Apple's WWDC 2014 is almost upon us. Even though the developer conference now seems more like a prelude rather than the big event itself, there's a lot of excitement in the air. The question on every one's lips is: What will Apple show us?
The past few years, Apple has used WWDC to talk about software and to boast about its extraordinary sales figures. Hardware hasn't had a very strong presence at the conference, ever since the iPhone stopped showing up onstage. If Apple follows the same trend this year, it's likely we'll see a whole lot of iOS and OS X. Here are all the things that Apple might show us at WWDC 2014.
Most likely: iOS 8, Apple Home, and OS X
iOS 8: We've been hearing a lot about the next version of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 8. Most rumors agree that iOS 8 will feature a brand-new health and fitness tracking app called Healthbook. Leaked screenshots reveal a Passbook-like interface, with a number of colorful cards for keeping tabs on your vitals. Using Healthbook, you'll be able to track your heart rate, nutrition, sleep patterns, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Nobody knows exactly where all this data will come from — third-party apps, other fitness bands, the iPhone 6, the iWatch, or all of the above?
Apple will also reportedly debut split-screen, multitasking functionality for the iPad with iOS 8. The iPad has always been about simplicity, but recently, using two apps at the same time on one screen has become quite popular, thanks to Samsung and Microsoft. A new leak hints that Apple will soon follow in their footsteps and bring the iPad into the modern age of mobile tablet productivity.
Other small updates to iOS 8 include wireless CarPlay, a separate iTunes Radio app, possible fixes to Maps, and better Siri integration.
Smart Home Control: Another very interesting feature Apple might show off at WWDC this year, is its plan for an iPhone-based smart home control system. The tech giant's plans for winning on the home automation front are very hush hush at the moment, leading many to believe that we'll see the new feature on Monday. From what we understand, Apple's plan is to put the controls to all your smart appliances on your iPhone, so that you can adjust the thermostat, turn on the AC, or switch off the lights remotely. It's unclear if Wi-Fi, NFC, or iBeacon technology will be used to link all the appliances to an app on your iPhone or iPad.
OS X 11: OS X is also expected to get a few new apps and features this time around, but the focus will be on the OS redesign. Recent reports indicate that OS X is about to get a whole lot brighter with a design that's more in line with iOS 7. Flat UI and bright colors, as well as several iOS 7 apps will probably make their way onto the next version of OS X. Otherwise, it doesn't look like too much is happening with it.
Entirely possible: Beats Audio, Apple TV, and Retina MacBook
Beats Audio: Apple just bought Beats Audio for $3 billion on Wednesday, and now everyone's wondering what its plans are for the company's music streaming app and iconic headphones. It's unknown whether Apple will address its latest purchase, or simply let it lie for a while.
There's a lot of speculation about Apple's plans for the Beats Music app and how it will affect iTunes Radio. So far, it's all just speculation, but hopefully we'll hear more at WWDC. One thing we do know for sure, is that Jony Ive will take over for Robert Brunner as head of design on future Beats products.
Apple TV: Meanwhile, Apple TV has also been making headlines, with Tim Cook joking about the company's $1 billion hobby. Although the video streaming set top box is due for an update, it's unknown whether Apple will do so on Monday. Most reports indicate that Apple TV won't make an appearance at WWDC, though.
Retina MacBook Air: Yet another piece of hardware that's due any day now is the retina display MacBook Air. For months we've been hearing about this 12-inch beauty, but we haven't seen hide nor hair of it. According to reports from manufacturers, the Retina MacBook Air should start shipping in the second half of 2014. Based on that timetable, the clock is ticking, but there's no reason why the new Air has to arrive in June, as opposed to say, October.
Probably not until Fall 2014: iPhone 6, iWatch, and More
Now that we've gotten all the most likely and entirely possible rumors out of the way, it's time to talk about the things we won't see at WWDC 2014. Sadly, this list contains the most interesting new developments we expect to see from Apple in the near future. The most talked about piece of hardware on the Internet is the iPhone 6. A close runner up is the iWatch.
Apple iPhone 6 concept design by Martin Hajek
iPhone 6: The first rumors about the iPhone 6 surfaced back in 2013. At this point, we've seen so many concept designs, leaked images, and probable specs that we can't even keep track of it all anymore. The general consensus is that Apple will launch two different models of the iPhone 6, including a 4.7-inch version and a 5.5-inch version. The latest word on the street says the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will hit the market in August, while the 5.5-inch version will arrive in September. None of the estimates say anything about a June launch. We can only hope that Tim Cook gives us a teaser or something else to dream about until then.
iWatch: Lastly, we have the infamous iWatch. The iWatch is kind of like big foot. A lot of people think it's real, but no one has ever actually seen it. It will supposedly be round and health-focused like all the other smartwatches out there, but since it's from Apple, it will probably be beautiful. Supply chain sources say that the iWatch could debut in July, August, or September – in other words, not on June 2.
Still, maybe Apple has a surprise or two up its sleeve and maybe, just maybe, one of them is the iWatch.
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