WWDC 2023: From iOS 17 to XR headset, here’s what Apple may announce

Apple WWDC 2023 will take place from June 5 to June 9. The event will commence at 10 am PT/10:30 pm IST today from Apple’s campus in Cupertino, California. It is free for all developers, with an opportunity for developers and students to celebrate in person at a special experience at Apple Park on opening day. The event will help developers learn about the latest technologies, tools, and frameworks coming to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Throughout the week, developers will be able to connect directly with Apple engineers and experts through one-on-one labs and activities in Slack for guidance on building innovative and platform-differentiating apps and games.

Here’s what we know so far 

First-ever mixed reality headset

Apple augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) headset may finally make its first appearance at WWDC 2023 event tonight. When in VR mode, users will be fully engrossed in a virtual environment, whereas in AR mode, content and applications will blend with the real-world surroundings, providing a mixed reality experience.

The device is said to run on xrOS that is also rumoured to be unveiled at today’s event. According to rumors, the Apple mixed reality headset will be powered by M2 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM. To accommodate its power needs, the headset will incorporate an external battery pack, resembling an enlarged version of the MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhones.

The UI of the headset will feature a combination of eye and hand control, allowing users to highlight items by looking at them and selecting them with a pinch gesture. Siri will also be integrated into the device. The mixed reality headset is said to be equipped with an array of microphones and speakers positioned near the temples.

Apple is said to price the upcoming device around $3,000, with a focus on offering a competitive price rather than maximizing profits. As per reports, Apple may initially introduce the headset in the United States, estimating sales of approximately 900,000 units in the first year. 

New Macs and macOS 14

At WWDC 2023 event, Apple is rumoured to bring a redesigned 13-inch MacBook Air along with a fresh 15-inch MacBook Air. The upcoming model will retain the aesthetic of the current MacBook Air but will feature a larger form factor.

The iPhone maker may also introduce new models in the Mac Studio lineup, which will be available in M2 Max and M2 Ultra configurations. These new configurations, codenamed Mac 14,13 and Mac 14,14 (or J475), will replace the M1 Max and M1 Ultra models from last year. 

The M2 Max chip is said to be identical to the one featured in the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, while the M2 Ultra chip will be an entirely new addition. It is said to come equipped with 24 CPU cores (16 high-performance cores and 8 efficiency cores) and may offer up to 76 graphics cores. Apple is also planning to provide options for 64GB, 128GB, and 192GB of RAM.

There is a possibility that the M2 Ultra chip will also be incorporated into the Mac Pro.

In terms of the operating system, the upcoming Mac OS is codenamed Sunburst. The new operating system is said to focus on ensuring compatibility and is not expected to bring significant changes this year.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17

Apple iOS 17 is codenamed as Dawn. With the new OS, Apple is looking to bring a new feature for the iPhone that resembles a smart display mode when the device is locked and placed horizontally. This mode will provide an interface that showcases upcoming calendar events, notifications, and other snippets of information. 

It is likely that the Wallet app will also receive an upgrade like deeper integration with third-party credit cards.

Apple has already unveiled an array of new accessibility features for iOS 17, including a redesigned interface with larger controls and an AI-powered voice replication feature.

Apple watchOS 10

With the Apple WatchOS 17, Apple may bring back widgets to the Apple Watch. These widgets will resemble the ones found on the iOS and iPadOS home screens, enabling users to swipe through various information such as weather updates, stock tickers, and upcoming calendar appointments.

Additionally, the new watchOS may bring the ability to open the new widgets interface with Digital Crown instead of directly accessing the standard home screen app array. 

Updated: 05 Jun 2023, 07:46 PM IST