8 WWDC 2020 Predictions Leakers Actually Got Right

The rumor mill was in full swing this spring with a steady stream of details about iOS 14, watchOS 7, and some talk about ARM-based macs. Unlike previous years where the rumors were hit or miss, the predictions this year were incredibly accurate. Continue reading to browse eight things the leaksters got correct about Apple's WWDC 2020 announcements.

iOS 14 Home Screen Gets Widgets

9to5Mac got its hands on an early version of iOS 14 and teased a handful of rumors from its leaked codebase. One of the significant new features we knew about in advance was the addition of Home screen widgets. Apple confirmed that it is overhauling the Home screen with new widgets that let you organize your data in a whole new way.

iOS CarKey Debut

There was a lot of talk about CarKey, a feature of iOS 14 that'll replace your car key or key fob. Apple announced a new digital standard that allows an iPhone or Apple Watch to connect to an NFC capable car. The functionality will vary by manufacturer, but at the bare minimum, the feature will unlock, lock, and start your vehicle.

Changing Default Third-Party Apps in iOS

A not-very-talked-about rumor suggested Apple was going to allows users to change the default apps for web browsing and emails. Typically, the default app is set to the stock iOS version, but that will change in iOS 14. Apple confirmed at WWDC 2020 that the company is letting users change the default web browser and email to any third-party app. It's an overlooked feature but a step in the right direction for app developers and users who want to move beyond the core apps.

Apple Watch Finally Gets Sleep Tracking

Sleep tracking was the most talked-about feature for watchOS and iOS 14. Nearly every other watch on the market already does sleep tracking, so it is not surprising to see Apple finally enable this feature for its watch. Best of all, watchOS 7 will be rolled out to every Apple Watch except for the older Series 0, 1, and 2 models.

watchOS' New and Shareable Watch Faces

Before WWWDC, new watch faces and watch face sharing were the hot topics for the Apple Watch, right behind sleep tracking. Apple confirmed those rumors when it announced two new watch faces -- an XL face and a Chronograph face with a tachymeter. It also confirmed that Watch owners would be able to share watch faces with each other. As a bonus, Apple also boosted third-party apps by allowing them to have multiple complications.

Full Apple Pencil Support in iOS 14

Rumors hinted that Apple would be adding full support for the Apple Pencil in iOS, and the company came close to doing that in iOS 14. When iOS 14 debuts this fall, iPad owners will be able to use Scribble, a new handwriting input field that converts writing to text. Scribble allows users to fill in text boxes using handwriting, automatically converts drawings into shapes, and is compatible with a wide range of apps. It lets you highlight, copy, and paste text as well.

App Clips

Apple was thought to be bringing "lite" versions of apps to iOS 14, and the company didn't disappoint. Apple unveiled a new feature in iOS 14 called clips. With Clips, users will be able to use a few select elements of an app without downloading and installing it. Want to pay for concert ticket but don't want to install the band's entire app? App Clips will allow developers to offer just the payment portion of this app so you can use it when you need it. When you are done, the app clip disappears.

ARM-Based Macs

For years, Apple has been rumored to be working on a new ARM-based architecture for its Macs. This radical change would move the company away from Intel and onto its own silicon. There are still many unknowns, but Apple spent a significant portion of WWDC 2020 talking about its new ARM-platform and how it will transform its mac lineup. The first ARM-based Macs will debut later this year. Apple's next macOS, Big Sur, is already compatible with this new hardware, and the company is providing developers with the tools they need to convert their apps over to the ARM platform.