Because of its “end-to-end” redesign, the next-generation Mac OS X will have more space at this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference, sources familiar with the matter tell 9to5Mac, as Apple wants to promote the new operating system to developers.
Codenamed “Syrah” after the wine, Mac OS X 10.10 will have similar design elements to iOS, but Apple will keep the two operating systems as separate entities.
The new look will have similar toggle designs to iOS 7, sharper window corners, more defined icons across the system, and more white space than the current version. However, OS X characteristics like the Finder, multi-window multitasking, and Mission Control will not disappear in favor of a more iOS-like experience. Apple is keeping iOS as iOS and OS X as OS X. The convergence will solely surround feature parity that makes sense and aesthetics. Apple is aiming to release 10.10 by fall and is planning a slew of hardware updates to promote the new software.
As for iOS 8, 9to5Mac’s sources have corroborated what had already surfaced, but said that some of the features might only be available with iOS 8.1, which, by the way, is already in the works. The sources couldn’t specify the exact reason for the potential shift, but speculate that the issue could be resource allocation.
Also, in line with previous rumours, Apple is preparing some significant changes to iCloud for this year, such as a service for developers that would make development of “cloud-infused apps simpler and more efficient.” Another rumoured update shipping with iOS 8 is said to be the integration of Shazam’s vast database, which could allow Siri to identify the user the song he/she is listening to.
As for the A8 chip:
iOS 8 is also being prepared to leverage a new generation of Apple’s in-house processor that is called “A8.” The successor to the 64-bit A7 does not emphasize core architectural changes and speed like the move from 32-bit to 64-bit technology, but it is instead designed to be more efficient for battery life and overall performance. The next version of the iPhone will have a larger display as well as a much thinner body, so maintaining power efficiency is critical. The new iPhone’s larger display, as well as a “high-priority” iOS device that is not an iPhone, also lends itself to another core iOS 8 addition. The feature, dubbed by Apple employees as “multi-resolution support,” is designed to improve the performance of both App Store applications and the general iOS operating system across multiple new iOS device resolutions.
Finally, sources say that Apple has pushed back the release of the Apple TV set-top box due to a major hardware revamp. Also, the rumoured Siri-based voice control is already in the works and will allegedly arrive early next year alongside the iOS 8.1.
