WWDC 2021 Outlook
WWDC is just around the corner, so time to look ahead to what Apple will announce at its annual presentation. We expect iOS 15 there in any case, but what else does Apple have in store? Will there be new hardware and if so, what? We look ahead to WWDC 2021 and share our expectations.
- Date
- Short
- iOS 15
- iPadOS 15
- watchOS 8
- tvOS 15
- macOS 12
- HomePod and AirPods
- Smart home
- Mac Pro
- MacBook
- AR Glasses
- What does iCulture do?
When is the WWDC 2021?
On March 30, Apple announced the date of WWDC 2021. This year, WWDC 2021 will be held from June 7 to June 11. Throughout the week, Apple will keep developers updated on the latest features in the various operating systems. The keynote is traditionally held on Monday, at 19:00 Dutch time. This year it will be June 7, 2021.
If you want to follow everything, you must have our special on the WWDC 2021. You will find the WWDC live blog there and afterwards also the summary of the WWDC 2021. If you want to watch live, you can also do that from that article.
WWDC 2021 expectations in brief
These are the main expectations of the WWDC 2021:
- iOS 15: new version for iPhone, suitable from iPhone 7.
- iPadOS 15: New version for the iPad, with much of the same improvements as iOS 15.
- watchOS 8: Major update for the Apple Watch.
- tvOS 15: upcoming update for the Apple TV.
- macOS 12: new update for the Mac.
- Hardware Opportunity: New MacBook Pro Models
As always, WWDC is all about developers. With the announcements of new software releases, app makers learn about the new trends, what features they can use for their apps, and more. The WWDC therefore often focuses less on hardware, although a new product has been announced with some regularity in recent years. Apple has several new Macs in the works that wouldn't look out of place at WWDC. But more on that later.
#1 Announcement iOS 15
Our guess: sure
The latest iOS version is without a doubt what most Apple fans are looking forward to, you don't need to be a clairvoyant for that. This year the surprise may be even bigger than in previous years. Where several functions were leaked from iOS 14 at the beginning of March last year, it was a lot quieter around iOS 15 this spring. That is because an internal code version was already leaked last year. So it looks like Apple will be very strict this year.
However, some features have already been leaked. For example, iOS 15 probably gets improved notifications, where you can set a kind of schedule yourself, and iMessage is renewed. The latter will undoubtedly have to do with the developments of recent years, where privacy and keeping contact at a distance has become increasingly important. Apple may also improve some features introduced in iOS 14. For example, we would like to see that it becomes easier to adjust the size of widgets. Also, Apple may add some other features that were previously planned. Last year there was already an indication that iCloud Keychain would be improved. Ultimately, those improvements in iOS 14 were quite disappointing. For example, iCloud Keychain still doesn't work with two-factor codes.
It also seems that we already know which devices will get iOS 15. For example, there is less good news for the iPhone 6s and the first generation iPhone SE.
Also read our preview of iOS 15 with current expectations.
#2 iPadOS 15 announcement
Our estimate: sure
In addition to iOS 15, Apple will also unveil iPadOS 15. It will probably have largely the same functions. Improvements that we would like to see there is the possibility to put widgets on the home screen. The app library is also missing here. Rumor has it that the iPad will get a new home screen, presumably with those widgets on your home screen. But we'd still like to see Apple go one step further, especially when it comes to multitasking and productivity. The iPad Pro 2021 with M1 chip in particular is crying out for a major iPadOS update, in which the full power of the new tablet is used optimally.
Also read our preview of iPadOS 15 with current expectations.
#3 Announcing watchOS 8
Our guess: sure
watchOS 8 will be the upcoming update for the Apple Watch. WatchOS 7 highlights included the new Sleep app, watch face sharing, new hand washing feature, and improved performance. We hope that Apple will add quite a few new watch faces this year or maybe let developers make their own watch faces. That has been a wish of many users and app makers for years. Apple can also add a number of new apps. For example, we still regret that the Notes app is not on the Apple Watch. There is already a watchOS 8 concept with apps that can be added. One improvement that is sure to come is AssistiveTouch with hand gestures on Apple Watch. Presumably this will be available in watchOS 8. There have been no other rumors, but at least we expect new watch faces and health functions.
Also read our preview of watchOS 8 with the current expectations.
#4 Announcement tvOS 15
Our guess: sure
tvOS and the Apple TV are in a somewhat strange situation in the spring of 2021. Apple recently released a new Apple TV for the first time since 2017, but tvOS has been a bit stagnant in terms of development. There have been some vague rumors that Apple will give tvOS 15 a major makeover. Previous features for tvOS that have been rumored include a special kids mode and the arrival of Screen Time. One thing is certain: tvOS 15 is on its way and we will hear the details about it during WWDC.
Read our preview of tvOS 15 with the current expectations.
