Apple's World Developer Conference WWDC21 is just around the corner. Basically, it is an event for developers focusing on software-related information, but there is a strong view that there will be a hardware announcement at the keynote speech this year. We've rounded up the current rumors.
When the announcement of WWDC was released, the icon in the eyes of the Memoji character attracted attention. Since there is a notification of "21" on "June 7 (local time)", which indicates the date of the event, there may be an announcement of "21 items" in the keynote speech on this day? There is speculation that
If there are really 21 items, it looks like a long keynote speech of over 2 hours... It can also be simply considered as "21" in "WWDC21". However, in any case, it is expected that the content will be quite varied.
Every year, we introduce the new OS functions scheduled for release in the fall. This time around, Apple seems to be more successful at preventing information leaks in advance.
From ``Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)'', ``10.1'', ``10.2'', and ``10.15'' in 2019, the version number after the decimal point has been used for macOS versions, but in 2020, ``macOS 11 Big Sur" and the integer part have been changed. In 2021, this will continue with “macOS 12”, and the rule of increasing integers will continue.
It seems that there are many views that the content will remain a minor update.
Last year's iOS 14 brought significant updates to widgets, the App Library, privacy protection, and more. With iOS 15, it seems that customization of notification management and automatic reply according to the user's situation will be possible. For example, changing the presence or style of notifications while you are working, driving, or sleeping.
Also, there is information that "Messages" is being updated with the aim of surpassing "WhatsApp".
In addition, updates such as further enhancement of widget functions and privacy functions installed in iOS 14, meal recording function of "Healthcare", redesign of control center, double biometric authentication, etc. are rumored. I'm here.
Features that were on iOS last year but not on iPadOS, such as Widgets and App Libraries, are finally being implemented. Also, just like iOS 15 is expected, it is expected to include enhanced notification functions and message updates, which is likely to be the biggest update since the birth of iPadOS.
Also, in a press release issued last month on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, it was stated that "iPad will support third-party eye-tracking hardware." It seems that we can expect a demonstration using a compatible device around here.
In the same press release, an accessibility feature for operating Apple Watch with hand gestures is disclosed. Actions such as clasping hands, touching fingertips, and tilting the wrist enable actions such as tapping, selecting, and swiping.
No other details have been released, but the new Apple Watch has long been expected to measure blood sugar levels. Also noteworthy is the support for the Apple Watch Series 3, which is currently being sold at the lowest price.
The new Apple TV 4K was released in May of this year, but its presence is muted in the shadow of the M1-equipped iMac and iPad Pro. Little information is available about the new OS.
If there is, there is also talk that HomePod, which is currently based on tvOS, will be equipped with "Home OS (provisional)" independently, or will be renewed as Home OS for Apple TV and HomePod. . A HomePod with a monitor is also rumored, or it could be.
Compared to recent events where a lot of advance information was circulated, this time it seems that there are many secrets, but in such a way The MacBook Pro 14-inch / 16-inch model is considered certain.
Like the latest iPad Pro 12.9-inch, it is equipped with a mini-LED that achieves higher brightness and higher contrast than ordinary LEDs. In addition, there are rumors that a next-generation chip with higher performance than the current M1 will be installed.
There is also a view that it will be equipped with an HDMI port and an SD card slot, and will be a square and flat form like the iMac with M1. Looking at the flow of iPad Pro and iPhone 12, this is a likely flow.
In addition, there are voices of expectations for Mac mini and Mac Pro, but due to the worldwide shortage of semiconductors, the supply of hardware in the second half of this year is worried.
It is unknown whether the unmarked iPad and iPad mini will be included in this announcement, but they will definitely be released soon. are viewed. Compared to the latest iPad Pro equipped with M1 and iPad Air equipped with A14 Bionic, it is a model that was slightly behind. If things are aligned here, it will be easier to add some big new features to iPadOS.
In terms of design, it is natural to adopt a form with flat sides like the iPhone and iMac. In that case, the Touch ID button and Lightning connector finally placed on the front will disappear from the iPad. It is noteworthy whether it will be realized ahead of the iPhone.
AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have also been rumored to appear since last year. There is also the view that the launch was postponed in anticipation of a decline in demand due to fewer opportunities to go out due to the corona sickness.
The new AirPods will have a shorter stem (axis) and the shape of the case will change significantly. There is information that the AirPods Pro may lose the stem and be equipped with a motion sensor. However, the significance of WWDC as a place for announcements is small, so even if it is released, it is a delicate place whether it will be included in the keynote speech.
Maybe the "Mixed Reality (MR)" headset that Apple has been developing for some time is about to come out? The story is rekindled again this time. It is a display device for using AR and VR, and it is said that a head-mounted display like a large goggle is planned first, and a lightweight glasses type is planned later.
The outer moat is filling up in terms of the performance of the iPhone and iPad. The hand gesture operation introduced on the Apple Watch also makes us anticipate its application on MR. Also, considering the necessity of content development, the announcement at WWDC is not unnatural.
If announced, it would be a new category of device for Apple. You may be able to hear "One more thing..." for the first time since the Apple Watch announcement in September 2014.