WWDC 2022 Preview: What to Expect

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is coming up on June 6 and the rumor mill is buzzing with all possible announcements. WWDC is Apple’s biggest event of the year, bringing updates to every product and sometimes revealing major hardware announcements. So what’s going to happen this year? Here’s a quick rundown of all the things we hope and expect Apple to announce at this year’s WWDC.

WWDC: OS and App Updates

All we’re sure to get is a look at the new operating systems set to be released this fall” iOS 16, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS 13. Here’s what we’ve heard so far about The Software Plans apple:

iOS 16

This is arguably the most important thing Apple releases throughout the year, simply because of the sheer number of iPhone owners around the world. If you have an iPhone that is recent enough (iOS 15 runs on the iPhone 6s, so anyone with an iPhone 7 or newer should be fine to get iOS 16), you can install the new version of iOS when it comes. released later this year.

But before then, there’s a whole beta testing cycle to get through. iOS 16 will be announced at WWDC and will be released as a developer beta (registered app developers only) almost immediately after the keynote. Even if you can, don’t install this unless you have a second phone – there could very well be serious bugs in the beta software that could interfere with important functions and even block your device.

Rumors of new features for iOS 16 include a new lock screen with some interactive information or widgets (which will apparently get the “always-on” treatment only in the iPhone 14 Pro this fall), major changes to the notification system, and new Heath. and Fitness App Features. Perhaps most importantly, several of Apple’s built-in apps are lining up for a refresh.

iPad OS 16

The accompanying update for iPad owners, iPadOS 16, will likely include most of the new features of iOS 16, but adapted to a larger screen interface. When Apple gave the iPad version of iOS its own “iPadOS” name a few years ago, they were similar in most ways, and they still do today. Even so, the iPad still gets custom features and interface changes.

However, this could be the year iPadOS comes off iOS. The most important iPad-specific we’ve heard from the rumor mill is a big change in multitasking. That could mean a massive change in the many current ways to multitask on an iPad or yet another method to add to the list. It could even mean a mode that allows the iPad, when docked, to work with floating, resizable windows, just like a MacBook. We’ll just have to wait for the WWDC keynote to find out.

macOS 13

The successor to macOS 12 Monterey should be macOS version 13, but don’t take that for granted: Apple fumbled around on a single version number for a barely imaginable 18 yearsfrom macOS 10.0 (Cheetah) in 2001 to macOS 10.15 (Catalina) in 2019. But that crap seems to be out of the system now, with the last two releases — macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 12 Monterey — each bringing another increase in the integer.

As for the California landmark that will give its name to macOS 13, we’re amused by the idea that it could be Mammoth, but we’re not sure Apple would want to associate its operating system with something extinct. The name also lends itself to huge expectations, which may be more than Apple is going to deliver.

As for features, rumors say that many of the same built-in apps that get major updates in iOS are also being updated here. System Preferences would get a major overhaul making it organized like the Settings app on iOS, and there would be major new features that would allow your Mac to interact with your iPhone and Apple Watch.

watchOS 9

The new operating system for the Apple Watch will also be unveiled at WWDC. watchOS is more of a niche operating system than the iPhone, iPad, and Mac updates discussed above, but could bring important health and fitness features to Apple Watch owners around the world.

Last year’s watchOS 8 update was available for those running a Series 3. If you have a Series 4 or higher, you should be fine to get the 2022 update, and the Series 3 could even be out in the sun for another year.

We hear that watchOS 9 will finally update some of the existing watch faces, and of course there are always new watch faces available as well. watchOS 9 is also expected to bring new health and fitness features, but that’s a pretty easy prediction at this point. And just like the iPad, “system navigation” is also due for an update. There are plenty of watchOS features we hope to see in watchOS 9, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on the announcement.

tvOS 16

The lowest profile of the five major Apple operating systems, tvOS is the platform that runs on the Apple TV. Last year’s tvOS 15 update added new Siri capabilities, multi-user recommendations, and the ability to share shows with friends via SharePlay. What do we get this year? We haven’t heard much about it yet, so we’ll find out at WWDC.

homeOS

The big five may yet become the big six, as Apple is rumored to be working on a new branded operating system called homeOS. While we got home-related features at WWDC, this would be a new name for the software that runs on the HomePod and HomePod mini, currently called HomePod OS. Going to the trouble of renaming the software would suggest that Apple wants to make more of a fuss about adding post-launch features to the HomePods in the future.

Mind you, since Apple discontinued the full-size HomePod last March, this would only work on one device — raising the question of where the company sees its smart-home strategy going in 2022. Has it developed other homeOS-based products up its sleeve? We’ll have to wait.

realityOS

Before moving on to hardware, let’s bring up the “realityOS” rumor that’s been circulating lately. A holding company believed to be an Apple shell company filed paperwork for a trademark on “realityOS” last year, and the deadline is just days after WWDC. While we think the shell company is likely to be Apple’s and the registration is legitimate, we don’t think we’ll be getting acquainted with Apple’s mixed-reality headset or “realityOS” operating system at this point. It would be a big surprise, but don’t expect high expectations.

WWDC: Hardware Rumors

Mac pro

Several new Mac Pro models have been unveiled at WWDC over the years, and another could be coming this year. By the time Tim Cook takes the stage at the WWDC keynote, it’s been two years since Apple announced its plans to move from Intel to its proprietary silicon, and the Mac Pro is the last Mac to make the switch. We expect the Apple silicon-based Mac Pro to be announced or teased, possibly at no price, with a release date towards the end of the year. We don’t know exactly what it will look like, but we do know one thing: it will have an insanely fast processor (or processors).

mac mini

Also in need of an update is the other Intel-powered Mac that remains in the lineup. The next Mac Mini would have a slightly redesigned shell, more in line with the just-released Mac Studio (just thinner). But the real focus will be on the processor, which many expect will be an M1 Pro that will give the Mac mini a lot more power.

MacBook Air

There are also some pretty loud rumors of a redesigned new MacBook Air, perhaps with an M2 chip. The new machine has been rumored since last year and is expected to bring a thinner design with new iMac-inspired colors and thinner bezels. We could also see a new MacBook Pro with an M2 processor, but it’ll be out sooner at an October event, if at all.

iMac Pro

When Apple launched the Mac Studio, it also discontinued the 27-inch iMac, but that doesn’t mean the big iMac is dead. Apple may indeed launch a new iMac Pro at WWDC with a mini LED display, thinner bezels and more ports. Maybe they call it iMac Studio?

Pro Display XDR

There are rumors that the Pro Display XDR could get an update in 2022 and what better place than WWDC, next to a new Mac Pro. There are rumors that Apple is working on a 27-inch mini-LED monitor with ProMotion to replace the once again LCD. And this time, we hope the booth doesn’t cost $999.