Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is an annual press event held by Apple to introduce new technologies and software. This year’s event marks the 35th anniversary.NumberStarting June 10thNumber Until June 14thNumberThe event will kick off with the traditional keynote speech from Tim Cook. Read on to find out more about WWDC, what was announced, and how to watch.
WWDC: What to expect
Apple’s WWDC has traditionally served as a platform for the company to unveil new software features across its devices. In recent years, however, the focus on software updates at WWDC has often overshadowed important hardware announcements. This year, Apple took an unconventional approach by unveiling hardware ahead of WWDC. In April, it unveiled the M3-powered MacBook Air (available in 13-inch and 15-inch models), then in May, it unveiled the all-new M4 chip along with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models. This year’s WWDC appears to be focused on software innovations, including new AI capabilities for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Over the past few months, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have announced their latest AI initiatives, showcasing advanced language learning models, experimentation tools, and cutting-edge devices. Now it’s Apple’s turn to take center stage. Rumor has it that the company is preparing to roll out a range of AI features across its operating system, which are expected to transform how users interact with Apple devices and solidify the company’s position in the AI field.
iOS18 Update
Last year, Apple took cautious steps towards generative AI, in contrast to the more prominent announcements from Google and Microsoft. iOS 17 features Apple’s foray into generative AI with an improved autocorrect feature, powered by a “Transformer Language Model” that enhances grammar and predictive text. Additionally, iOS 17 brings the ability to identify pets in the Photos app and introduces “Point and Speak,” an accessibility tool that allows visually impaired users to read text on physical objects using their phone’s camera.
This year will continue to see a focus on practicality, eschewing the flashier offerings of its competitors, and while Apple may not introduce entirely new AI-driven applications, we expect its approach to generative AI to be more intricately woven into the overall user experience.
Apple’s AI updates are collectively called Grey Matter Strategy This includes:
- Core App Integration:
- photograph
- Safari
- message
- Note
- Smart Summary Features:
Summarize texts, emails, notes, documents, and web pages. - Create a custom emoji:
- Created in real time based on the content of text messages.
- Options beyond what’s currently offered (currently possible through Stickers in iOS 17).
- AI-generated reply suggestions:
- Context-based replies to text messages.
- The Mail app is extensible.
- “Clean up” feature:
- Similar to Google’s Magic Eraser, it uses generative AI to remove objects from photos.
- Privacy Policy:
- The computationally less intensive AI features run on-device using Apple’s Ajax language learning model.
- More power-hungry functions are processed in the cloud.
- Data centers with custom silicon (M2 Ultra chips) for cloud processing.
- Before Ajax LLM processes information from certain apps, like Messages or Safari, you might see a warning on your screen.
- Opt-in services:
- The new AI capabilities will be available as an opt-in service.
- Additional Features:
- Transcription of voice memos (based on iOS 17 feature).
- Improved Spotlight for faster, more reliable search.
- Safari web search has been improved.
Siri 2.0
Expected Siri improvements:
- Apple Tip:
Apple’s WWDC homepage graphics match the colors and animations of the Siri logo, hinting at upcoming Siri improvements. - Generative AI system:
- The next-generation Siri will have a new generative AI system that will enable conversational interaction rather than responding to each question one by one.
- Improved handling of tasks such as creating calendar events, setting timers, and managing shopping lists.
- Large-scale language models:
- Apple is reportedly planning to revamp Siri with its own large-scale language model.
- Siri analyzes your activity and automatically provides assistance with things like forwarding or deleting emails, editing photos, summarizing notifications, and organizing content.
- It’s expected to roll out in a future version of iOS 18, but likely won’t be available when it launches this fall, with a release planned for next year.
iPadOS 18
It’s common practice for Apple to integrate most of the features introduced in iOS into iPadOS as well, so it’s reasonable to expect that most of the updates expected in iOS 18 will also make it into iPadOS 18.
However, as announced in a May press release, Apple has confirmed the arrival of new accessibility features for the iPad, due to be released “later this year.” These advancements include eye tracking for iPad control, voice shortcuts to enable custom commands for Siri, and the ability to reduce motion sickness with on-screen cues for users looking at their device while traveling. Demos of these features are expected to be shown during the conference.
MacOS 15
There are some interesting rumors floating around about upcoming features for macOS. One of them is about a redesigned Calculator app that mimics the iOS version with rounded buttons and resizable elements. The new app is said to include a history tape for looking back at past calculations and support for math notes, bridging the gap between the calculator and notes applications. There is also hope that the improvements might finally bring a calculator app to iPad users.
In addition to the Calculator app, macOS 15 will reportedly also introduce some UI changes. These changes could include a new monochromatic menu bar icon for Siri, a revamped System Preferences app that reorganizes apps based on importance, a unified menu of page controls in Safari, and more. Speaking of Safari, there are also intriguing rumors that it will add an Intelligent Search feature, which will use the power of Ajax LLM to analyze web pages.
WatchOS 11
Compared to the big updates expected for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, the upcoming watchOS update may not be as big. But WatchOS 11 teeth It is speculated to feature a more advanced version of Siri tailored for “tasks on the go,” which would complement the Siri overhaul rumored for iOS 18. Additionally, fitness app enhancements are expected. But beyond these updates, watchOS 11 is expected to be a relatively minor release.
The same thing Vision OS 2.0Aside from a few accessibility features and a rumored “breath tracker,” there’s not much planned for the future.
How to watch Apple’s WWDC 2024
Apple’s WDDC will be streamed live for one week starting at 10am Pacific Time and 1pm Eastern Time. You can watch it on Apple’s website or official YouTube channel. If you can’t access these websites due to your location, you can try Trend Micro’s VPN Proxy One Pro.
Trend Micro VPN Proxy One Pro provides users with unlimited high-speed connections and the ability to access any content online quickly, easily and invisibly. Windows, Mac, Androidand iOSBy leveraging the resources, servers and research of the world’s leading cybersecurity company, you’re protected wherever you are. Click the button below to learn more and start your free trial.
