Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is set to take place from June 13th, and with it comes the usual air of anticipation. This year’s event makes the move from the Moscone Centre to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, giving the event a bit of room to stretch itself.
Apple is notorious for keeping things under wraps as much as possible. But what can we expect from this year’s WWDC?
New software
Every year, Apple announces the updated version of it mobile software and desktop platform and WWDC.
So it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine that we will get a look at the new versions of both iOS 10 and OS X. Top of the list of rumours is a new look for the App Store on iOS. But could we also see the introduction of Mac OS?
A change of name would bring the desktop software in line with WatchOS, tvOS and iOS. A mistake on an Apple webpage referred to MacOS instead of OS X, although that was swiftly amended.
Apply Pay could also see some new features added - not that Irish users would notice though, as we are still waiting for Apple Pay to be introduced here. And tvOS - the operating system on Apple TV - could also be in line for an update.
Siri for Mac
Apple’s voice assistant is available on tablets, phones and works through its Watch too. The missing piece? Desktop. Windows has Cortana (in some countries) for WIndows 10, so it makes sense that Siri wil make its debut sooner or later on the Mac. Here’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later.
Apple Music
The music streaming service Apple debuted in 2015 may have 13 million paying customers, but it hasn’t struck the right note with consumers – yet. Rumour has it that Apple is planning to redesign the interface, making it simpler to use.
Watch 2
Unveiled in 2014, the Apple Watch was the company’s much anticipated dip into wearables. It’s been just over a year since the device began shipping, and although the operating system has had an upgrade, the hardware has remained relatively the same. The expectation is that Apple will debut a new version of the Watch that is thinner, lighter, and capable of more. That could include bring mobile connectivity to the watch and a faster processor to make it less dependent on your iPhone.
MacBook Pro
The Pro hasn’t had a complete refresh in a while, and it’s starting feel due. There are rumours that this will be the year for it, with the possibility of Apple introducing the USB C charging port seen on the 12 inch Mac to the Pro. We could also see a more streamlined Pro.
