WWDC 2023 is just around the corner and promises to be Apple's biggest and most important event in a decade.
This year, Apple is expected to unveil the major iOS 17 update for iPhone users and a redesigned user interface with watchOS 10 for Apple Watch users at WWDC. But the most exciting thing is the expected unveiling of the Reality Pro headset with AR and VR features and the new xrOS software platform.
When will WWDC 2023 take place?
WWDC 2023 kicks off on Monday, June 5th, with a special keynote at 10 a.m. PT/1 a.m. ET. During this keynote, Apple will announce major updates to iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. The Reality Pro headset and xrOS software platform are also expected. The WWDC 2023 keynote will be a high-quality produced, pre-recorded video and will include beautiful shots of Apple Park as well as appearances by Apple executives and engineers. This year's WWDC 2023 will also allow in-person attendance for developers and press. Developers will have the opportunity to attend Monday's keynote, tour Apple Park, and attend special sessions on Apple's announcements. June 5th will also see the announcement of the winners of the Apple Design Awards, and the Platforms State of the Union will provide further details on Apple's announcements. Apple is also planning a special evening program for attendees.
How to watch WWDC 2023 from home
For everyone else, WWDC will be broadcast live through various channels. The WWDC keynote can be watched on the Apple website, the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and YouTube, so you can join in on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
What to expect at WWDC 2023: iOS 17
The main focus of WWDC this year is iOS 17, the big annual update for iPhone users. iOS 17 brings numerous new features, changes and bug fixes. Here are the rumors about the new features of iOS 17:
- A completely new journaling app: This app will be integrated with Apple's Find My app to create a "smart" journaling app that integrates a number of different location-based features.
- New "Smart Display" mode: Apple is planning new features for the always-on screen for the iPhone 14 Pro series. iOS 17 will reportedly include a new horizontal interface for the always-on lock screen that can display things like calendar appointments, weather forecasts, and notifications.
- New features for the Health app: With iOS 17, Apple is expected to introduce new features for tracking moods and feelings. This will allow users to record their mood daily, answer specific questions about each day, and track the results over time. The Health app will also receive new features for managing vision conditions, such as the ability to store contact lens and eyeglass prescription data.
- Sideloading and third-party app stores: In response to pressure from regulators in the European Union, Apple is preparing to open the iPhone to third-party app stores and sideloading for the first time. This will allow iPhone users to install apps from sources other than Apple's own App Store. Rumor has it that these features will be included in iOS 17, but will only be available in the European Union.
- Upgrades for the Wallet app: According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing "significant" changes to the Wallet app as part of iOS 17. Further details about the changes are not yet known.
- AirPlay and SharePlay: Apple is also working on improvements to SharePlay as part of iOS 17. The company is also working on expanding AirPlay to more places, including hotels.
In addition to these rumors, Apple will likely unveil other new features for iOS 17. The company is known for keeping details about its software secret until the keynote in order to maintain the excitement and surprise surrounding the announcements.
iPadOS 17
For iPad users, Apple will also unveil iPadOS 17 at WWDC 2023. There is little information about the expected features so far, but Bloomberg reports that the Health app will be expanded and come to the iPad for the first time beyond the iPhone. It is also possible that features such as lock screen customization and the Journaling app from iOS 17 will port over to the iPad.
macOS 14
Similar to iPadOS 17, there are few rumors about macOS 14. The update is expected to include some of the new features from iOS 17 and offer integration with the Journaling app as well as the new Find My features.
watchOS 10
watchOS 10 for the Apple Watch will also be unveiled at WWDC 2023. It is a major update with a redesigned user interface. According to Bloomberg, watchOS 10 will introduce "notable changes to the user interface" and put an emphasis on widgets. Widgets are expected to become a central part of the Apple Watch software and can be stacked and scrolled through similarly to the iPhone and iPad. watchOS 10 is also expected to integrate features from iOS 17, such as tracking moods and emotions.
tvOS 17 for Apple TV and HomePod
There is no information yet about the expected features of tvOS 17 for Apple TV and HomePod. tvOS 17 will be the latest software update for Apple TV, while HomePod software version 17 will be made available for HomePod and HomePod mini.
15-inch MacBook Air
In terms of new hardware, Apple is expected to introduce a new 15-inch MacBook Air. Previously, the MacBook Air was only available with a 13.6-inch screen size, but now Apple is expected to offer a version with a larger screen. The 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to use Apple's M2 processor and offer similar performance to the current M2 Macs. The exact price of the 15-inch MacBook Air is not yet known, but based on the price difference between the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to cost about $500 more than the 13-inch M2 model. The price is expected to be around $2,000.
Apple Reality Pro and xrOS
Finally, Apple is expected to unveil its long-awaited Reality Pro headset at WWDC 2023. This headset will offer both virtual reality and augmented reality features and will feature high-end specs and hardware. The Reality Pro headset is expected to be an ultra-premium product priced at around $3,000. It will feature two 4K micro-LED panels and an innovative three-display configuration. However, it is worth noting that Apple is also working on a more affordable headset, but it will not enter mass production until after 2025.
The headset will run on the xrOS software platform, which supports a variety of features including FaceTime, content consumption, gaming, and the creation of virtual worlds and spaces. WWDC 2023 will feature a variety of sessions and workshops for developers to deepen understanding of xrOS and develop applications for the headset. Although Apple will announce the Reality Pro headset and xrOS at WWDC 2023, it is not expected to be available for purchase until later in the year - or so the rumors say.
WWDC 2023 in Focus – Summary
WWDC 2023 promises to be an exciting event for Apple fans. In addition to the annual software updates for existing Apple devices, new features such as iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10 are expected. Apple will also introduce the long-awaited Reality Pro headset with AR and VR features. The event offers developers and attendees the opportunity to take part in workshops and sessions to expand their understanding of xrOS. WWDC 2023 is definitely an event that no Apple fan should miss.
Important note to our Apfelpatient Premium App users
If you don't want to miss anything on the subject of software after WWDC 2023, be sure to subscribe to iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS and/or macOS in the "Personalization" section. In addition to news about the functions, I will also be providing tons of new tips over the summer that you can easily bookmark to be ready for the start in the fall. By the way - did you know that Apple internally calls WWDC simply "Dub Dub"? The name is derived from "double-u". So, the next "Dub Dub" can come! (Image: Apple)
