Apple’s WWDC 21 event will commence virtually for developers and tech enthusiasts around the world on June 7 at 10 a.m. PTD. Like last year, this year’s World Wide Developers Conference will also be held virtually due to the prevalent COVID-19 restrictions.
As always, many tech analysts have made predictions about the features and hardware expected to be announced at the event. The main highlight of the event will be the unveiling of new operating system updates, with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 leading the way. Other announcements we can expect include redesigned M1 MacBook Pro models and a new M1X or M2 chip.
WWDC 21 – Expected Announcements
Based on numerous previous industry reports and leaks, we have curated a list of new software updates and hardware expected at WWDC 21.
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
Expected features for iOS 15 include Dark Mode UI improvement, Messages app improvement, Food tracking, new features in the Health app, new notification settings to customize notification of various apps, redesigned control center, lock screen widgets, multitasking capabilities, and more.
According to a report from Bloomberg, iPadOS 15 will be a major new update unlike iPadOS 14. Apple is planning to revamp the home screen and allow widgets to be placed anywhere alongside icons, similar to how it works on iOS 14 right now. iPadOS 15 will also see an improved multitasking system, which should make it easier to use multiple apps.
watchOS 8, tvOS 15 and homeOS
Apple will also announce new versions of watchOS for Apple Watch, and tvOS for Apple TV. There have been no hints about what we can expect from tvOS 15 but we know that watchOS 8 will be a more significant update.
Apple has been adding health-related features to watchOS over the past few years so there’s a high chance the tech giant could announce more of these features at WWDC 21. As for specific features, watchOS could include a “Mind” app aimed at promoting mental health and new Tips and Contacts apps.
The most interesting leak of late was the mention of the term “homeOS” in an Apple job posting. The job ad suggests that Apple could be planning to release a new homeOS operating system or it could be rebranding its current smart home offerings under a new term. WWDC 21 seems like the ideal place to announce this move alongside the unveiling of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS 12.
macOS 12
Big Sur was a major update for Macs but we do not know a lot about what to expect from macOS. Bloomberg’s sources in the above-mentioned piece called the forthcoming changes to macOS “minor,” and we have not seen many reliable leaks about what specific features we can expect from macOS.
New Macs
Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives claims that Apple will launch redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro models at WWDC 21. Reports of 14-inch and 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro models have been circulating in the industry for while now.
According to numerous leaks and reports, the Cupertino tech giant has given the machines a new flat edge-to-edge design language without a Touch Bar, mini-LED technology, Face ID, MagSafe support for faster charging, SD card slot and the HDMI port, and more.
New M2 or M1X chip
According to industry reports, Apple is working on on a successor to the M1 meant for Macs professionals may use. Sources say this chip could be called M1X or M2. Not much is known about the upcoming chip yet, however, it is likely going to follow the same design that the M1 chip has with multiple performance and efficiency cores, built-in co-processors, unified memory architecture, and powerful graphics. 
You can stay tuned to our Facebook page, Twitter account, and ithinkdiff.com to be updated on the announcements and coverage of WWDC 21. What are your thoughts and expectations from this event? Let us know in the comments below!
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