According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this year’s WWDC 2024 keynote will predominantly center on software updates rather than unveiling new hardware.
WWDC has always been a platform where Apple showcases its latest software advancements, and this year is no exception. Gurman reports in his “Power On” newsletter that we can expect significant updates to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and visionOS. The emphasis on software isn’t entirely unexpected, given the rising importance of AI and machine learning in Apple’s ecosystem. New features leveraging AI are anticipated, potentially enhancing user experiences across all Apple devices.
For those hoping for new machines, the news might be disappointing. Historically, WWDC has occasionally featured new hardware—last year saw the introduction of the 15-inch MacBook Air. However, Gurman’s latest insights suggest that no new devices will debut at this year’s event. Specifically, rumors of a new Apple TV model have been quashed, with Gurman stating that an update to the Apple TV box is “not imminent” despite earlier expectations of a mid-2024 release. This model was speculated to include a faster processor and possibly a built-in camera for FaceTime calls, enhancing its utility in the living room.
Apple’s recent hardware updates have set a high bar, and the tech giant seems to be pacing its next releases strategically. The last significant Apple TV update came in October 2022, featuring the A15 Bionic chip. A new model was expected to continue this trend with even better performance and possibly a lower starting price, as suggested by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. However, these updates will have to wait, pushing any significant hardware announcements possibly to later in the year or even 2025.
Looking ahead, Apple has plans to transition all its Mac products to some version of the M4 chip by the end of 2025. Following the anticipated reveal of the M4 chip in the iPad Pro, the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 24-inch iMac are next in line for upgrades, expected near the end of 2024. Higher-end MacBook Pro models and the Mac mini are slated for updates in late 2024 or early 2025. The Mac Studio and Mac Pro are anticipated to be the last to receive the M4 upgrades, projected for mid-2025.
While hardware may not be the highlight at WWDC 2024, there’s speculation about the international release dates for the Apple Vision Pro. Announced at last year’s WWDC, the Vision Pro has been a highly anticipated product. A global rollout announcement could align with Apple’s strategy to make the headset a worldwide product, although the company may opt for a separate event for such a significant update.
(via Bloomberg)
