Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event is almost upon us, and in anticipation for Apple's event which will kick off later today, we brace ourselves for a barrage of software updates expected to be hitting the firm's gadget line-up.
While WWDC is traditionally a place for big OS and software upgrades rather than hardware, that doesn't mean the show will be short of news. Among the expected announcements will be the launch of Apple's long-awaited TV streaming service, new major updates to iOS 10 and OS X operating systems and an overhaul in the company's virtual assistant, Siri.
The WWDC opening keynote is set for kick off at 10:00 PST (17:00 GMT) today and in true WWDC-style, the relentless rumour mill has been doing the rounds for the past few months, speculating what we are likely to see at the show. Here's what we expect will be making the headlines when that time comes.
iOS 10 and OS X 10.12
Apple's keeping quiet on the new features that will ship with the updated mobile OS, but some of the information that has leaked out already includes being able to hide Apple stock apps such as the Watch app (good news for iPhone users that don't own an Apple Watch), a new "rootless" backend that will make all iPhones impossible to jailbreak, and a complete redesign.
We've not seen a design change in Apple's mobile operating system since the introduction of iOS 7 in 2013, so this is very likely. Expect updated stock app designs and perhaps some new superficial elements.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple is planning a big revamp for its App Store - something the site said will be a highlight of the iOS portion of WWDC. Reports suggest Apple is aiming to fix browsing and possibly introduce paid search results rather than just introducing superficial UI updates.
As for the Mac operating system, OS X 10.12, rumoured to be codenamed "Fuji", we can expect it to include some new features, such as Siri integration, the first time voice-activated personal assistant will make an appearance on the desktop (more about this later), a dedicated Apple Music desktop app as a breakaway from iTunes, and Touch ID fingerprint scanning integration that will let you unlock your Mac device on a companion iPhone.
Judging by past OS release dates, Fuji is likely to launch in the UK some time in October or November.
watchOS updates
If rumours are true, WWDC will see the announcement of the third major installment of the Apple Watch's operating system. This is likely to include several new features and performance improvements. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it's believed that Apple will bring support for third-party watch faces, which would give developers more freedom to customise the wrist gadget's home screen.
Updates are also expected to come to fitness tracking features, including more accurate monitoring and a plethora of fresh health-related apps.
Apple TV streaming service
According to various sources, Apple will look to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video by launching a fresh TV streaming service. Rumours suggest this will allow users to stream video content from around 25 channels on their iPhones, iPads and Apple TV set-top boxes.
However, if the service is announced at WWDC, it's likely it won't launch straight away as Apple has reportedly had trouble negotiating with media companies over the cost of their programmes.
Siri overhaul
Apple's voice assistant is said to be getting a complete revamp. According to 9to5Mac, the new and improved Siri will be able to pick up phone calls, pass on your excuses to friends as to why you can't speak to them, and then transcribe their voicemails.
But, as discussed earlier, there's talk that the Siri update won't only be limited to Apple's mobile devices. Sources say Apple has been eyeing up Siri and Mac integration since 2012 but is only now ready to launch it publicly along with a polished user-interface on the next version of OS X 10.12.
If these rumours are true, Siri will live in the Mac's Menu Bar and will have its own pane in System Preferences with users having the option to choose a keyboard shortcut for activating the robot slave.
Apple is reportedly planning to dramatically overhaul its music streaming service, Apple Music, just one year after unveiling it to the world last year at WWDC 2015.
According to reports in Bloomberg, the tech giant will redesign the user interface, expand Beats 1 radio, and better integrate the streaming and download elements of the service.
There's also talk Apple will announce that its music service will have its own desktop app, irrespective of iTunes, at WWDC this year.
While relatively small compared to the likes of iOS and OS X, tvOS is likely to get a refresh at WWDC this year. tvOS 9 was launched alongside the new Apple TV in September 2015, hitting the market in October, so it could be that we'll see some updates announced at WWDC so they land by autumn.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
