Here's what you shouldn't expect: hardware. Not only is Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference typically focused on software, but serial Apple tipster and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman claims there will be no new products at WWDC 2024.
So if you like Apple's nifty tech, does that mean you should skip coverage of the event and our guide on how to watch WWDC 2024? Of course not.
This is because the software obviously needs hardware to run, and potential updates and tweaks to devices like iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS could breathe new life into existing hardware.
There are signs of a major Siri AI update that could transform the fairly mediocre virtual assistant, at least compared to the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, into a truly useful tool with generative AI capabilities; Think of it like making vacation plans based on your reservations and plane tickets or clearly summarizing calls and meetings.
If such Siri machinations come true, that could mean a big upgrade for devices like the iPhone 15 and recent iPads. But it could also indicate that the iPhone 16 range could be a much more AI-focused phone, with AI-powered generative features to compete with the likes of the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24.
And AI is likely to play a big role at WWDC 2024 overall, especially as we've seen the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models come with the M4 chip that has been designed to be more efficient for AI workloads. .
From there, we can postulate that there will be macOS updates or future features that will have artificial intelligence and automation at their core; Think AI-assisted editing in Final Cut Pro or AI-powered virtual instruments in GarageBand.
Don't expect any Mac hardware updates, as we recently got new MacBooks and desktop Macs. It would be nice to see a redesigned iMac with a 27-inch screen, but that's wishful thinking.
I would also like to see Apple include some AI in its audiovisual kit. I'd like to see smarter AI tools and controls to adjust things like audio balance with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, or combine multiple sensors on the headphones and connected iPhone to provide insights into things like wellness tracking without needing a AppleWatch.
Any developments on this side could also indicate what we might expect from the rumored AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2, both of which I suspect will have smarter features for their upgrades rather than big improvements in audio quality.
Smarter watches, smart gadgets
As for the Apple Watch, we can expect new watchOS features that could take advantage of the AI processing provided by connected iPhones, likely the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. These could include better-tailored exercise routines or smart fitness recommendations. places to visit based on your location and walking speed; Wandering slowly could suggest that one is looking for a place to eat.
From there, we could get an idea of what the Apple Watch 10 could offer, and perhaps if there's an Apple Watch Ultra 3 on the horizon; I suspect it won't arrive for another 12 months or more, as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 came out in September last year.
Moving on to products that have not had much of an update, we would be looking at the HomePod range. While they are quite capable speakers, neither the full-size nor the compact HomePods have had many significant updates or capabilities. I highly doubt that will change with WWDC, but I'd be curious to see if Apple adds some AI technology to HomeKit, providing more home automation and smart routines between its products and third-party devices.
Ultimately, the answer to the question posed by this article is that the software and platform updates and changes that Apple could show will likely boost the capabilities of existing hardware and show a direction that future products may take in 2024 and beyond.
