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Apple WWDC 2024: What to Expect for Software and Hardware

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Apple did, however, confirm new accessibility features are coming to iPad “later this year” via a press release published in May. These capabilities include the ability to control the iPad with eye tracking, spoken shortcuts that assign custom utterances Siri can understand, and a feature that uses onscreen cues to reduce motion sickness for people looking at their device in a moving vehicle. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see demos of these features at the conference.

MacOS 15

As is the case every year, the official name for the latest version of macOS is always a guessing game. Last year, Parker Ortolani, a product manager at Vox Media, tweeted a list of unused names that Apple has apparently trademarked—one of those names being Sonoma, which was used for the current version of macOS. So, the company may go with any of the names that remain. (I’m personally rooting for macOS Mammoth.)

Rumors suggest a redesigned calculator app (exciting!) is coming to Mac. According to AppleInsider, it’ll look similar to the iOS version, with rounded buttons and the ability to adjust the size. The app will also come equipped with a history tape for accessing previous calculations and support for Math Notes—which the publication says “will essentially foster integration of the Calculator and Notes applications, giving users the option to create notes with math-related elements or mathematical notation.” Let’s hope this means we’re finally getting a Calculator app for iPad too.

In late May, AppleInsider also reported that macOS 15 will come with some UI changes. Siri will could have a new monochromatic menu bar icon, a redesigned System Settings app (where apps will be reorganized based on importance), and a new unified menu for page controls in Safari.

Speaking of Safari, we might also see a new Intelligent Search feature that uses the Ajax LLM to pinpoint topics and key phrases from a webpage to generate a summary.

WatchOS 11

Unlike iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, it appears the updates to watchOS won’t be as extensive. (The same applies to tvOS 18.) But this tracks, seeing how watchOS 10 was packed with new features like a specialized cycling capability, topographic maps for hiking, mental health tools, and easier navigation between apps.

According to, yet again, Mark Gurman, WatchOS 11 might include a more advanced version of Siri for “on-the-go tasks” (which would make sense since iOS 18 is rumored to include a Siri overhaul) as well as Fitness app upgrades. Aside from that, it’s likely a minor update overall. In terms of Apple Watch support, a report from iPhoneSoft via MacRumors, claims that Apple will be dropping support for the Apple Watch Series 4 (which came out in 2018).

VisionOS 2.0

Although the Vision Pro was unveiled at WWDC last year, visionOS was released in February of this year at the same time the mixed-reality headset started shipping. But the next big software update is reportedly already in the works.

In Gurman’s Power On newsletter, he says Apple is expanding its catalog of native apps rather than just running iPad versions of them (in compatibility mode) on the headset. As 9to5Mac pointed out, several Apple apps aren’t native to visionOS yet including Calendar, Books, News, Podcasts, Reminders, Voice Memos, Stocks, Home, Shortcuts, and Maps. So maybe those will arrive on the face computer.

It’s possible we could also see a new “respiration tracking” feature, MacRumors reports. This was discovered by contributor Aaron Perris, who found references to the feature in lines of code within Vision Pro’s Mindfulness app. It will apparently give “users an immersive meditation experience using either guided meditations or self-guided sessions” by sensing your rate of breathing. However, it’s not clear whether or not this will be included in a visionOS update or if Apple will save it for a future version of the OS.

As with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple did confirm that new accessibility features are coming to the Vision Pro later this year. Some of the features mentioned in the press release are Live Captions to follow along with dialog in both live conversations and app audio (with the ability to move captions via the window bar during Apple immersive Video), along with a few features that make the Vision Pro more accessible: a color inverter, a setting that changes the transparency of windows and objects in the field of view, and a feature that dims flashing light effects.

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June 6, 2024
How an iPhone Powered by Google’s Gemini AI Might Work

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So, assuming the deal does go through, what might Gemini look like on the iPhone?

First off, Gartenberg says it will likely manifest with a distinctly un-Apple label.

