Many people look forward to the latter part of the year, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, however, if you’re a developer, the early months of the year are more exciting with; Google, Microsoft, and Facebook all holding their annual conferences announcing what they’re working on. Now, its Apple’s turn to take center stage and announce what they have to offer.
The 2017 Worldwide Developer Conference, announced in February, will see Tim Cook and fellow Apple executives take to the stage to reveal the company’s latest work. Among other things, Apple is widely tipped to unveil a ‘Siri speaker’ to rival the Amazon Echo and Google Home.
When is the Apple WWDC 2017 keynote?
WWDC lasts a week (June 5th to June 9th), however, the headline event will take place on day one. San Jose’s McEnery Convention Center will play host to the opening keynote.
Apple’s WWDC app lists sessions that will be taking place, and these focus on Apple’s developer programme, Game Center, its TV operating system, and much more.
Apple usually uses the conference to announce its latest software updates. However, there’s sometimes a sprinkling of hardware included too. Here’s what you can expect from WWDC 2017.
The ‘Siri speaker’
Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home have created a new market for voice recognition AI assistants that are designed for the house. Apple is said to be launching its own Siri-based AI speaker at WWDC. Reports say the device will have seven tweeters and a subwoofer inside. It is expected the device will run a version of iOS and use Beats technology.
Rumors about the Siri speaker, which doesn’t have an official name, say the device will have a mesh outer shell and prototypes have allegedly included facial recognition, which works with integrated cameras. Apple’s marketing boss Phil Schiller has previously hinted that a smart speaker from the firm will have a screen. He said: “So there’s many moments where a voice assistant is really beneficial, but that doesn’t mean you’d never want a screen. So the idea of not having a screen, I don’t think suits many situations”.
Just days before the start of WWDC 2017, Bloomberg has reported that Apple is already manufacturing its ‘Siri speaker,’ indicating an advanced stage of development.
According to the publication’s sources, Apple may demonstrate the device’s capabilities at the developer conference but it will not be ready to ship the product to customers until ‘later in the year’.
It is claimed Inventec, which makes Apple’s AirPod wireless headphones, will be making the AI speaker and it was at an advanced prototype stage in 2016.
iOS 11 for iPhone and iPad
It’s almost certain that Apple will release its latest iPhone and iPad operating system at this year’s WWDC. The event, which is held around the same time each year, almost always sees a new version of the iOS released. In 2016, Apple revealed iOS 10, which included a change to how devices are unlocked, messaging animations and applications, new emoji, and a revamped Apple News section.
With the launch of a new iPhone – possibly called the iPhone 8 – later this year, the new iOS will be tailored to work on the upcoming handset. This could include features that will only work on the new device.
As with all Apple announcements, the details are largely being kept a secret at the moment. A number of rumors have suggested the iOS will have large Siri updates and a new edition of Apple Music.
Based on past performances, Apple will make the new iOS free for users to upgrade and will release the final public version in autumn 2017.
Mac laptop updates
While WWDC is best known for software, it has been reported Apple is planning to upgrade three of its laptop ranges: the MacBook Pro, 12” MacBook and potentially an update to the MacBook Air. As well as hardware updates, it’s likely Apple will update macOS to version 10.13.
TV and Watch operating systems
As well as operating systems for iPhones, iPads and Macs, Apple may also be planning updates to its watchOS and tvOS. A new TV operating system could add picture-in-picture support and the ability for multiple users to connect to the device.
WatchOS 3 was launched at WWDC 2016 and added new fitness features as well as a feature called Scribble that lets people write letters on the screen. It’s likely this will be followed-up with a fourth version this year. Rumors around the potential new watch operating system say Siri will be improved and there will be more activities that can be tracked.
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