Apple is expected to unveil its latest AI innovations along with updates to iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and the rest of its software ensemble.
The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 10, and conclude on June 14. The event will kick off with a significant keynote on the first day featuring CEO Tim Cook alongside top executives who will introduce updates intended for consumers. The subsequent days will focus on developer workshops and exclusive demonstration sessions.
Developers and press members will attend the event at Apple Park in Cupertino throughout the week, while others can view the live stream of the opening keynote on Apple’s website or YouTube channel.
What can we expect at WWDC 2024?
WWDC is typically the platform where Apple showcases the latest major versions of its various operating systems, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, MacOS 15, WatchOS 11, tvOS 18, and VisionOS 2.0.
The event offers developers an opportunity to engage with experts and explore new tools and features that aid in creating innovative apps for the Apple ecosystem.
Additionally, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Developer Relations, Susan Prescott, expressed excitement about connecting with developers globally during this exceptional week of technology and community at WWDC24. She emphasized that the conference is dedicated to sharing new ideas and equipping developers with innovative tools and resources to enhance their creations.
A particular focus of this year’s WWDC will be on Apple’s foray into AI. Despite being somewhat behind its peers—OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google—in integrating generative AI into their products, Apple is making strides. The company has reportedly been developing proprietary AI technology for its next-generation iPhones and other devices. Expected features at WWDC may include AI-driven enhancements for Apple Music and a significant upgrade for Siri under the new “Apple Intelligence” branding.
Apple Intelligence will incorporate AI features subtly into everyday apps like Notes, Email, and Messages, including new summarization capabilities for large texts and transcription in the Voice Memos app. These features will require user consent to function.
Apple has also explored external collaborations, possibly partnering with OpenAI and Google to integrate advanced AI capabilities into iOS. Recently, Apple acquired a Canadian startup, DarwinAI, known for developing compact and efficient AI systems.
Upcoming AI features might include smarter search functions in Safari, AI-created emojis in Messages, and an AI-powered photo editing tool akin to Google’s Magic Eraser. Note that these features are expected to be compatible only with recent Apple products, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and the latest M-series iPads and MacBooks.
Lastly, Apple plans to adopt Rich Communication Services (RCS) following pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, enhancing messaging interoperability between iOS and Android devices. This move, set for later this year, might also support Apple in its defense against a recent antitrust lawsuit from the DOJ.
Alongside AI upgrades in iOS, similar enhancements are anticipated across Apple’s software range at WWDC, including MacOS 15 and iPadOS 18, which are expected to offer improved multitasking and new accessibility features.