Apple’s widely anticipated annual event, the World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC), is almost upon us. The event scheduled to take place from June 10th to June 14th, 2024 is poised to be pivotal for the Silicon Valley giant, where it is expected to make some major AI-related announcements, such as integrating generative AI into iOS or introducing a more conversational large language model-based (LLM) Siri.
The WWDC is a precursor to Apple’s hardware events in the fall and is centered around its software ecosystem for the iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Last year, the company surprised attendees by announcing the Vision Pro, reminding us that there could also be some major hardware announcements this time around.
Here is what to expect from WWDC 2024.
AI Takes Center Stage
While AI continues to dominate the headlines in the tech industry, Apple has been relatively quiet about its endeavors in the field, even lagging behind competitors Google, Samsung, and Microsoft.
However, that is all set to change this year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gruman, Apple has reportedly reached a deal with Microsoft-backed AI startup OpenAI to integrate its chatbot – ChatGPT – into iOS18.
Unlike its rivals, Apple does not have a dedicated AI assistant on the iPhone or Mac. The company is rumored to be in talks with Google to offer Gemini AI as an assistant on its devices. The discussions are ongoing and a decision may not be made until further down the line.
Siri is Getting an Overhaul
Often boasted as being one of the first voice assistants on a smartphone, Apple’s Siri has not evolved much since its launch in 2011 with the iPhone 4s. Siri has been left to trail the dust of Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa.
Now Apple is bringing major upgrades to Siri by using large language models (LLMs) to enable the assistant to perform more specific tasks within apps, such as opening documents or sending emails. Reports suggest that Siri will be able to analyze the phone’s activity and automatically suggest features depending on the usage.
However, these Siri enhancements are not likely to be rolled out until early 2025.
iOS 18 and macOS 15
All of the generative AI features Apple has developed will be integrated into its smartphone and computer operating systems – iOS 18 and macOS 15. The company’s approach to AI is rather a practical one that is focused on assisting everyday users.
Bloomberg has listed some highly anticipated generative AI tools that may be coming to the Apple ecosystem this fall, such as an AI-driven transcription for quick and easy voice memo recordings, enhanced search capabilities, a much more natural and intuitive Siri, summarization of news stories, documents, and notifications, and custom emoji that is generated based on the content of the text.
According to sources, the following Apple devices are expected to be compatible with iOS18 and macOS 15:
iOS18
macOS 15
RCS Messaging
RCS or Rich Communication Services is a more secure and advanced mobile messaging protocol than the three-decade-old SMS. Unlike its predecessor, RCS offers end-to-end encryption, improved media sharing for higher-resolution images, videos, and audio clips, and support for WiFi messaging among others.
Apple has for years refused to add RCS to its messaging platform, prioritizing iMessage, which itself has many of the same features. However, the company budged last year after it was forced to comply with the EU’s strict regulations for tech firms.
The company said it would enable RCS support for iPhones, starting with iOS 18. This means that messaging between iOS and Android should be a much better experience, but the green bubble might persist. Apple will integrate iMessage features such as typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and end-to-end encryption to RCS messages.
Additional AI Features
Apple Music is rumored to be getting an auto-generated playlist feature that is more akin to the OpenAI-powered tool rolled out by Spotify in 2023. Apple Maps will include custom routes and topographic maps just like in the Apple Watch.
Users can record voice notes on the Notes app, which is most likely to be overlayed with the AI transcription function. Other core Apple apps are also in line for major updates, such as productivity apps like Keynote and Pages, which will get generative AI functionality. The Mail, Fitness, and Health apps are also expected to be powered by AI, but their details haven’t surfaced yet.
Apple Hardware Expectations
Last year, Apple announced the Vision Pro alongside the 15-inch MacBook Air, and the M2 Ultra Mac Pro and Mac Studio. At this year’s WWDC, the focus will largely be on software rather than hardware.
Apple does use the occasion to introduce its next-generation silicon, and it will be no different this time. There could be announcements related to an upgraded M3 and the recently announced M4 that could be coming to the Mac lineup to be unveiled this fall.
The A18 bionic for the upcoming iPhone 16 series is expected to be packed with AI performance cores, similar to the new M4 chips found in the latest iPad Pro variants.
We could see some refreshed peripherals, like the possibility that Apple might announce a new version of the AirPods Max with a USB Type C charging port. The Apple Watch is turning 10 this year, so there could be some major announcements regarding the smartwatch and its watchOS software.
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