WWDC 2023: Time, Keynote, Expectations, Game-Changing Innovations

WWDC 2023: The impending Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is anticipated to be one of Apple’s largest ever. Apple could finally unveil its mixed reality headset after years of rumours and leaks, entering the company into a new product category and giving the world its first look at its effort to establish that virtual reality is worth investing in.

There will likely be a great deal more: operating system updates, new applications and features, and potentially even new hardware. Here, we’ve compiled information on how and when you can view the main WWDC keynote, as well as some of the expected Apple announcements.

When is the keynote for WWDC 2023?

Apple has confirmed that the keynote address for this year’s WWDC will take place on Monday, June 5 at 3pm ET / 12pm PT. It will be a digital and physical event held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, with Apple CEO Tim Cook expected to deliver the opening remarks. Here you can observe the complete WWDC schedule.

Where may I view WWDC?

Apple will live-stream the WWDC keynote through its website and YouTube channel. Additionally, you can view the embedded video at the top of this article. If you are unable to view the keynote live, Apple will post a prerecorded version to YouTube after the event.

With that said, let’s move on to some of the most anticipated WWDC announcements from Apple.

WWDC 2023: The long-anticipated release of Apple’s mixed reality headgear

The mixed reality headset from Apple is unquestionably one of the company’s most innovative products in recent years. Even though Apple has not yet affirmed its existence, rumours indicate that it will be able to provide virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.

The developer-focused headset, rumoured to be dubbed “Reality Pro,” is anticipated to have a “ski goggle” design and a tangible dial for adjusting virtual reality. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it is also rumoured to feature an array of external sensors for hand tracking as well as eye-tracking sensors within the headgear.

The headset will likely be a stand-alone unit with a battery cell that connects via a proprietary cable. According to rumours, its technical specifications include an M2 processor and 16GB of RAM. In the meantime, according to supply chain analyst Ross Young, the device may have two 1.41-inch Micro OLED displays with 4,000 ppi each. Young adds that the displays are capable of delivering more than 5,000 nits of luminance and users should be able to see 4K resolution with each eye.

Reports indicate that Apple has been busy developing virtual reality versions of its native applications, including Safari, FaceTime, Apple TV, Apple Books, and Freeform, among others. The headset may also include a feature that enables it to function as an external display for your Mac. Apple’s headgear will be expensive, with an estimated price tag of around $3,000. Although Apple is rumoured to be developing cheaper versions of the device, it is unlikely that we will see them at this year’s event.

Apple has sent an invitation to an editor at the VR-focused publication UploadVR, indicating that it may be planning to unveil its “Reality Pro” headset at WWDC. Apple has also posted an augmented reality (AR) teaser on its website.

A brand-new MacBook Air 15-inch

The Apple MacBook Air 2022 M2. Image courtesy of Becca Farsace / The Verge
Apple is also anticipated to release a 15-inch variant of the MacBook Air, a device that has traditionally featured a 13-inch display. Since we first heard about the device a year ago, more specific rumours have accumulated.

The 15-inch MacBook Air will presumably include the in-house M2 chip found in last year’s MacBook Air models. According to a Bloomberg report, it may also have the same 3024 x 1964 resolution as the 14-inch MacBook Pro, although the screen may be slightly less crisp due to the additional inch of space.

Gurman claims that in addition to the MacBook Air, Apple is preparing to release “several new Macs,” although it is unclear which ones. Apple is rumoured to be developing a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 24-inch iMac, all of which could include a new M3 processor. Gurman reports that on June 5th, Apple will expand its trade-in programme to include the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro, and the Mac Studio, which could presage the release of new devices.

New capabilities added to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS

WWDC is an event for developers, so it is likely that iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other operating systems will receive enhancements.

This includes the release of iOS 17, which is rumoured to include a number of minor quality-of-life enhancements. Apple has already previewed the suite of accessibility features that will presumably be included in the new operating system, including a Personal Voice utility that enables users to create a synthetic voice with only 15 minutes of training. According to Bloomberg, iOS 17 may also include a feature that transforms the iPhone’s lock screen into a smart home-style display when the device is tilted horizontally.

Apple is also anticipated to include updates for Stage Manager in iPadOS 17, the multitasking interface which, according to my colleague David Pierce, “still doesn’t work” despite its official release in October. The updates appear to be more technical in nature and less concerned with the product’s general functionality.

MacOS 14 and tvOS 17 remain shrouded in mystery, but watchOS 10 is rumoured to be receiving a substantial update that introduces a widget-heavy interface.

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An iPhone journaling application with a concentration on mental health

The Wall Street Journal reports that, in conjunction with iOS 17, Apple will release a new journaling app for the iPhone that will allow you to record your thoughts and activities throughout the day.

It may also propose topics for you to write about, offer “All Day People Discovery” to keep track of the people you spend time with, and detect when you do something you don’t normally do on a given day. Apple is anticipated to unveil the app at WWDC, but it will likely be released in the autumn.

Apple’s opening of its confined ecosystem

Apple is running out of time to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union. While some of the regulations have already taken effect, “digital gatekeepers” such as Apple have until March of next year at the latest to allow users to download third-party app stores and sideload applications within the EU, despite Apple’s strong opposition on security grounds.

Therefore, it would not be too surprising if Apple used WWDC to preview some of the changes it is making to the iPhone and iPad ecosystems. (Or at least inform developers discretely that a change is forthcoming.) According to Bloomberg, Apple intends to “overhaul” iOS in order to conform with European regulators.

In addition to permitting sideloading, there is widespread speculation that Apple may no longer require third-party browsers to use its WebKit engine, allowing for greater browser differentiation on mobile devices. Access to the company’s NFC chip, which is presently restricted to Apple services such as Apple Wallet and Apple Pay, could be expanded.

WWDC 2023: What is Apple’s next move?

Apple has a plethora of new Macs in the works, and while we don’t expect all of them to debut at WWDC, anything is possible. In addition to the forthcoming MacBooks, Apple is also developing a Mac Pro with an Apple-designed chip, an updated 24-inch iMac, and two new Mac Studio variants.

We are also keeping a watch on Apple’s next AI-related move. The company’s job postings indicate that it is seeking to hire AI specialists, despite the fact that it has kept a relatively low profile regarding its AI goals. It has also recently restricted employees’ use of ChatGPT due to concerns about data leaks, which raises the issue of whether it will create its own AI system for employees, as Samsung is doing.