iOS 16, macOS 13 and realityOS… What to expect from Apple’s WWDC 2022
For the third year now, Apple’s WWDC exhibition has been held in a virtual format. This year, the brand still invited developers to Apple Park, a sign of the beginning of the post-Covid era. My number is on the site.
Coincidentally, WWDC 2022 could be one of the most important in recent years. Previously, thousands of developers around the world traveled to Cupertino to discover Apple’s future innovations and discuss with the brand’s engineers. In the world of Covid-19, WWDC has become a virtual event, with pre-recorded keynotes and developer video sessions. Although this event allowed the brand to start its transition to Apple Silicon processors, which is still history, it lost its appeal.
In 2022, Apple is preparing the world’s first WWDC. This year, on June 6 at 19:00 (10:00 on the site), several developers will be at Apple Park in Cupertino to watch the keynote with Apple teams. What to expect? A breakdown of rumors, as well as the probability of seeing them, based entirely on our subjective estimates. Either way, know that we’ll be there and take you behind the scenes of WWDC 2022, the first high-tech conference since Covid.
Lots of updates
iOS 16: Is the lock screen the focus?
According to journalist Mark Gurman, iOS 16 will be a fairly big update. Apple would notably develop a new lock screen that does little more than tell the time. In particular, we are talking about widgets integrated into the wallpaper or better management of notifications. For the rest, little is known about the upcoming iPhone update. There may be some new iMessages and new apps, but Apple is pretty good at saving the surprise until the end. It should be available this fall after a few months of beta.
Probability by number: 100%
iPadOS 16: iPad finally released?
We hear that this update will come with every new version of iPadOS (Apple’s tablet derivative of iOS). “Unlock iPad”. Every time we realize that the iPad remains less practical than the Mac.
This year could be a significant event. A desktop mode to use its apps as floating windows is part of the rumours. Maybe not, but we want to believe it.
Probability by number: 100% for iPadOS, 50% for windows (yeah, we’re not getting too wet).
macOS 13 to sublimate Apple Silicon chips?
A new macOS with a new name should also be in the program this Monday. What will be new? According to Mark Gurman, nothing is known except for a new interface for the settings. We imagine there will still be some interesting new features, the switch to Apple Silicon chips has given Apple the desire to pamper the Mac.
Probability by number: 100%
watchOS, tvOS, HomePod and AirPods
Apple’s other operating systems should also be updated on Monday. The Apple Watch can get new features, the Apple TV can better promote the connected home, and the HomePod needs to learn new tricks. Still, it’s hard to know what Apple will announce. In previous years, Apple has also announced new features for AirPods headphones and earphones.
Probability by number: 100% for watchOS, 60% for tvOS (there was a non-introductory beta last year), 50% for HomePod and AirPods (may have new features, but not necessarily during the main launch).
What’s new for the Services?
WWDC is a software conference, but Apple usually takes the opportunity to talk about its services. Will there be anything new at WWDC for Apple Music or Apple Fitness+? This is a possibility. No rumors mention the arrival of a new service, but then again, Apple has a habit of surprising. This point should be monitored.
Probability by number: 90% chance we are informed about the services, 25% there is a new one.
A new MacBook Air with an M2 chip?
In general, the WWDC keynote is dedicated to software. From time to time, Apple breaks this rule and releases hardware. Will 2022 be one of those years?
In particular, we are waiting for the new MacBook Air, which according to some rumors is ready for sale. This new MacBook Air will recreate the edge-to-edge display of the last MacBook Pro and, like the iMac, will be available in several colors.
Why did Apple announce the MacBook Air at a developer conference? The reason may be its chip. We are talking about the M2, the successor to the excellent M1.
Probability by number: 40% (it’s the same delirium every year. We expect a MacBook at WWDC and there is none).
realityOS, the star of WWDC?
If this could be the WWDC 2022 date, it’s not just because of the hybrid aspect, but between the world before and the world after. Apple, a priori, is not yet ready to introduce mixed reality headsets, but the brand may take the first step on Monday. The “RealityOS” brand has been registered, and a number of industry watchers are waiting to discover the first elements of Apple’s vision for reality headsets.
What will we see on Monday? Development kits dedicated to virtual reality? Updates for existing technologies (Metal, ARKit)? The actual operating system? Helmet overview? Nothing? If Apple announces anything, it will surely be the big star of the event.
Probability by number: 10% for headset, 35% for realityOS, 60% for VR/AR related technologies.
Numerama invites you to join us at Apple’s WWDC event on Monday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll revisit brand announcements and bring you exclusive content from Cupertino.
