Apple is set to unveil a slew of new software updates at its Worldwide Developer Conference next week, including the latest version of its mobile software, iOS 13.
Unlike its September iPhone event, WWDC, which kicks off on Monday, is catered to the developers who make most of the apps and services powering Apple’s iPhones, iPads, Macs and other devices.
As is customary, the tech giant is likely to have a few surprises up its sleeve, including a widely-rumored upgrade to the Mac Pro desktop, which hasn’t changed since Apple launched the second generation model in 2013.
Apple is also expected to refresh how apps work on the Watch, as well as a slate of new apps for the Mac, which could see the end of some older software like iTunes.
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Unlike its September event, WWDC, which kicks off on Monday, is catered to the developers who make the apps and services powering Apple’s iPhones, iPads, Macs and other devices
Even with a few hardware announcements, the central focus of WWDC will be the launch of iOS 13.
For months, many have speculated that Apple will finally roll out a ‘dark mode’ in iOS 13, which will allow users to switch on a version of iOS that’s colored black and grey.
This version is much easier on the eyes when a user is browsing their phone at night.
It would follow in the steps of a version of dark mode that rolled out for Macs last year, as well as other popular apps, such as Twitter, which have such a feature for many months already.
Core iOS apps are also expected to get a significant face-lift, including Mail, Messages, Health and Reminders.
An upgraded Health app is expected to launch, featuring a new homepage that breaks down your daily activity, more robust period-tracking features, as well as a new ‘hearing health’ section for measuring how loud you play your music, among other things.
There will also be a new iMessage feature that enables users to set a profile picture and display name; a streamlined Mail app that will let users mute certain threads, block incoming email from some contacts and improved folder management, according to Bloomberg.
Apple is likely to have a few surprises up its sleeve, including an upgrade to the Mac Pro desktop, which hasn’t changed since Apple launched the second generation model in 2013
Other apps getting upgrades include Screen Time, which will get more robust features for parents to control their child’s device usage, such as preventing them from contacting who they can and cannot contact at certain times.
The Maps app is expected to get an upgrade, too, allowing users to set frequent locations, as well as create groups of frequent places along with a photo, Bloomberg reported.
Apple will revamp several apps for Mac, including introducing a Podcast app for macOS, launching a new Apple Music app for Mac, as well as bringing the revamped Screen Time, Messages, Shortcuts and Reminders apps over from iOS 13 to Macs.
With these changes, it could bring an end to traditional software like iTunes, which has been Apple’s core music and video platform on desktops for two decades.
Alongside new Mac apps, Apple is widely expected to debut a new version of the Mac Pro, its desktop computer system, as well as a new 6K Pro display.
It’s unclear what the redesigned Mac Pro will look like, but many expect Apple to ditch the ‘trashcan’ design it has maintained all these years.
A 31-inch 6K pro display could also be in the works, though it’s likely to pack an expensive price tag, since it’s targeted to power users.
The iPad is likely to get some minor, yet consequential, updates as well.
Core iOS apps are also expected to get a significant facelift in iOS 13, including Mail, Messages, Health and Reminders. The firm could also launch a ‘Dark Mode’ for the iPhone
Another major announcement will see Apple roll out a version of the App Store for the Watch. Currently, users have to download Watch apps on their iPhone then transfer them to the Watch
Apple is expected to launch a new home screen, as well as new multitasking features, Bloomberg reported.
The firm has increasingly made the case for why the iPad can serve as a replacement for a laptop and these updates, should they be announced, underscore that effort.
Another major announcement will see Apple roll out a version of the App Store for the Watch in its latest software update, watchOS 6.
Currently, users have to download Watch apps on their iPhone, then transfer them over to the Watch.
The app platform for the Watch will include reimagined apps like a calculator, messaging features and a voice recorder for the wearable, according to Bloomberg.
It comes as Apple has recently embarked on a major shift away from being a hardware-focused business to one that emphasizes services and content.
This move was underscored at Apple’s ‘Show Time’ event in March, where the company unveiled a range of new subscription services for videos, gaming and news.
