Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) is set to kick off on Monday at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, with Tim Cook taking the stage for the keynote address. Last year’s WWDC introduced the Vision Pro, but this year, Apple aims to steal the spotlight by unveiling its comprehensive plans for generative AI.
Unlike typical Apple keynotes, WWDC marks the beginning of a weeklong, hybrid online and in-person event, running from June 10 to 14. While the pandemic saw the company make the event more accessible, it remains dedicated to developers, similar to Google I/O and Microsoft Build, focusing on the latest software updates.
Hardware updates
Recent years have featured notable hardware announcements, primarily due to advancements in Mac silicon and last year’s preview of the Vision Pro headset. However, WWDC is fundamentally not a hardware-centric event. Bloomberg reports suggest this year’s keynote might be completely void of new hardware.
Apple already held a virtual iPad event on May 7, introducing new versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air. Surprisingly, AI had a minimal presence during that event. With the tech world abuzz over models like GPT and Google’s Gemini integration in Android, Apple needs to make a strong AI statement next week.
The recent debut of the M4 chip in iPads hints that MacBooks featuring this chip may be on the horizon. Additionally, the anticipated iPhone A18 chip, likely branded as “the most advanced smartphone chip for AI,” is expected to feature prominently soon.
AI everything
Concerns over Apple lagging in generative AI have prompted Tim Cook to make bold promises to shareholders. In May, he assured that the company would “break new ground” in generative AI, promising transformative opportunities for users.
Will Apple’s AI innovations be truly groundbreaking? It’s expected that the keynote will focus on how generative AI will revolutionize future versions of Apple’s operating systems, particularly iOS. Speculations about Apple’s venture into large language models have been rife.
Early reports indicated Apple was in talks with Google about integrating Gemini into iOS, a strategic move given that iOS and Android dominate the global mobile OS market. However, newer insights point to a partnership with OpenAI. Like Google I/O, expect an intense focus on AI throughout the keynote.
Following the derailment of its electric car project, Apple has redirected several employees to its generative AI initiatives. With this transition still fresh, Apple seems to be playing catch-up with competitors. Most AI-related news is anticipated to stem from the OpenAI partnership.
iOS 18 with more AI
Expect iOS 18 to be a focal point, described as potentially “the biggest iOS update in the company’s history.” Sarah has already compiled rumored updates in her detailed story, but here are some highlights:
- Siri will receive a major upgrade, powered by Apple’s generative AI, enhancing capabilities like editing photos and deleting emails. Improvements also include a more natural voice and an advanced version for Apple Watch.
- AI enhancements are coming to Safari for smarter searches, Notes for summarization, and Voice Memos for transcription—features Google has long touted.
- Users will soon be able to create customized emojis in Messages using generative AI.
- The home screen layout will become more flexible, allowing icons and widgets to be placed freely.
Apple’s Messages app will also support RCS (Rich Communication Services), making it slightly more Android-friendly, despite retaining the green bubble. Initially expected last fall, the feature is now anticipated for this coming fall, especially amid legal pressures.
macOS 15 debut
- System Settings Update: Continued efforts to unify macOS and iOS with a refreshed design.
- Accessibility Enhancements: Significant updates to make the operating system more accessible.
- Calculator Redesign: The app will receive significant design changes, making it more user-friendly.
Stay tuned as we cover these exciting developments at WWDC 2024, where Apple’s innovation continues to evolve in the realms of AI and beyond.
