iOS and iPadOS

It won’t take a scientist to predict that we will get a new version of Apple’s operating system, which means iOS 16 and developers will get access to an early developer beta. Rumour has it there will be changes in departments like notifications, Messages and Health. If there are changes to the Messages app, it will be around having more social functionality besides new audio messages functionality.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there will be “fresh Apple apps” but we are not sure what those could be. He has also pointed out multitasking improvements in iPadOS 16 that will bring the device closer to a laptop. So a more desktop-style experience.

Much of what Apple will speak about at WWDC points to future offerings on the next version of the iPhone. So a suggestion of a dynamic status bar means the next iPhone may ditch the biggish notch. One of the most asked for feature may also arrive in the form of always-on lock screen but some have predicted that it will be exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro.

watchOS and macOS

New features will obviously get introduced to the Apple Watch though watchOS and the list may include expanded Assistive Touch gestures that’ll let you move your fingers to do things like ending a call, taking a picture, and controlling media or workouts. Apple also showed off a mirroring mode that lets you see and control your watch’s screen from your phone, according to The Verge. There could also be an improved low-power mode because there is always scope for improvement in this department and it can be significant if it’s coupled with a larger battery on the device when the new series rolls out. In the macOS department, iPhone’s Focus Mode feature is expected.

New Macs?

WWDC may prove to be the perfect platform for the announcement of a new MacBook Air but one must remember that this is a conference for developers while Apple usually reserves new iPhones, Watches and most other mainstream devices for the fall.

AR-VR headset

It’s tough to predict whether Apple will talk about the reported AR-VR headset it is working on. The headset is reportedly capable of virtual and augmented reality, featuring an array of cameras for passing through video of the real world and a chip that’s about as powerful as a Mac while the software maybe called RealityOS. Given the supply chain issues affecting almost every tech company, there could be delays. But who knows, Apple may at least tease the product. Some tech enthusiasts believe that Apple has hinted at the announcement through the person wearing glasses in its Memoji in the invitation. Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have both voiced doubts about announcements.

WWDC is on between June 6 and 10. The keynote address will be delivered on Monday, 10.30pm IST