Hopes are high for WWDC 2022. Apple is rumored to be able to deliver huge upgrades to its operating systems. In addition, the company is nearing the end of an approximately two-year transition to ARM chips, and many expect some long-awaited Mac upgrades. Add the murmur of mixed reality headphones and the keynote speech on June 6 may be one of the most memorable in recent years. Here’s what to expect when executives take to the virtual stage.
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16
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Apple’s software updates for iPhone and iPad are often at the heart of the WWDC, but this year may be more important than usual. Bloomberg’s Mark Gourmet recently said that iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will be “quite significant” upgrades that affect many aspects of the interface.
Key applications such as Health and Messages, as well as notifications, need to be improved. We can also see the discovery of an Android-style car accident, which automatically dials an emergency number. More importantly, iOS 16 can deliver the first significant changes to the lock screen in years. Gourmet hinted at “major improvements” that could include gadget-style wallpaper. However, rumors of permanently on display features may be limited to the future iPhone 14 Pro.
Operating system updates can also refine multitasking, especially for iPad users. Code scout Steve Troutton-Smith noticed that the WebKit team recently added iOS “multitasking mode” hooks, which allow freely resizable windows. While we wouldn’t expect a full experience like the Mac with the iPadOS 16, Apple’s tablets could be more useful for heavy computers.
The probable release schedule is at least predictable. Historically, Apple offered its first previews for iOS and iPadOS developers around WWDC and public previews a few weeks later. Ready-made software is set to arrive in September along with new hardware for the iPhone and iPad. We expect iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to follow a similar model.
MacBook Air M2
Jon Prosser x Renders by Ian
Macs began switching to Apple’s internal silicon a year and a half ago. Although processing power is sustained, there’s no doubt that early M1-based systems like the MacBook Air are starting to feel outdated as x86-powered Windows computers catch up or overtake. Fortunately, you can just see a refresh in the WWDC. Earlier, Gourmet said Apple was testing nine or more Macs and planned to launch a redesigned MacBook Air using the M2 at the conference.
The new Air may be the first major rethink of the slim and lightweight portable since the Retina Display arrived in 2018. According to John Prosser and others, it is expected to have a more square design, reminiscent of the 24 of last year. year. -inch iMac and come in a variety of bright colors with a white keyboard. It’s unclear whether the camera slot will carry over from the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, but there’s a chance you’ll see a MagSafe power connection and more Thunderbolt ports. Unfortunately, the SD card reader and HDMI port from newer professionals may not work.
As for M2? Don’t expect a huge jump in productivity. It is still believed that the new system on a chip uses eight processor cores and will increase the GPU from a maximum of eight cores to 10. Any other increase in speed is more likely to come from minor architectural changes. The new MacBook Air may be more competitive with its rivals from 2022, but you probably won’t regret it if you buy the M1.
If the new MacBook Air premieres at WWDC, there is no guarantee that it will be delivered on time. Apple’s supply chain (like many others) has been affected by COVID-19 shutdowns in China.
MacOS 13, tvOS 16 and watchOS 9
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
As important as iOS and iPadOS are, there are indications that Apple’s other platforms are undergoing major repairs.
A Bloomberg gourmet has hinted that watchOS 9 could get some of the biggest changes. You can see a low power mode that extends battery life without limiting you to basic timekeeping (as in the existing power reserve mode). Most recently, the reporter said that the new Apple Watch software will have significant improvements in navigation. You may also see more robust health tracking, which brings more statistics on running, better sleep tracking, and a “load” feature that detects how long you’ve been in atrial fibrillation.
Other platforms may not see equally large-scale changes. It is assumed that MacOS 13 will include an updated panel for system preferences more in line with iOS settings, not to mention some redesigned default applications. Meanwhile, Apple TV owners should expect more (if not listed) smart home features.
Replacement symbols: mixed reality headphones and more Mac
JOSH EDELSON / AFP via Getty Images
There is growing noise about Apple’s long-standing rumors of AR / VR headphones, but we wouldn’t bet on a WWDC debut. Although the company appears to be registering trademarks and otherwise preparing for the presentation, Gourmet and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have expressed doubts. The technology does not seem ready for a public debut; the end of 2022 or 2023 seems more likely. We would not rule out a brief look to help developers prepare applications, but this seems doubtful without further evidence.
Similarly, we wouldn’t expect computers outside of the MacBook Air. Despite these rumors that Apple is testing nine M2-based Macs, there are no signs of upcoming releases for most. ARM-based Mac Pro still looks distant and Gourmet does not expect other M2-based updates until later in 2022. With that in mind, be prepared for surprises – Apple has released the M1 with three Macs.
You probably won’t see any other custom hardware. WWDC is still a collection for developers and Apple usually keeps new iPhones, watches and most other mass devices for the fall. The hardware that appears on the surface is either aimed at creators of professional content (such as Mac Pro, visualized in 2019), or aims to introduce developers to new technologies (such as test benches based on M1 from 2020). ). If the MacBook Air M2 arrives on June 6, this will be an exception to the usual hard and fast rule.
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