What to Expect at Apple’s 2019 WWDC

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is set to kick off tomorrow in San Jose, California, where the company is again expected to tease next versions of its mobile and desktop operating systems.

While Apple is not expected to announce new hardware at WWDC, we’ve seen some leaks as to what is going to happen next for iOS, macOS and more.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, known for his solid Apple sources, has shared what you can expect at the keynote. Here’s a preview of what you can expect on stage tomorrow from Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team.

Apple Watch

Apple’s wearable is rumoured to debut its own App Store, allowing users to download apps right from their wrist, instead of relying on their iPhone. New apps for Apple Watch users are also expected to debut, including a calculator and voice memo app, to go with new features for messaging. Sources claim Apple will debut a menstrual cycle tracking and pill reminders app.

iPad

Many users are able to use the iPad as their main computer, but for some, iOS for the iPad just doesn’t cut it. Apple plans to enhance this for iPad users by adding home screen and multitasking improvements.

iTunes Looks to Be Coming to an End

With Apple set to launch standalone Mac apps for TV, Movies and Podcasts, it appears iTunes as a standalone app is coming to an end. The company has already started to erase posts from the iTunes Instagram and Facebook pages, suggesting some sort of death is imminent.

More Unified Apps Across iOS and Macs

Last year Apple debuted new iOS apps on the Mac, standalone versions of Apple News, Voice Memos, Home and Stocks, as part of its internal codenamed ‘Project Marzipan’. Developers will get new tools to bring your favourite iOS apps to the Mac, in new universal versions.

Last year at WWDC, Apple made it clear they would not be merging iOS and macOS, but ‘Project Marzipan’ apps look to be an attempt to make it easier to use apps across multiple Apple devices, while saving developers time.

Dark Mode for iOS is also coming, so get ready for that feature to finally make its way to iPhone and iPad.

Revamps to Apple’s Apps

We’ve already seen leaks of new Mac apps coming, including the merging of the Find My iPhone and Find My Friends apps into just one app. Bloomberg says “major revamps” are planned for Reminders and Health apps, while core Apple apps such as Mail, Home, Maps and Messages will get new improvements.

Apple is also planning to debut a new Sleep mode for its mobile devices and also improve hearing aid support, according to Gurman.



Apple Headset in the Works

Sources tell Bloomberg Apple is planning to release an augmented reality (AR) headset or glasses at some point, which could be as early as 2020. Internal versions of iOS are already being tested with this device, which is said to require an iPhone at launch for some tasks.

While WWDC is usually software focused, Apple may share a preview of its new Mac Pro update on stage, but we’ll find out in less than 24 hours. Last year, we did not see any hardware announcements, but in 2017, the HomePod and iMac Pro made their debut at WWDC.

We’ll have complete coverage of the WWDC keynote, set to kick off on Monday, June 3, 2019, at 10am PDT/1pm EDT. Stay tuned.