WWDC 19: What to expect from Apple developers' conclave

Cupertino-based technology behemoth Apple is all geared up to kick off the annual World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2019 next week (June 3-7).

The company is scheduled to host a keynote presentation at 10:00 pm PT (10:30 pm IST, June 3, 2019) at McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, California. It has also made arrangements to stream the event online across multiple platforms so that non-Apple device owners can also catch up on Apple's latest works.

Here's what to expect at Apple WWDC 2019
Like previous years, WWDC will center mainly around software particularly iOS, macOS, watchOS and Apple TV.

Apple iOS 13

Apple has been working on iOS 13 under codename Yukon for several months. Recent reports indicate that the company is bringing lots of improvements across multiple aspects. It will be optimised to improve the performance of the current devices and also enhance battery life. And one of the ways is to bring the system-wide dark mode, which will make the iPhones and iPads consume less power and also brings out a refreshing visual appeal to the interface.

iOS 12; picture credit: Apple

It will also have revamped UI with the addition of eye-pleasing animation for app loading and closing. Apple is also said to be bringing a new type feature, wherein the user can swipe through the keyboard to form words on the texting app. This is already found in third-party keyboard apps in iOS and also in Android platforms and now, it will be available in the native iOS keyboard app.

Speaking of texting, Apple is said to bring WhatsApp-inspired interface for the native iMessage app, which includes new option to add a profile picture, names with animojis or memojis.
Also, there will be improvements to digital wellbeing feature particularly the screen time lock for kids, where can block anybody from contacting their children during a particular time frame like in the evening, so the latter can study undisturbed.

Health app is expected to get a big upgrade with the addition of hearing health and also an enhanced menstrual cycle tracker for female users.

Furthermore, the iPad will get a special second screen feature to connect with MacBook thus improving multi-tasking capabilities.
Apple is expected to merge the Find My Phone and Find My Friends app in the iOS 13, so that the users can easily find them under the same roof, either to track their lost iPhone or share their location with their friends.

Other notable features coming in the iOS 13 include sleep mode integrated with Do Not Disturb, screen colour adjustments to lessen the strain on the eyes in the night and if required, users can mute the incoming calls during that particular time slot.

Last, but not the least, Apple will bring more stringent measures for third-party apps so that they do not infringe on user privacy policy.

Other native apps that are expected to get new features include Books, Reminder, Files, Mail, and Maps.

The bad news is that iOS 13 will not be able to support select old devices including iPhone SE, 5S, 6, 6 Plus, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air (first gen).

Apple macOS 10.5

macOS 10 Mojave; picture credit: Apple

There is no word if the Mojave will be replaced with a new name or not, but the new macOS 10.5 is expected to improve the performance of the MacBooks, and also get new features of iOS such as News+, Screen Time, Siri Shortcuts and new Apple Music app.

Also, Apple may possibly bring SDKs for developers to make iPad apps run on macOS so that users can connect both the devices to improve their productivity.

Apple watchOS 6

watchOS interface; picture credit: Apple

The company is expected to bring big changes in the watch OS 6. It plans to add App store in the Apple Watch itself so that users can directly without the need for downloading the app on the iPhone and then syncing it with the Watch.

Another interesting feature coming with watchOS 6 is that the health app will house 'Cycles' to track menstrual cycles and 'Dose', which will act as a pill reminder.
The watchOS 6 is also expected to the new Books app for audio listening, a Calculator app, and Voice memo recording app.

There is also the possibility of Apple may announce surprise hardware, most probably a Mac Pro for professionals. Stay tuned.

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