Apple WWDC21: 7 Things We Expect (and Want) to See This Year
Credit: Apple
This year, just like every year, Apple will host WWDC – and, just like every year, there are some exciting announcements we're expecting to see. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is an annual event that usually takes place in California, but this year, similar to last year, WWDC will be entirely online. This means if you want to catch the entirety of the event, you can do so without changing your pajamas. You can watch the event on Apple's website, and Apple's YouTube Channel.
WWDC21 will run from June 7th to the 11th, and we're excited to see what Apple has in store for us. Usually, this event is used to showcase Apple's newest software updates, like iOS – that said, we've seen many times that Apple has used this event to reveal some major new products, from iPhones to Macs, and even the original HomePod, may it rest in peace. And it seems like this year won't be an exception.
We're expecting to see everything, from software updates to product updates and possibly even a brand new device. Continue reading to browse seven things we expect (and want) to see this year at WWDC.
The New iOS 15 Update
It's almost guaranteed at this point that Apple will give us a first look at iOS 15. In the past, we've seen Apple announcing a new iOS update during WWDC as well as releasing the first beta version for developers so they can start working on updating their apps. This year shouldn't be any different.
Unfortunately, as of this moment, we don't have much information about what's coming in the new software update. However, you can expect performance improvements, as well as new security features, like dual Touch ID and Face ID support. Maybe we'll even see a new Control Center and more widgets. Other than that, there isn't much information or leaks about the new operating system.
One other thing that many people are speculating is that Apple will stop supporting older devices like the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and the iPhone SE. If you're using an iPhone 7, you should see another software update for at least another year.
iPadOS Will Be Updated as Well
Just like iOS, it's highly likely that Apple will update iPadOS as well. Sadly, we don't know much about this update either at the time. That being said, the iPad operating system could use a borrow some changes from the iPhone. We should expect to see widgets on iPad. Yes, the iPad does have widgets, but you can only set them up and use them on the left side of the Home screen. It'd be great to see more customizable options for the iPad to make it a more similar user experience to the iPhone. Other than that, we should also expect better performance and security, like in iOS 15.
Don't Forget About watchOS 8
The Apple Watch should also get a new software update. There are many things Apple could change in watchOS 8, but we're mostly speculating at this point. Will we see more complications? Possibly. What about more health features? That's almost a given. A new watch face store? I wouldn't count on it. Many rumblings are pointing to new watch faces and a few tweaks to improve both performance and battery life. Some rumors say the Apple Watch Series 7 will feature a sensor to monitor your blood glucose levels, so we'll probably find a few hints at this feature inside the operating system.
The Apple TV Could Get an Update
It's possible that Apple will also reveal tvOS 15 for the Apple TV. Before Apple announced this year's WWDC, there were rumors of a possible product event in March, which sadly didn't happen. Rumors then said that Apple moved the event to April. If that's true, we're expecting a bunch of new products, including a new Apple TV. If Apple does release a new Apple TV, it's highly likely that tvOS 15 happens soon after. Apple may focus more on gaming for the new Apple TV, so we should also expect software improvements for tvOS 15 that focus on gaming and a better experience playing Apple Arcade.
A New MacBook Pro?
Moving away from software, let's talk about possible hardware updates. There's been a lot of rumors that Apple is working on a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, and the company may reveal it during WWDC21. Apple's used WWDC to reveal several MacBook computers throughout the years. Rumor has it that the new 14-inch MacBook Pro model will feature a similar design to the current 13-inch MacBook Pro, but it'll also come with extra ports, possibly even including an SD card reader.
A New iMac Is Also Possible
Apple's showcased iMac computers at past WWDC events, and it seems like it might do it again this year. Several rumors suggest that a new 2021 iMac is in the works. This new iMac's design should be similar to the Apple Pro Display XDR and come in different colors. That's right, similar to the 2020 iPad Air, the new iMac will come in a variety of colors, including Space Gray, Rose Gold, and Silver.
Additionally, the 2021 iMac should also have a much bigger display, along with smaller bezels and better performance and specifications, including the newer M1 Chip Apple's begun to use in all of its computers.
Will We Finally See Apple Glasses?
This is mostly speculation, theories, and reading between lines that might not even be there in the first place. So get your tinfoil hat on before you keep reading.
Apple Glass, an upcoming pair of augmented reality glasses developed by Apple itself, has been rumored for what seems like decades now. But the internet is speculating Apple might finally show them this year. This speculation comes from Apple's event invitations.
Apple is famous for adding small hints in its invitations so that we can go crazy trying to figure them out. If you see the promotional artwork above, you'll notice two things: First, Apple is poking fun at Craig Federighi's infamous MacBook-opening moment from last year. And second, the Memoji has a pair of glasses with some apps reflecting on them. It's possible that, instead of a reflection, the apps are in the glasses themselves, which hints at the long-awaited Apple Glasses.
Rumors say that we won't see the Apple Glass for at least one more year, so you should take this with a huge grain of salt before getting too excited. Still, it's a little odd that all the Memojis have glasses on this time around.