that of the Apple Watch, which initially faced skepticism but eventually became a market leader.
New Macs?
Apple is also expected to announce an addition to its highly successful M2 MacBook Air lineup. The new MacBook Air, although it will be called the 15-inch MacBook Air, will feature a big 15.5-inch display. The rest of the features, however, will remain the same as the 13-inch variant.
This means the 15-inch MacBook Air will feature the same design, connectivity ports, display technology, as well as the same Apple M2 chip. While it was previously rumored that the 15-inch MacBook Air will launch with the M3 chipset, Ming-Chi Kuo has confirmed that Apple will use the same confirmed that the notebook will be available with the M2 chip.
And finally, Apple could also show off some new desktops at the June keynote. Bloomberg reports that Apple has new models of the iMac, codenamed J433 and J434, in the works, and they could be announced at this year’s WWDC. Moreover, the company could also showcase the long-awaited M-series version of the Mac Pro.
On the whole, loads of interesting Apple announcements could be on the way. From new hardware and software releases to anticipated improvements on existing products, Apple’s June keynote is expected to be full of surprises. What does Apple have in store for us this year? Share your predictions and expectations in the comments below!
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M2 MacBook Air
The latest MacBook Air is powered by the M2 Apple Silicon, offering even better performance than the M1 series of chips. It has an excellent battery life, and all the performance you need for multitasking, editing, and working on-the-go.
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14.2-inch MacBook Pro (2023)
The latest 14.2-inch MacBook Pro (2023) comes with the new M2 Pro or M2 Max-powered chips. The machine boasts up to a 12-core CPU, up to 38-core GPU, up to 96G of unified memory, and 8TB of storage. It’s one of the most powerful laptops on the market in 2023 and one of the best devices for professionals and power users.
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iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro is the latest premium smartphone from the brand. It features a new pill-shaped ‘Dynamic Island’ notch, 48MP primary camera sensors, an A16 Bionic chipset, and much more.