WWDC 2022: iOS 16, macOS 13, New Mac Pro and What Else To Expect

Apr. 11, 2022

As for iOS 16 features, not much has been revealed about the features that are likely to grace the upcoming iOS version. Call it Apple’s enhanced ability to keep the in-progress features under the wraps or leakers’ failure to spot the upcoming add-ons, iOS 16 doesn’t seem to be a huge upgrade. Not at least in terms of feature-set. So, you can expect iterative enhancements with a sole focus on improving performance and stability.

Consideringhow buggy iOS 15 has been, a more stable and improved iOS version appears to be on the cards. Let’s take a peek at some of the most rumored iOS 16 features and the device compatibility.

Due mainly to the introduction of the rumoredhole+pill display designinstead of the notch on theiPhone 14 Series, Apple is likely to make some interface changes, especially to the area around the status bar. Whether the UI will also see some tweaks is a subject of pure speculation. However, we’re expecting that iOS 16 makes better use of the space on the status bar than previous iterations of iOS.

Rumors have it that iPhone 14 models will featurea new car crash detection featurewhich will enable the iPhones to detect when a crash has occurred and automatically dial emergency services. Since this feature will have a software integration, we may see a dedicated setting for car crash detection in iOS 16.

Apple is reportedly working on a satellite-based emergency feature for the iPhone 14 models. If it becomes a reality, the supported iPhone models will be able to send texts in emergency situations and also report major emergencies in areas without cellular coverage. According toBloomberg, the tech giant is developing at least two related emergency features that will rely on satellite networks. No wonder Apple may brag about it as the one of highlights of iOS 16.

“Apple Inc.’s push to bring satellite capabilities to the iPhone will be focused on emergency situations, allowing users to send texts to first responders and report crashes in areas without cellular coverage. The company is developing at least two related emergency features that will rely on satellite networks, aiming to release them in future iPhones, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.”

The first emergency feature, named Emergency Message via Satellite, will allow users to text emergency services and contacts using a satellite network when there is no cellular coverage. Integrated into the Apple Messages app as a third communications protocol alongside SMS and iMessage, it will have gray messages bubbles instead of green or blue. Notably, the message length will be restricted.

As for the second emergency feature, it will be designed to let users report emergencies such as fires and plane crashes using satellite networks. Being very similar to a 911 call in the U.S, it will offer information like a user’s medical ID and location. Additionally, it will also enable users to alert emergency contacts.

Codenamed Stewie inside Apple, the texting-via-satellite tool will automatically alert an emergency contact’s phone even when the Do Not Disturb mode is active. It may allow a user to send the message by typing “Emergency SOS”. Another important thing worth noting is that the service will not only deliver texts but also be able to handle some phone calls.

If you’re wondering whether your iPhone will get iOS 16, here is the list of iOS 16 compatible iPhones (expected):

Going by the past history, Apple will roll out the iOS 16 developer beta on June 6, while the public beta will follow suit by the end of June or early July. After months of beta testing, iOS 16 will be released to the public in the fall (sometime in September).

Even though iPadOS has vastly improved, it is still below par when compared with the robust hardware of the top-tier iPad models. Whether Apple will eventually revamp iPadOS, making it in line with pros who expect much more than just baby computing is a matter of long conjecture. For now, iPadOS 16 doesn’t appear to be a minor upgrade over the predecessor.

Since iPadOS follows iOS in more ways than one, iPadOS 16 developer beta will also be rolled out on June 6. The public beta of the iPadOS 16 will launch by the end of June or early July, whereas the official version will be released in the fall (in September).

The only thing that appears to be more or less settled for macOS 13 is the naming scheme. No prizes for guessing! The next iteration of macOS will be named after yet another California landmark. If my guesswork is spot on, it will be called macOS Mammoth.

As such, it’s highly plausible that the next iteration of macOS will be called macOS Mammoth. However, we can’t say for certain what the name will be until Craig Federighi announces it on stage.

Here is the list of Mac models that are likely to get macOS 13:

Talking about the release of macOS 13, Apple will launch the developer beta on June 6 and pushes its public beta by the end of June or early July. The company will unleash the official version after months of extensive beta testing in October. Yeah, that’s the usual timeline that has been going on for the past many years.

watcOS 9 developer beta will arrive on June 6, whereas the public beta will be released by the end of June or in the first week of July. And the public version will be launched in the fall (most probably in September).

Even though tvOS 16 may not be on the hotlist for many, it will be a notable upgrade over the predecessor. Details about the upcoming tvOS 16 features have been scarce, though the fully-customizable home screen and nifty home screen widgets are doing the rounds as the major add-ons.

Following Apple TV models will support tvOS 16:

Just like other operating systems, tvOS 16 developer beta will be released to developers for testing on June. The public beta of tvOS 16 will come out either by the end of June or in the first week of July. And the next iteration of tvOS will be released to the public in the fall alongside iOS 16 and watchOS 9.

Recently, a mention of “homeOS” has been spotted in an Apple job listing (via 9to5Mac), giving enough fuel to the rumors that the Cupertino giant may announce a home-based operating system at the much-awaited conference.

“Since HomePod software is literally called HomePod Software, and it’s a variation of tvOS – maybe Apple is planning to give it a new name, as reports suggest the company is giving more focus on home appliances in the long run.”

Faced with the cut-throat competition from the likes of Amazon Echo and Google Home, homeOS might prove to be the much-needed shot in the arm for Apple’s smart speakers. As Apple has discontinued HomePod, the homeOS 1 might be exclusive to the HomePod mini.

homeOS will be in line with iOS 16 and launch in the fall.

Hardware launches are rare at WWDC, but Apple may announce a couple of notable products.

Back in February, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, whose insight into Apple’s plans is often spot on, hadstatedthat the Cupertino giant is getting ready to launch Macs in May or June. As per this insight, the announcement of multiple Macs at WWDC seems to be more likely.

“And with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips already on the market, I don’t believe the iMac Pro launch is too distant either. While we’ll get new Macs in March, I’m told Apple is already gearing up for another round of Mac releases around May or June.”

Apple’s rumoredAR/VR headset(aka mixed reality headset) has been in the works for a long time. Though it’s not yet clear whether Apple will take the wrap off the headset at the upcoming WWDC, the announcement of the mixed reality headset doesn’t seem to be out of context either. Knowing that iOS 16 will have a renewed focus on augmented reality, what better way for Apple to kickstart a new era of AR than unveil an advanced mixed reality headset at the conference.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.