Nevertheless, this year, there should be at least one big hardware announcement – namely, the unveiling of Apple’s long awaited mixed/virtual/augmented-reality (MR/VR/AR) headset. Thus, expectations are naturally high and we would understand if yours are as well.
This is why we have compiled everything we currently know about WWDC 2023 – from how to watch to what to expect – all in one place. If there is any new information, we will make sure to add it as quickly as possible. So what do we have so far?
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WWDC 2023: Dates and how to watch?
WWDC 2023: What to Expect?
Apple AR/VR Headset
The highlight of this year’s event will almost certainly be Apple’s AR/VR headset, reportedly dubbed the “Reality Pro”. Based on what we know so far about the first-generation device, it will likely be a rather niche product. It is projected to cost upwards of $3000, which is why Apple is already working on another, more affordable headset, expected to launch down the road. The Reality Pro will thus be geared more towards professionals and will come equipped with a plethora of impressive specs, including next-generation display technology, an M2 chipset, and a variety of different sensors to track eye and head movements. For reference, earlier this year Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman gave us the most in-depth look yet of Apple’s VR/AR headset. We also have a couple of renders which showcase the expected design of the device.
Image Credit – Ian Zelbo
The Reality Pro will likely run a new operating system (rumored to be called xrOS), which could be one of the main reasons why Apple has chosen to unveil the headset at WWDC. Such timing should allow developers to work on applications before the new device makes its debut on the market.
Lastly, it is possible that users might have to wait a while before getting their hands on the Reality Pro. According to most analysts, there could be a delay between the announcement at WWDC and the official launch of the headset.
Software Announcements
iOS 17
With that in mind, we mainly expect iOS 17 to bring quality-of-life changes, support for third-party App Stores (in compliance with EU legislation) and improvements to CarPlay. It will also de facto discontinue software support for iPhones released before 2018 (i.e. iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus). Some improvements to the notifications system, new Lock Screen widgets and tweaks to iMessage are also possible.
iPadOS 17
We currently know almost nothing about the upcoming update to iPadOS. Major changes are not particularly likely, but some sort of refinements to the multi-tasking experience on Apple’s high-end iPads could be in the cards, as that will help facilitate the true 2-in-1 fantasy that these devices aspire to deliver.
WatchOS 10
According to Mark Gurman, WatchOS 10 will be “a fairly extensive upgrade” and will bring “notable changes to the user interface”. This makes it the most significant out of all OS updates this year. We do not know the particulars yet, but, odds are, we will not be left disappointed.
New Macs and iPads
The only hardware announcement that we are absolutely certain will take place at WWDC is the one for the Reality Pro. Nevertheless, there are two other possible devices that could make their debuts in June – namely, a revamped iPad Air and a couple of new Macs. The former will probably be nothing more than a spec bump to M2. On the Mac front, however, we could finally see the Mac Pro transition to Apple silicon, something many professionals have patiently been waiting for.
WWDC 2023: What not to Expect?
New iPhone Models
New Apple Watch Models
New AirPods Models
