Exciting Anticipations for WWDC23: What to Expect
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As the time approaches for the Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC), enthusiasts are eager to dissect Apple’s invitation graphic for hints about the event's announcements. However, I’m not falling into that trap; the invitation often serves as a playful gesture from the marketing team, meaning little in terms of actual product reveals.
The concentric circles depicted in the invite might suggest something related to virtual reality, but I initially interpreted them as a top-down view of the audience seating at the Steve Jobs Theatre. Yet, with the event being online-only this year, perhaps I’m reading too much into it.
Typically, Apple’s event invites are more about creative flair than serious hints. Still, given the swirling rumors about a new VR device, there may be some truth behind the speculation. Personally, I hope it signals the revival of the Mac Pro, perhaps in a nostalgic trash can design, but adorned with Apple’s signature six colors.
The Mac Pro
The time has come for the highly anticipated Apple silicon-based Mac Pro. It is long overdue, as Apple had hinted at a complete transition to its own chips within a two-year timeframe, a deadline that slipped away in late 2022. Currently, the only Intel Mac left is the most powerful model, yet it’s losing that title as the M-series Macs continue to outperform expectations. I’m eager to see the capabilities of the new Mac Pro and its target audience.
New MacBook Airs
I anticipate that WWDC will unveil a new version of the MacBook Air in two forms. The first will be an upgrade to the existing 13-inch model, showcasing the potential of the new M3 chip. Although it may seem premature for an M2 successor, by the time of WWDC, the M2 MacBook Air will be nearing a year old, and it’s evident that the M2 was a stopgap while production ramps up for the M3.
The second variant could be a fresh 15-inch MacBook Air. This larger model, powered by the M3 chip, would be an ideal choice for developers who may not have the budget for a MacBook Pro, especially with Apple targeting this demographic at WWDC.
All the OS’s (obviously)
WWDC would not be complete without the latest iterations of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Last year, I noted that I had no specific desires for updates to macOS and iOS, and that sentiment holds true this year. My experiences with both systems have been nothing short of exceptional, despite ongoing concerns about stability.
Both watchOS and tvOS continue to impress, particularly the latter, which has transformed my living room experience. As for iPadOS, my focus will be on the potential introduction of Apple-branded professional applications that truly leverage the power of the M1 and M2 chips. Surely, it’s about time for that.
Mixed Reality
Setting aside the playful interpretations of the invite, it appears highly likely that we will see Apple’s mixed reality hardware and its accompanying operating system at WWDC. However, I expect this will be more of a preview rather than a full-scale launch.
I’m intrigued by this development. It seems early for Apple to venture into a technology that has remained relatively nascent and awkward for years. If the rumors are true, we might be looking at an expensive device with limited appeal, although it could serve as a refreshing topic for discussion among tech enthusiasts.
Final Thought
There will undoubtedly be several things missing from WWDC this year. I increasingly doubt we will see an update for the iMac until later on, and those hoping for a new Mac Studio may be left disappointed, as that ship appears to have sailed.
The highlight of this year’s keynote will likely be the mixed reality announcements, which are expected to dominate headlines for quite some time. Apple is aware of this, making WWDC a particularly thrilling event.
Prepare yourselves for an exciting ride!
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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on March 30, 2023.