“It would probably be something Apple couldn’t hide under its own brand,” he says. “Perhaps it would be a setting where you could select your assistant, where it could be Siri classic or Siri the sequel. And if I’m Google, I’m going to hold out for some kind of branding on this.”

He points out that the default search engine on iOS now is Google Search, and it isn’t rebranded as an Apple service there. Any AI features powered by Gemini would probably warrant the same flashing neon lights, especially at a time when Google is very motivated to show off its AI chops.

Apple will also likely keep focus on its own ambitions. Siri, the occasionally helpful and much maligned voice assistant, has long lagged behind other digital assistants. Don’t call it a glow up, but Apple will likely be looking to Gemini-infused AI advancements to breathe new life into its floundering digital helper.

“I think that they will double down on Siri and be like, ‘This is the Siri we had envisioned when we introduced it 10 years ago,’” Moorhead says. “Essentially, it’s going to do the same thing, with a higher degree of value. It’ll be something that actually works.”

This juiced-up Super Siri could become a fully fledged chatbot, with integrated conversational AI that can stare deep into your life. It’s likely to power real-time language translations, however fraught that may prove. Apple could also use Gemini to power advanced photo and video editing techniques, such as swapping out backgrounds, combining multiple photos to get everyone’s face just right, or using AI-powered editing tools to manipulate photos more wholly.

Image creation capabilities will probably be on the table, like something generated with Dall-E or Midjourney. Moorhead suggests Apple could even incorporate this kind of feature into Siri, such as using a voice command to ask the digital assistant to “make that background blue” or to “make this picture a sunny day,” and then see the results right there in your photo roll.

One big feature that Moorhead says is expected on AI-powered phones across the board—not just iPhones, but Android phones too—is enhanced AI snapshots of your life. The idea here is that on-device AI could make a record of everything happening on your phone throughout the day, then compile all that information and keep it at the ready to be recalled later.

“The runaway hit is going to be snapshots,” Moorhead says. “For people like me who don’t remember anything and have to write everything down, this is going to be great.”

These are, of course, all features that companies like Google and Samsung have touted before, or are at least already working on. But Apple is Apple, and while it is often not the first company to bring new innovations to market, it has a way of making its execution of an idea more enticing or easier to use—even when it’s forced to incorporate another company’s technology.

“There’s an opportunity here for Apple to talk about how the new generation of artificial intelligence meets Apple and Siri, and produces something better,” Gartenberg says. “It’s not going to be enough for them to just deliver the basic generative AI stuff. They’ve got to be able to say they’ve taken the Google stuff and are actually going beyond that.”

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April 1, 2024
The Top New Features in macOS Sonoma: How to Download, Compatible Macs
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Also new in Safari is the ability to separate the browser via profiles, meaning you can create one profile for work and another for your personal life. It splits your history, extensions, cookies, Tab Groups, and Favorites, and it’s easy to switch back and forth.

You can also now create web apps that allow you to turn your favorite websites into an app-like experience that you can place in the dock. Instead of opening a browser window, these web apps launch and act like traditional macOS apps when you click on them. You can get notifications from them, and even segment them in tools like Stage Manager.

Additionally, Apple is making it easy to share passwords with close friends, family, and colleagues with shared accounts. When you create a group, everyone is able to add and edit passwords and share them through iCloud Keychain (with end-to-end encryption).

More With Messages

Video: Apple

As with iOS 17, Apple brought a few new upgrades to the Messages app. Building on inline replies first introduced with iOS 14, you can swipe right to quickly reply to a specific message, instead of having to long-press on it each time.

Improvements have also been made to search within Messages. Whenever you search for something, results are now divided into categories like people, keywords, photos, and links, making them easier to find. There’s also a one-time passcode cleanup feature that automatically deletes one-time passcodes through AutoFill—which helps clean up your list of conversations. The company is also making a big push for Stickers. Any stickers you create with iOS or iPadOS (including Live Stickers made using Live Photos) are now accessible on your Mac too.

