Apple has dated its annual WWDC (World Wide Developers Conference). As usual, the event will kick off on 5 June and play host to the more software front of the company. That doesn’t mean Apple won’t be announcing any new hardware during the show as its WWDC keynote, which opens the week of the conference, might have a few surprises in store.
One thing is for sure, Apple will announce iOS 17, a new version of macOS, WatchOS and iPadOS. What the new software will include is still a mystery but the keynote will unveil it all.
WWDC 2023 – When to Watch in South Africa?
You can tune into the WWDC 2023 keynote on 5 June at 19:00 CAT / 1 pm ET / 10 am PT / 7 pm CEST. The stream will be live on the Apple website as well as on its YouTube channel. The best place to watch it is on an Apple TV device as it streams in 4K Dolby Vision.
WWDC 2023 – What to Expect?
Besides the obvious new software announcements at the show, Apple is also expected to announce a lineup of new hardware. The much-rumoured Apple Mixed Reality Headset is said to finally make its debut during the keynote.
Seemingly called the “Reality Pro”, this “ski goggle” like device is Apple’s debut on VR/AR technology. It reportedly features high-end displays, a multitude of internal and external sensors as well as hand-tracking capabilities. With an included dial, users can tune in and out of reality while wearing the headset.
The Apple Reality Pro isn’t going to be cheap. Reports claim that Apple is targeting a $3000 price tag for the unit but the internal tech and the included displays are some of the best you can find on the market. The Reality Pro is also targeting developers and a more business-centric crowd.
Apple is also reportedly working on VR versions of its apps including Safari, Apple TV, FreeForm and more. The company is also working on a cheaper variant of the device but that won’t debut until a much later date.
Apart from the Reality Pro, reports claim that Apple will announce a larger 15-inch MacBook Air at the event. This is the first bump in display size since the Air was introduced back in 2008. The 15-inch MacBook Air will include an M2 chip and a Mini-LED display with a 3024 x 1964 resolution.
iOS 17 and More
One of the biggest features of iOS 17 is reportedly a new mental health app. Apple is adding this journaling app to the new software and it aims to provide a platform to share thoughts and activities during the day.
Apple is also in a tough spot at the moment. The company is being crippled by EU regulators who are enforcing new guidelines on the company which will have them open up their software to more options and apps. One major push it to get Apple to support third-party app stores and sideload apps onto iOS within the EU region. Apple has always been against this in the past.
WWDC 2023 will be the first time Apple is forced to speak up about the new software guidelines and according to reports, it might act as an overhaul to iOS in order to comply with European regulators.
We will share all the news on WWDC 2023 as it happens on the day.
