WWDC 2023: Finally an AR/VR Device From Apple?
Apple may announce Apple Reality Pro, Mac Pro, a 15-inch MacBook Air, xrOS, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS 14, and tvOS 17.
- WWDC 2023 is scheduled for a June 5 kick-off with a keynote address by Apple CEO Tim Cook at 10 AM PT (1 PM EST).
- WWDC 2023 will be hosted at Apple Park, Cupertino, California, as a hybrid event but will be live-streamed for free.
- Apple is expected to announce Apple Reality Pro, Mac Pro, a 15-inch MacBook Air, xrOS, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS 14, and tvOS 17.
Late in March this year, Apple confirmed it would host the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in the first week of June 2023. Before the event, Spiceworks has consolidated all the expectations brewing in the rumor mills of the internet.
Apple seemed impervious to macroeconomic headwinds for a while, first during COVID-19 and later after the conflict between Ukraine and Russia broke out. The company continued to post positive growth numbers throughout as demand for the company’s famed devices remained high.
However, the company has taken a hit in the first two quarters of 2023, wherein its revenue declined by 5% and 3%, respectively. Apple’s net income declined by 13.3% and 3.3% in the same two quarters.
As of Q2 2023, iPhone continues to earn the most for Apple ($51.33 billion), with its Services business segment posting an all-time record ($20.91 billion). However, reports suggest a new Apple device could soon hit the shelves. Here’s what to expect at WWDC 2023:
What To Expect From WWDC 2023?
Devices
1. Apple Reality Pro and xrOS
Apple is expected to introduce a new AR/VR headset, making it the third Big Tech company to enter the segment after Meta (through Oculus) and Microsoft. However, Microsoft’s HoloLens hasn’t generated enough buzz in the consumer space like the Oculus Quest series.
Apple Reality Pro is expected to have a ski goggles-esque design, with AR and VR capabilities, an external battery pack connected with a cable, an OLED display, cameras for tracking, and powered with Apple’s in-built silicone and the new xrOS.
Rumors suggest Apple is bringing its proprietary apps, such as FaceTime, Safari, Apple TV, and others, to the device. The device could be pegged at $3,000, making it a rather pricey proposition compared to the $399 price tag of Oculus Quest 2. It is also almost double the price of the Oculus Quest Pro’s original $1,500 selling price (now brought down to $999).
Meta is also expected to launch the Oculus Quest 3 later this year. Mark Gurman, Chief Correspondent, Bloomberg, noted, “Meta hasn’t yet settled on pricing for the device, but people involved in its development believe it may come in higher than the Quest 2’s $400.”
2. Mac Pro
It seems Apple isn’t giving up on developers and IT pros working with the Mac Pro line of workstations and servers. The previous Mac Pros were also introduced at WWDCs, with the latest one at the 2019 edition of the event, which runs on the Intel Cascade Lake-based Xeon W
Mac Pro is now the only product segment that doesn’t feature Apple’s internally designed semiconductors, keeping the Intel connection alive. Going by previous Mac Pro announcements, the new one should come right about now. However, Gurman expects it to be released sometime later in 2023.
3. MacBook Air (15-inch)
MacBook Airs usually feature a 13.6-inch display, while its cousin, the MacBook Pro, sporting 14- and 16-inch ones. At WWDC 2023, Apple could debut a 15-inch MacBook Air model for those who seek the ultra-thin form factor of the Air without compensating for the high performance of the M2 chip.
Based on the price difference between the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, the 15-inch version of the MacBook Air could be priced approximately $500 higher as compensation for the bigger screen. However, according to a Bloomberg report, it could lose some of its sheen, considering its screen resolution is the same as the smaller 14-inch MacBook Pro (3024 x 1964).
See More: Apple Bans ChatGPT Use, Seeks Hundreds of AI/ML Professionals
Software
Being a developer conference, WWDC is expected to bring some important software and OS updates. WWDC 2023 also marks the debut of the xrOS.
1. iOS17 (and iPadOS 17)
As is the case every year, WWDC 2023 will also see Apple launch the next iteration of its mobile OS — iOS 17.
The most critical update users could look forward to is the ability to sideload apps onto iPhones to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Sideloading refers to downloading and installing applications on devices from third-party app stores. It is unclear if sideloading is specific to European devices.
The latest OS also boasts many accessibility features, such as Live Speech, Personal Voice, and updates to Siri (though none pertain to integration with ChatGPT). iOS 17 is also expected to bring a smart display feature that should convert an iPhone into an informational hub, a revamped Control Center, and a major update to the Health app.
iOS should come in the box starting with the upcoming iPhone 15.
iPadOS 17 is more or less similar to iOS 17 with some display and tablet-related customizations. Additionally, iPadOS 17 will be the first iPadOS version set to get iOS 17’s Health app.
2. watchOS 10
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that watchOS 10 would get a significant user interface update focused on an enhanced widget experience. Besides health and fitness, the updated watchOS could ease how users interact with Apple’s wearables for weather, calendar, and more. Apple is also expected to make power consumption more efficient on Apple Watches.
3. macOS 14 and tvOS 17
macOS 14 and tvOS 17 have taken a backseat this year, with no major updates expected.
When and Where Is WWDC 2023?
WWDC 2023 is scheduled for a June 5 kick-off with the keynote address by Apple CEO Tim Cook at 10 AM PT (1 PM EST). The State of the Union presentation is scheduled for the same day at 1:30 PM PT (4:30 PM EST).
WWDC 2023 will be hosted at Apple Park, Cupertino, California, as a hybrid event (i.e., online and in-person). Apple will stream the event free of charge on its YouTube channel and is inviting select individuals to attend in person. The company is also holding a special event, including online sessions, labs, activities, a meet and greet with the Apple team, Apple Design Awards ceremony, etc., for which registrations are now closed.
Which update are you looking forward to from the WWDC 2023 event? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. We’d love to hear from you!
Image source: Shutterstock
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