We are just few hours away from the onset of WWDC 2018 conference that is supposed to begin at 10.30PM IST. Like last time, the firm is holding the annual developer’s conference at its McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, California, US. Every year we see Apple introducing new OS versions for different platforms along with some developer-side updates and may some new apps. For now, it is anyone’s
10 products and OS features expected to come soon We are just few hours away from the onset of conference that is supposed to begin at 10.30PM IST. Like last time, the firm is holding the annual developer’s conference at its, San Jose, California, US. Every year we see introducing new OS versions for different platforms along with some developer-side updates and may some new apps. For now, it is anyone’s guess what’s about to come but rumours and analyst predictions seem to have made it easier for us to think what Apple has up its sleeve. Here are some of the expectations:
Apple iOS 12 is likely to be the highlight of the event. The new OS version is expected to come with several new app features and may be minor visual changes in the interface that may drop hints on what hardware is about to come next. The firm could be focusing more on stability and performance rather than a major visual change.
More focus on Siri and AI capabilities According to a report by Gene Muster, Apple could be adding Siri support for the email and navigation to Homepod, something that may bring it to the same level as Google Assistant based Home. The AI can also get integrated into the ‘Spotlight’ search.
A recent report by Bloomberg pointed out that Apple is working on an initiative called as ‘Digital Health’ which may make users less addicted to gadgets. This feature is said to come as a part of the next-gen iOS version, which is likely to be called iOS 12. Google too stressed on such similar features at the recent Google IO 2018 developer’s conference.
tvOS may get an upgrade Although a new version of tvOS, called tvOS 12, is expected but it might not be a major overhaul over the current gen. Some minor UI improvements or maybe Dolby Atmos support with Apple TV 4K.
macOS could get a bump with new features Next-gen macOS is likely to be called as macOS 10.14 and is said to get deeper Siri integration than before. Apple may also bring iOS app compatibility with macOS 10.14. However, details are scarce on this one.
Last year Apple redesigned the App Store for iOS device and this time it could be Mac App Store’s turn. There is no confirmation on this yet. But as mentioned by John Gruber on Daring Fireball website, since the firm introduced a new App Store for iOS, it saw a tremendous growth in app downloads.
WatchOS may make Apple Watch better and more productive The company may not bring a major overhaul in the OS version for its wearable device. Some new features and additions are expected nonetheless. The addition of Spotify is rumoured and so are some fitness-based features.
Since the event is focussed on developers and apps, one may not see much hardware being launched. Some of the rumoured devices were the new iPhone SE model and a cheaper smart speaker but both seem unlikely for now. The company has already launched its iPad device earlier this year.
A set of new developer tools may see the light of the day that will make it easier for developers to create AR apps. Some improvements in ‘CoreML’ toolset can also be expected to improve machine learning in devices.
