Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 is just around the corner, and tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating what the tech giant has in store. The proceedings kick off at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET / 6 pm BST on June 10 (3 am AEST, June 11). With the event set to focus on significant software updates, here are five key announcements we hope to see…

1. iOS 18 with AI Enhancements

iOS 18 is expected to be a game-changer, particularly with the incorporation of advanced AI features. Apple has been lagging behind competitors like Google Assistant and Alexa, but that might change with iOS 18. Rumors suggest that Siri could get a major overhaul, possibly integrating capabilities similar to ChatGPT. This would significantly enhance Siri’s intelligence and functionality across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and the new Vision Pro. For more details, check out Apple Insider and iMore.

interface of latest IOS 18

Key Features to Expect:

  • Voice Shortcuts: These might work without the “Hey Siri” prompt, making interactions faster and more seamless.
  • Enhanced Live Speech: Users will be able to create phrases that their iPhone can speak, with new organizational tools and icons to simplify the process.

2. RCS Support in iMessage

One of the most anticipated features is RCS (Rich Communication Services) support in iMessage. This update aims to improve messaging interoperability with Android users. Although Apple will maintain the blue and green bubble distinctions for iPhone and Android users respectively, the inclusion of RCS will offer a more streamlined messaging experience. Learn more from Gadgets360

Benefits of RCS:

  • Enhanced Messaging Features: Better support for high-quality media, read receipts, and more interactive messaging.
  • Interoperability: Improved communication between iPhone and Android users, reducing the fragmentation caused by traditional SMS/MMS.

3. New Accessibility Features

accessibility

Apple has always been at the forefront of making technology accessible to everyone, and iOS 18 will continue this trend. The upcoming update is set to introduce several new accessibility features:

  • Voice Shortcuts: Similar to Siri Shortcuts but designed to function without the “Hey Siri” command.
  • Improved Live Speech: This feature allows users to create phrases that can be spoken by the iPhone, with enhanced organization and icon support.
  • Hearing Aid Mode for AirPods Pro: This mode will make the AirPods Pro a viable alternative to hearing aids for some users.

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4. iPadOS 18 Upgrades

With the new M4 chip in the latest iPads, iPadOS 18 is expected to leverage this powerful hardware fully. Here are some of the upgrades we anticipate:

  • Advanced Stage Manager: Improved multitasking capabilities to make the most of the iPad’s processing power.
  • Better External Display Support: Enhanced support for external displays, positioning the iPad as a more viable portable computer.
  • Multi-User Support: A long-awaited feature that could finally allow multiple users to have their own profiles on a single iPad.

5. macOS 15 Enhancements

The next version of macOS, expected to be named macOS 15, promises to bring “ambitious and compelling” upgrades. Here are some of the expected features:

  • App Library: Similar to iOS, macOS might get an App Library to organize applications more efficiently.
  • Improved Window Management: Features like window snapping could be introduced to enhance productivity.
  • Refined Stage Manager: More robust multitasking tools to improve user experience.

Conclusion

WWDC 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting event, with Apple poised to unveil significant software updates across its ecosystem. From AI-enhanced iOS 18 to powerful iPadOS 18 upgrades and ambitious macOS 15 features, Apple is set to push the boundaries of innovation once again. Stay tuned for more updates as WWDC 2024 unfolds.

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