#5 macOS 12 announcement
Our guess: sure
Last year was a big and important year for macOS. Apple released the totally redesigned macOS Big Sur, finally making the move from macOS 10.XX to macOS 11. Hence, we're already on our way to macOS 12 this year. macOS 12 has already been mentioned in WebKit's code, but we don't know yet which features will be available for it. In any case, we expect improvements that build on the innovations of macOS Big Sur, but also a number of other new features. We think Apple will port some apps from the iPhone or iPad and further improve already ported apps, such as the Home app. Perhaps Siri Shortcuts will also make the switch to the Mac this year, which will also benefit iPhone and iPad apps on the Mac.
Read also our preview of macOS 12 with current expectations.
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#6 New software for HomePod and AirPods
Our guess: great opportunity
Every year, Apple also often announces a number of new features for the HomePod and AirPods. These will then be available in the form of a software update later in the year. That will probably be no different this year, although we wonder what Apple wants to add this year. Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos will start at Apple Music this month. The latter can also be used immediately on the AirPods, although that is not (yet) the case with lossless audio.
Incidentally, we also hope that the HomePod mini will finally come to the Netherlands soon. Apple may announce the expansion to more countries during WWDC, although we think you should not take this into account.
And what about the AirPods 3? We don't expect that during WWDC. The AirPods 3 would be released in the third quarter of 2021, which is more in line with an announcement during the September event. After all, the very first AirPods were also announced there. Read more about it in our article with the latest AirPods 3 rumors.
#7 Improvements for smart home
Our guess: great opportunity
The HomePod and Apple TV also play a big role in the smart home. It is therefore not for nothing that Apple previously teamed up with the HomePod and Apple TV. In fact, the HomePod software is already based on tvOS (rather than iOS). Apple would have made this choice mainly in the context of smart home. According to sources, new plans are on the way, although details are still scarce. The Matter standard will be launched later this year, a collaboration between Apple, Google, Amazon and Zigbee, among others. Thread is also increasingly finding its way into smart home devices.
Not entirely coincidentally, an indication has been found that Apple is working on homeOS, a non-existing operating system for possible smart home devices. Who knows that Apple will fully reveal this during WWDC. Rumored nice @L0vetodream also goes the extra mile, saying that the new Apple TV and HomePod mini are just the beginning and that he expects improvements for HomeKit.
#8 New MacBook Announcement Pro
Our estimate: 50/50
There are already many rumors about the new MacBook Pro. Apple is said to have two new models in preparation: a 14-inch and a 16-inch MacBook Pro. It is striking that both models would again receive various connections, such as an SD card reader and HDMI. Apple removed these connections in 2016, but would now return due to popular demand from mainly professionals and developers. Another innovation would be a new mini LED display.
The release of the new 2021 MacBook Pro is planned for this summer. That fits perfectly with an announcement during the WWDC. Reliable sources also talked about mid-2021. Apple also announced new MacBook Pro models in 2017 during WWDC.
But another reliable source now says that Apple probably won't announce any hardware at this WWDC. This source was able to regularly give good predictions in the past year. Also striking: Apple has not put the Apple Store offline, which is always tradition when Apple announces new products at an event. So it seems that the chances of new MacBooks are getting smaller.
Also read our article with expectations for the new MacBook Pro from 2021.
#9 Announcement new Mac Pro
Our guess: small chance
And speaking of hardware: Apple is also working on new Mac Pro in two formats, according to reliable sources. One has the same modular design as the current Mac Pro, and the other is a smaller version at half the size and reminiscent of the Power Mac G4 Cube. Unlike this smaller Mac Pro, the new large version doesn't get an Apple Silicon chip. So it still runs on a powerful Intel variant.
The Mac Pro is a typical Mac suitable for professionals and developers. The WWDC is therefore an excellent opportunity to announce this new model, just like Apple did in 2019 with the current model. But the truly new Mac Pro wouldn't be released until 2022, making an announcement at WWDC 2021 seem a bit early.
#10 AR glasses or headset announcement
Our guess: questionable
We've been hearing rumors about Apple AR glasses or headsets for years. There would be two types of products in development: a very expensive variant with mainly virtual reality and a more mainstream product that revolves around augmented reality. In the invitation of the WWDC 2021, enthusiastic fans already see a hint to the AR glasses. All Memoji in the image have glasses on, which is the first time among the virtual dolls. We think this is a bit far fetched, because the glasses are mainly to make the reflection of the date visible from the MacBook screen.
Moreover, the AR glasses are still a long way off. Apple would launch a VR headset in 2022 at the earliest. Apple could give a sneak preview during WWDC, but there are no concrete indications yet.
What can you expect from iCulture?
At iCulture we follow of course closely following all developments. As soon as the event starts on June 7, you can follow it via a livestream. Not at home or near a computer? We also report all the important news via our Twitter account @iCulture and our iCulture app.
Do you have a wish for WWDC or a feature or new device you would like to see? Let us know in the comments. If you want to read more about the WWDC 2021, then you have come to the right place with our overview article.
Revision history:
- 2021 – June 07, 2:50 PM: Article updated with latest expectations.