Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) kicks off today in San Francisco with an address from CEO Tim Cook, and should feature a variety of announcements. Although an iPhone 6 may well not make an appearance, the company should still have some interesting reveals up its sleeve, which could well include the following…
iOS 8
The unveiling of iOS 8 is probably the most obvious announcement, given a number of leaks in recent weeks. Alongside the usual software fixes, (which should include major updates for Maps and Siri) we’re expecting a much more health-focused offering in the new OS, including Apple’s new Healthbook software, which will look to keep track with the growing wearable technology market by tracking and displaying your vital statistics, including steps, heart rate and blood pressure. Whether this is from existing devices or from Apple’s own wearables remains to be seen however…
iPhone Mobile Payments
Apple has been heavily embracing the retail sector recently, throwing a lot of weight behind its iBeacons technology, which uses location-based tracking to send consumers push notifications featuring offers or vouchers. With the release of iOS 8, Apple could well introduce a dedicated payments app or service linked directly to your iPhone or iPad, allowing for contactless payments, letting you skip the queues altogether. This may well be integrated with the TouchID system found on the iPhone 5S, which could link biometric information from the user in order to authenticate payments.
OS X 10.10
Alongside its mobile OS, Apple has also confirmed that we’ll be getting a look at the new version of its Mac OS at WWDC. Reportedly named "Yosemite", OS X could well feature a full redesign somewhat akin to the style seen in iOS 7, with "toggle designs" similar to the mobile offering, sharper window corners, more defined icons and more white space than in its predecessor, OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
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Retina Macbook Air and Macbook Pro
Following in the footsteps of Retina versions of its iPad and iPad Mini, it seems likely that we’ll see a new Macbook with the advanced screen technology integrated. A 12 inch display version is the most likely, slotting in the gaps in Apple’s current product line, especially given the refresh last month, which included price drops on existing models.
There could well also be a Retina Macbook Pro on the horizon, given that this model hasn’t seen any new offerings since last October, as Apple looks to roll out the technology across a wider range of products.
Apple Smart Home
Finally, one of the more intriguing rumours surrounding WWDC is that Apple is planning to launch a "Smart Home" platform, which will allow your iOS devices to link in with sensors around your home to provide a variety of services. This could include having your lights turn on automatically turn on when you enter your home, or having your Apple TV display notifications from appliances in your kitchen. It could also mean further integration with existing smart home accessories such as the Nest thermostat, which could be controlled from a central application or platform on your iPhone or iPad.
But two things we’re not expecting…A new iPhone or iWatch
As much as we’d love to see some new mobile or wearable devices at WWDC, the event may come a little early for the iPhone 6 or the company’s iWatch. Given previous release cycles, the iPhone 6 should make an appearance later this year, although our first sight of iOS 8 may provide a glimpse or what we can expect. Same goes for the iWatch, as although we may get a walk through Apple’s Healthbook service from Tim Cook as a taster of what consumers will experience, there probably won’t be a device revealed until later this year.
