Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set to kick off with a keynote presentation on June 10. This event, which focuses on Apple’s software offerings and the developers behind them, will unveil the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
In recent years, Apple has faced criticism for falling behind competitors like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI in the field of generative AI research. CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged this concern and has promised to address it. Speculation is now rife that Apple may announce a partnership with GPT-developer OpenAI during WWDC. This collaboration could potentially level the playing field for Apple in the AI arena. Reports suggest that Apple’s AI efforts will be consolidated under the name “Apple Intelligence,” although not all recent Apple devices may support the new system. Additionally, there are rumors about significant AI enhancements coming to iOS 18 and the possibility of Siri receiving a much-needed makeover.
While WWDC traditionally focuses on software updates, Apple has surprised attendees with hardware announcements in recent years. The introduction of Apple Silicon and the Vision Pro headset were notable hardware reveals. However, rumors suggest that this year might be an off-year for hardware announcements, despite pressure following a lukewarm reception for Apple’s mixed reality device and the discontinuation of its electric car project.
Although iOS 18 will be the centerpiece of WWDC, Apple will also unveil macOS 15 with significant design changes, particularly for the Calculator app on iPhones. It is likely that many of the AI features introduced in iOS 18 will also make their way to macOS 15.
TechCrunch will be providing live coverage from Apple Park, ensuring that enthusiasts stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements as they happen.
Overall, WWDC 2024 promises to be an exciting event for Apple enthusiasts, with a focus on software updates, potential AI advancements, and the possibility of surprises in the form of hardware announcements. Stay tuned for more details and insights from TechCrunch’s on-the-ground coverage at Apple Park.