WWDC 2023: Operating System Updates, Reality Pro Headset, Everything to Expect

John Lopez, Tech Times 04 June 2023, 11:06 am

As Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 approaches, anticipation is building for both new software updates and the potential unveiling of Apple's highly anticipated mixed-reality headset.

While previous rumors suggested significant updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, the focus seems to have shifted towards the new product category of mixed reality.

With information first shared by Wired, let us look at what we can expect from WWDC 2023 and explore the rumored features and updates for Apple's operating systems.

Headlining iOS 17

Building upon the success of iOS 16, Wired reports that Apple's upcoming iOS 17 might introduce a new smart-home display mode.

Reports from renowned Apple insider Mark Gurman indicate that when the iPhone is locked and placed horizontally, users can view notifications, weather conditions, calendar appointments, and more on a dark background with bright text, similar to Google's Nest Hub or Amazon's Echo Show.

Additionally, iOS 17 is rumored to bring a journaling app, the ability to sideload apps to comply with EU regulations, mood-tracking features within the Health app, and enhancements to location services.

Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, may also receive improvements like Siri integration, according to information gathered by MacRumors.

What's New for iPadOS 17?

Much like iOS 17, Wired noted that iPadOS 17 is expected to feature the smart-home display mode and the new journaling app. It may also mark the arrival of the Health app on iPad, complete with mood-tracking capabilities.

Notably, news outlets like 9to5Mac suggest that Apple might enhance the existing Stage Manager feature, introduced in iPadOS 16, which enables multitasking and window organization.

The improvements could include webcam support for an external monitor, sleep mode for the iPad display, and a resizable dock on the external display.

Furthermore, iPadOS 17 might lay the groundwork for upcoming iPad Pro models with OLED displays.

More About macOS 14 and Mac Hardware

The official name for macOS 14 is yet to be confirmed, but speculations point towards the possibility of it being named Mammoth, Diablo, Redtail, or Grizzly.

Most sources tell us that MacOS 14 and tvOS 17 are not expected to bring significant changes.

Instead, Apple seems to focus on enhancing iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS while integrating support for those features into macOS.

The rumored Mac hardware includes an M2-powered 15-inch MacBook Air with two core options and the next-generation Mac Studio featuring the new M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips.

What to Expect With watchOS 10

WatchOS 10 is expected to receive a substantial update, emphasizing widgets and fundamental changes to the device's functionality.

Mark Gurman claims that the revamped interface may combine iOS 14-style widgets with the old watchOS Glances system, allowing users to scroll through various widgets without launching each app individually.

Widget stacks could also make their way to watchOS, enabling users to group multiple widgets. Button functionalities on the Apple Watch, such as the Digital Crown, might be reimagined to open widgets instead of triggering the home screen.

Reality Pro: The Wait Is Over Soon

The much-anticipated mixed-reality headset from Apple, rumored to be named Reality Pro or Reality One, is poised to make its debut at WWDC 2023.

Reportedly priced at $3,000, the initial version will likely target developers and professionals. The headset will feature 4K micro-OLED displays, 12 optical cameras for hand movement tracking, two M2-based processors, and an external power supply.

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