WWDC 2023: What To Expect From Apple’s Annual Developers Conference

Apple is expected to finally unveil its much-awaited mixed reality headset at WWDC 2023.

An artist's rendition of what the Apple Headset might look like.

Source : Twitter/@ianzelbo

Apple WWDC 2023, the Cupertino giant’s annual conference, is set to be held from June 5 to June 9. Just like the 2022 edition, the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) this year will be an online-only event. However, select developers and students will get a chance to attend the keynote address from CEO Tim Cook and others at Apple Park on the first day. Usually, WWDC sees the announcement of Apple’s software offerings, including updated variants of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Additionally, Apple also announces its updated range of MacBook models at the event.

This year is not expected to be any different. However, there are rumours that Apple might finally unveil its much-awaited mixed reality headset at WWDC 2023. It should be noted that as always, Apple has remained tight-lipped on what it plans to launch at the event. 

So, without further ado, here’s a quick look at what we expect to see at this year’s WWDC:

Mixed Reality Headset

This one has been going around the rumour mill for ages now. Apple’s first-ever headset is expected to offer a unique mixed reality experience, bringing together elements from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) at the same time. Some rumours suggest that the headset will feature a knob, much like the Digital Crown on Apple Watch, which can be used to switch between VR and AR modes as needed. Of course, it will come with its own operating system, expected to be dubbed ‘xrOS’. 

Some leaks also suggest that it might come with an external battery pack, that can be clipped onto the user’s waist. 

The headset could sport 4K micro-OLED screens and support gesture-based controls. 

MacBook Air (15-Inch)

Apple’s lightweight MacBook offering has played around with different display sizes over the past, most notably 13 inches and 11 inches. To target the big-screen customers, Apple has been rumoured to bring a 15-inch MacBook Air this time around, expected to be powered by the in-house M2 chip. 

Now, it remains to be seen which existing MacBook Air offering will the new launch push out — the 13.3-inch M1 model or the 13.6-inch M2 variant, both of which are available for sale via official Apple stores. 

Mac Pro

The Mac Pro was last updated way back in WWDC 2019. Now, the rumour mill suggests that a new Mac Pro could very well be on its way, expected to be powered by Apple’s in-house Pro SoCs.

Software

Apart from the above, Apple is expected to launch its new slate of OS variants, including the likes of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, tvOS 17, and watchOS 10 at WWDC 2023. 

Readers are advised to consider this report with a heavy pinch of salt as Apple is yet to confirm any details. We expect to know more at the WWDC 2023 keynote address  on June 5.