Game Mode

Video: Apple

Gaming on an M-series Mac? You’ll appreciate the new Game Mode feature for graphically intensive titles. It ensures the Mac gives high priority to the CPU and GPU while you’re playing a game, delivering a smoother experience with consistent frame rates. It also lowers the audio latency when you’re using AirPods and reduces input latency with supported PlayStation and Xbox controllers.

Communication Safety Features

Photograph: Apple

To prevent people from unexpectedly viewing sensitive images in Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime messages, and third-party apps, users now have the option to enable a Sensitive Content Warning. That way, photos and videos containing nudity will be blurred, with the option to choose whether you want to see them and the ability to block the contact who sent them. Expanding on the communication safety features for children in iOS 15, parents and guardians can blur sensitive videos (in addition to photos) that their children send or receive as well. The feature also works with the Photos app when opened within Messages.

New Screen Savers

Video: Apple

If you love the preloaded screensavers that come with your Mac, you’ll be happy to hear that new options are here—with slow-motion videos of locations from all around the world, including Arizona, California, and Hong Kong. The login prompt has also moved to the bottom of the screen, so it no longer gets in the way of the image on your display.

An Improved Typing Experience

Courtesy of Apple

It’s no secret that Apple’s Autocorrect isn’t the most accurate. And regardless of whether you’re on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it can be a super frustrating feature. Using “enhanced on-device language models,” Autocorrect fixes typos more accurately. Autocorrected words are also now underlined temporarily—making it easier to keep up with what’s been changed as you’re typing. With a new inline predictive text capability, you’ll also see single and multi-word predictions based on what you’re typing to help you finish the message faster.

Accessibility Features

Photograph: Apple

MacOS Sonoma includes a wide range of new accessibility features for vision, cognitive, and speech support. Among the list of capabilities are phonetic suggestions that appear when dictating and editing text via Voice Control; animated images (like GIFs) that can be paused in Safari or Messages; Live Speech, where users can type messages to be spoken aloud during FaceTime and phone calls; the option to customize text size on Mac apps; and the ability to connect Made for iPhone hearing devices to your Mac (available on the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, 2022 Mac Studio, and Mac computers with an M2 chip).

Upgrades to the Notes App

If you’re struggling to keep track of all your notes, you’ll be relieved to know that Apple added the option to link them to each other. You no longer have to scroll through the app to find what you’re looking for. You now have access to new text styles as well, including Block Quote (which offsets a section of writing with a quote bar) and Monostyled Text (with inset text and a visible background). For more layouts and formatting tools, you can also open a specific note in the Pages app.

Additional Features:
- Reminders: Putting together a grocery list? Reminders will automatically sort the items you add based on categories. It will also remember your preferences whenever you change how items are grouped. And a new Column View organizes sections into columns across your screen.
- Find My: You can add up to five other people to your Find My network accessories or AirTags. Those added will be able to follow the item on the map or play a sound to help pinpoint the location of the item.
- Siri: The days of “Hey Siri” are gone. All you have to do is say “Siri” to trigger the voice assistant. This feature will only be available for Macs running an M-series chip.
- Photos: In addition to recognizing people, the Photo app can (finally) automatically recognize cats and dogs.
- Visual Lookup: With the Look Up tool, you can get more information on the subject of a photo. For example, if it’s a photo of food, you can use the feature to find recipes for similar dishes. You can use Visual Lookup in paused video frames too.
- Home App: A new Activity History feature now allows you to see who locked or unlocked the door (and when), as well as recent activity for contact sensors, garage doors, and your security system.
- Apple Music: You’ll be able to invite friends to join a playlist, giving them the ability to add, remove, or reorder songs.
- Enhanced AutoFill for PDFs: You’ll be able to fill out PDFs in Preview using enhanced AutoFill. It will identify fillable fields—like your name, address, and email—and automatically input the information for you.
- Catch Up Arrow: Whether you’re in a group chat or a private conversation, coming back to tons of new messages is overwhelming. A new “catch-up” arrow will bring you to the first new message with a simple tap—so you no longer have to scroll up to find it yourself.
- AppleCare & Warranty: You now can check your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID through Settings.
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February 4, 2024