Top expected announcements at Apple WWDC 2024

WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference, will take place June 10–14 this year. Last year the event was remembered for the announcement of Vision Pro, and this year the company is expected to focus on new tools and features using generative AI. Let’s take a quick look at a few of the major expected announcements that experts are predicting.

Amid the rapid development of AI products from other technology companies, Apple has been often accused of not doing enough work on AI and lagging behind its competitors. In May of this year, CEO Tim Cook promised that the company would soon “break new ground” and offer “transformative opportunities” in the field of generative artificial intelligence. In this regard, TechCrunch suggests that this will be the leading topic at WWDC 2024. In particular, the article provides information that the company was in talks with Google regarding the possible integration of Gemini into iOS, and also discussed a potential partnership with OpenAI. In addition, it is indicated that Apple transferred a number of employees from other departments to the AI ​​development team.

The main announcement at the conference will most likely be iOS 18 – it is reported that this will be “one of the largest iOS updates in the company’s history.” In particular, the following is expected:

– updating and strengthening the functionality of Siri with the help of AI: it will be able to edit photos, manage emails and perform a number of other tasks. Also, an “improved voice,” a new notification format, and an expanded version of Siri for the Apple Watch are expected;

– implementation of AI in Safari and Notes;

– the ability to create and edit emojis using AI in Messages;

– the ability to place icons and widgets anywhere on the main screen;

– implementation of AI in Mail (editing/generating e-mails);

– improvement of the Calculator interface;

– implementation of AI in Apple Music for auto-generation of playlists and smart switching between tracks;

– updated Maps with the addition of topographic maps and the ability to create routes manually.

A system update for PCs, macOS 15, is also expected. Many iOS updates may be duplicated in it, including those regarding Siri, Notes and Safari. It is expected that Apple’s office applications – Pages, Keynote and Xcode – will also receive AI support.

It is unknown whether any new gadgets and devices will be presented at the conference, as was the case last year with the augmented reality headset. TechCrunch suggests there will be little to no hardware announcements this year. A month ago, the company held a separate event where it presented new versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air on the new M4 processor, as well as an updated Apple Pencil Pro stylus and Magic Keyboard. It is expected that this year Apple should introduce the new iPhone 16 on the A18 chip, but this will most likely happen in the fall.