What to expect from WWDC 2024: iOS 18, macOS 15 and so much AI | TechCrunch

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference begins Monday at 10am PT/1pm ET with Tim Cook’s standard speech. While last year’s WWDC will be remembered as the event that finally introduced the world to Vision Pro, the company hopes to make next week’s event even more memorable as it finally outlines its generative AI plans.

Here you will find information on how to live stream the event.

The WWDC opening reveal is different from other Apple keynotes in that it’s the start of a weeklong online and in-person event that runs from June 10 to 14. As the company began to open things up more to the public during the pandemic, it’s important to remember the reason for the season: Like Google I/O and Microsoft Build before it, the real purpose of the event is to showcase the latest updates to developers.

Hardware updates

While recent years have featured major hardware updates, due to developments in Mac silicon and last year’s headset preview, WWDC is not a hardware event. In fact, the latest buzz from the rumor mill points to a flagship launch that is very light on the hardware. Bloomberg now even suggests that the event will be completely devoid of new devices.

Keep in mind, Apple made the unusual choice to host a standalone virtual iPad event almost exactly a month before WWDC. The May 7 event debuted new versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air. To the chagrin of many, AI did not play a major role in the event. After all the fuss about models like GPT and the big fuss Google has made about integrating Gemini into Android, Apple should be on the move next week.

That said, the new M4 chip just debuted in the iPad. MacBooks featuring the chip and its more powerful siblings can’t be far off. Neither is the upcoming iPhone A18 chip, which the company will almost certainly claim is “the most advanced AI smartphone chip” or something equivalent.

HE everything

Concern that Apple is lagging behind in the artificial intelligence generation has been enough to prompt Cook to promise big things in shareholder calls. In fact, the CEO took the decision to comment on future plans. In May, he promised the company would “break new ground” in generative AI, adding, “We believe it will unlock transformative opportunities for our users.”

Will Apple’s attempt to break new ground actually be groundbreaking? I predict it will be big on promises for developers, highlighting how generative AI will influence future versions of the company’s various operating systems – with a focus on iOS. Rumors about Apple’s approach to the world of large language models have been circulating for some time.

Early reports suggested the company was meeting with Google about possible Gemini integration for iOS. This would be a huge win for Google, with the model playing a key role in two operating systems that account for a combined 96% of the global mobile operating system market. However, more recent reports have hinted at a partnership with OpenAI. Like I/O before it, I’d predict I’d be sick and tired of all the AI ​​talk by the time the company is over.

After the collapse of its electric car project, Apple reportedly pulled a number of employees into its internal AI generation efforts. Given how fresh that news is, it’s safe to say the company is still behind the competition out there. With that in mind, I predict that a lot of AI-related news will come off the back of its OpenAI deal.

iOS 18 with more AI

Along with that partnership, expect iOS 18 to be the centerpiece of the event. There’s a lot going for what’s said to be “one of the biggest iOS updates — if not the biggest — in the company’s history.” It’s going to be so big, in fact, that Sarah took time out of her busy schedule to put together the rumored updates. I don’t want to repeat her work, so I’ll distill some of the rumors here. Go read her story for more.

• Siri is getting a long-awaited refresh, courtesy of Apple’s AI-generating work. The update will make the smart assistant more capable with the ability to directly edit photos, delete emails and other everyday tasks. The update is also said to bring improved voice, notification summaries and an advanced version of Siri for the Apple Watch.
• AI will also seep into the Safari browser for smarter search, Notes for summaries, and Voice Memos for transcriptions (something Google has been touting for some time).
• Generative AI is also coming to emoji, allowing users to customize and create their own in Messages.
• Apple is also said to be relaxing layout restrictions so that users can place icons and widgets wherever they want on their home screen.

Apple announced that RCS (Rich Communication Services) is coming to Messages, to make Android users feel a little less bad — still green bubble, mind. Reports suggested it would arrive last fall, but that ship has definitely sailed. This coming fall, on the other hand, seems like a good bet, especially with the whole DOJ on the horizon.

the debut of macOS 15

Every time Tim Cook says “AI,” an investor gets his wings. While iOS will undoubtedly be the main focus of the operating system, Apple still has news in the works for the desktop. We’ll get the official name for macOS 15. What’s the biggest AI name in California? Alameda? Alcatraz? RodAI Drive?

Many iOS updates should also trickle down to macOS, including those to Siri, Notes, and Safari. Apple’s office apps are also said to be getting a next-generation AI boost. This includes help in Pages, Keynote, and the Xcode developer environment app.

System Settings will continue Apple’s long-standing project of bringing macOS back to iOS, with a design refresh. Apple should also review some key accessibility features. And don’t forget the most exciting update of all, some big design changes to Calculator – the most used app, but somehow you don’t get to think about it.