WWDC ’22 Last-Minute Details | iOS 16 InfoShack Cut, iPadOS to Gain True Multitasking, M2 MacBook Air, + More

We’re only five days away from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I can’t wait to see everything Apple has been working on, download all the new operating systems, and explore all the new features. I made a list of what I think we’ll see at the event. A lot of people have been asking me about this because, in the last few days, it’s been reported that Apple has registered realityOS, among other names. I talked to all my sources this week and did some research, so let me share the conclusions I came to. Let’s get started!

We all know that the Worldwide Developers Conference focuses mostly on software, as no hardware has been announced in recent years, and this WWDC will also be packed with innovations and new features.

iOS 16

This is the most anticipated operating system in the world. Everyone knows about iOS 16 (codename Sydney) even though it hasn’t been released yet.

I’ve heard from people involved in the matter that Apple plans to offer this version exclusively for the iPhone 7 and later models. 

In other words, I expect the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus and the first-generation iPhone SE to stick with iOS 15.

I also want to clarify that there won’t be a complete redesign, as was the case with iOS 7.

I’ve read in some media outlets that this would be the case. Unfortunately for everyone, I’ve been able to confirm that this won’t happen, and as much as I’d like to be wrong this time, I’ve seen four different iOS 16 builds, and none of them have been “redesigned.”

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I have more bad news for you. It appears that Apple won’t be integrating InfoShack into iOS 16. I haven’t been able to confirm this yet, but at least two trusted sources claim to have access to internal iOS builds that are somewhat final and make no reference to InfoShack.

I was very optimistic about this feature, but it seems Apple has decided to drop it. I can’t guarantee we won’t see it next week, but I think it’s extremely unlikely.

The fact that InfoShack was canceled makes me worry that Apple may have done the same thing with interactive widgets. I don’t think we’ll have to wait much longer to find out more about this.

People familiar with the matter suggest that Apple is working on some changes to the lock screen. Given that the Cupertino-based company hasn’t made any changes to it in the last seven years, I’m very curious to see what’ll happen with it.

Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is planning to add some new wallpapers with widget-like features and to be honest, I’ve no idea what they are. Maybe Mark knows something I don’t, but right now, I can’t comment on that.

There will be other features that you already know about, such as changes to notifications, health monitoring, minor app redesigns, Apple Classical, etc.

Overall, a pretty solid release that I can’t wait to install on my phone, although I’ve heard the beta version is rather unstable.

iPadOS 16

First, let me tell you which iPads will be compatible with iPadOS 16. This is a bit more complicated than the iPhone, so I’ve created this list:

1. iPad Pro 12.9 (5th gen)
2. iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen)
3. iPad Pro 12.9 (4th gen)
4. iPad Pro 11 (2nd gen)
5. iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd gen)
6. iPad Pro 11 (1st gen)
7. iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd gen)
8. iPad Pro 10.5 (2nd gen)
9. iPad Air (5th gen)
10. iPad Air (4th gen)
11. iPad Air (3rd gen)
12. iPad mini (6th gen)
13. iPad mini (5th gen)
14. iPad (9th gen)
15. iPad (8th gen)
16. iPad (7th gen)
17. iPad (6th gen)

Hopefully, you’ll find your iPad in there; if not, I’m afraid you’ll have to stick with iPadOS 15.

Apple’s software engineers know that iPadOS needs to change the game. The iPad is by far the best tablet in the world, but it’s extremely limited by its software. The iPad Air and iPad Pro have the M1 chip, which is great, but customers can’t use all the capabilities of that chip because iPadOS basically doesn’t allow it. Some iPad Pro models even have 16GB of RAM. Still, until Apple allows customers to use apps like Final Cut, features like a proper multitasking system, or external apps like on the Mac, the iPad will be severely limited.

But I’ve good news for you: Apple engineers know this, and they’re working hard to solve this problem as soon as possible; and with everything Apple has in the pipeline for the operating system, I believe they are on the right track.

There will be a massive improvement in multitasking. As far as I know, iPadOS 16 will allow users to open multiple apps in the form of windows that can be resized, just like on a computer. I’m very excited about this and believe it’ll be great.

I’ve also heard that iPadOS 16 will get the same notification system updates as iOS 16. There will also be some app redesigns.

macOS Mammoth

Let’s start with compatibility. I expect macOS 13 to be compatible with the exact same Macs as Monterey, which is amazing news.

I don’t have much to say about this new version. Apple will focus on performance, but there will also be some redesigned apps like Music, and changes to System Preferences.

watchOS 9, tvOS, and AirPods

watchOS 9 will be a major update:

1. It’ll focus mostly on health tracking and new features that will work well with those of iOS 16.
2. There will be new watch faces with new complications and a new power-saving mode.
3. Apple also plans improved notifications, better sleep monitoring, and better workout modes.

I haven’t heard anything about tvOS yet, and given that when that happens, Apple isn’t usually working on it a lot, we shouldn’t expect any major changes to the system, just a normal update.

Finally, I know that Apple is working on a new AirPods firmware to improve connectivity and pave the way for the new codec that will replace Bluetooth – but I don’t have any concrete details at the time of writing this article.

AR/VR, realityOS

Apple will apparently spend a lot of time talking about AR and VR, although some sources claim that realityOS won’t be specifically mentioned. I think this will be the future, so I’m very excited about this part of the event.

Mark Gurman hinted a few months ago that iOS will be full of references to realityOS. While a late 2022 or 2023 unveiling would make sense, my sources indicate that we won’t see any mention of realityOS on Monday.

Sorry to be blunt, but there’s no chance we’ll see the headset during the event. It’s not ready yet and developers don’t have the time to work on apps for realityOS. I expect it to launch sometime in the first half of 2023.

M2 MacBook Air

Apple will unveil the M2 MacBook Air during the Worldwide Developers Conference next week. I won’t bore you with details you already know, so just this: it’ll have the M2 chip, be available in multiple colors, have white bezels, and will be completely flat.

I think Apple will continue to sell the M1 MacBook Air at around $899 after the announcement. It’s a great computer, and the Cupertino-based company should keep it in stores, although that’s just my opinion.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the M2 MacBook Air start at $1,199. Thanks for reading!

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]