New Delhi: It is that special time of the year when Apple fans will get to see the company roll out its new products. Software, is what we are talking about even as the hardware part, in terms of iPhone launches, generally happen in September. And today is the day when CEO Tim Cook will step forward and indicate to the world that Apple is all set to take on rivals, who have stolen a march on it, in the field of artificial intelligence too. While companies like Samsung and Google have forged ahead in offering AI boosted phones and features, Apple has been treading warily in the field. However, that is not a surprise as Apple has traditionally taken careful steps while entering any new segment. And once it decides to step in, it has always managed to roll out products that literally blow others out of the water. Is the same set to happen today?
Notably, the company is expected to showcase what some have dubbed as roll out of ‘Apple Intelligence’, which will span iPhones, iPads and Macs. This has become a necessity simply because rivals have made big inroads in the market and not doing so will hurt Apple sales in a big way. How big will the event be? In the eyes of Apple executive Greg Joswiak, it will be “Absolutely Incredible”.
Here we take a close look at the Apple WWDC 2024 and the things that are widely expected to be announced. Notably, if you are in India, the event starts at 10:30 PM and can be watched on Apple’s YouTube channel, X and even the website. The event will be held in Apple Park, Cupertino, California.
Known as the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the highlight of the entire event is likely to be artificial intelligence. Cook is expected to list all the new gen-AI-boosted products, features and on which devices they can be used on. Apple WWDC 2024 keynote: 10 things to expect –
1. Artificial intelligence is the first thing on the agenda and it will reveal whether Apple can actually take on Microsoft, Google, Samsung and other tech majors. It will span all products and software.
2. iOS 18 is rumored to get a massive redesign along with AI power. It is expected to actually put your iPhones and other gadgets to work for you. In fact, there may well be a feature that allows you to control certain aspects of your iPhone with voice commands, Tech Radar reports. It will also allow you greater flexibility in tailoring the home screen as well as the way apps are positioned. In fact, if iOS 18 design changes, it will also bring changes in Apple Maps, Safari browser and more. And yes, it may get RCS support for messaging, as Google itself hinted at.
3. OpenAI’s ChatGPT-boosted personal digital assistant in the form of Siri. It will definitely be an upgrade from the old Siri and will actually do work for you rather than merely responding, calling someone or listing stuff. In effect, it will be capable of responding to a conversation in a similar manner as ChatGPT. In fact, a teaser by Apple itself suggested that recently. It may well be something of a truly productive @work, 24/7 assistant in the true sense of the word. In fact, it will not be a surprise if AI and Siri steal the show at the event. Siri is up against Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini.
4. Apple’s apps like Music, Voice Memo, Notes and others will likely be driven into the AI era too. Notably, AI will help in writing messages, managing or creating playlists etc.
5. Apple will also likely roll out AI capabilities for app developers.
6. iPadOS 18, watchOS 11: There is not much information available about iPadOS and watchOS. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says watchOS 11 will have only ‘minor changes’
7. Settings app will likely undergo a huge change to reflect all the changes that are happening across the Apple ecosystem.
8. Apple is also set to roll out an enhanced passwords feature. Considering that so many changes have happened in terms of both technology and software, a new app is highly likely to roll out to better deal with the changed cybersecurity environment.
9. Greater focus on privacy. Apple has set the standards for others to follow and it will likely announce how it is taking this aspect forward to protect its customers.
10. macOS 15, tvOS, visionOS: Again, not much has been revealed about these softwares, but the chances of them not being affected by the wider changes are minimal.
