Apple WWDC2023 Outlook: Are Hybrid Headphones, iOS17, and 15-inch MacBookAir Coming?

On June 6th, Beijing time, the annual World Developers Conference (WWDC) was held, which is expected to become one of the company's largest events to date. At that time, the rumored Apple hybrid reality headworn device will unveil its mysterious veil, and the world will see how Apple invests in the virtual reality field with new products

On June 6th, Beijing time, the annual World Developers Conference (WWDC) was held, which is expected to become one of the company's largest events to date. At that time, the rumored Apple hybrid reality headworn device will unveil its mysterious veil, and the world will see how Apple invests in the virtual reality field with new products.

In addition to hybrid reality headsets, Apple will also update its operating system, introduce new applications and features, and may also release a brand new 15 inch MacBook Air at this conference.

Apple Hybrid Reality Headworn Device debuts

The Apple hybrid reality headwear device can be said to be one of the most popular products of the company in recent years. Although there has been no official confirmation from Apple, there are reports that this device can provide users with virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.

This headworn device called "RealityPro" is mainly aimed at developers and looks like a "ski goggles", equipped with a physical dial that allows users to switch back and forth between the real world and virtual reality. It is said that this device is also equipped with a large number of external sensors that support hand tracking function, and there are also sensors inside the device that can track eye movements.

It is reported that this device will be equipped with an external battery pack and connected to the device itself through a dedicated cable. So far, there have been reports that Apple has been busy developing virtual reality versions for some native applications, including Safari browser, FaceTime, AppleTV, AppleBooks, Freeform, etc.

The expected price of Apple's headworn device is around $3000, which is not cheap. It is said that Apple is still developing a lower priced version, but it may not appear at this year's conference.

New 15 inch MacBookAir

The MacBook Air has always used a 13 inch display screen, and it is expected that Apple will also release a new MacBook Air with a 15 inch display screen at this conference.

The new MacBookAir may be equipped with an M2 chip. There are reports indicating that the screen resolution may be the same as the 14 inch MacBook Pro, both of which are 3024x1964. However, due to the larger screen area, the clarity may decrease.

It is currently unclear whether Apple plans to release other new Mac computers at the conference. There are rumors that Apple is developing new 13 inch MacBook Pro, 13 inch MacBook Air, and 24 inch iMac, all of which may be equipped with new M3 chips.

IOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates

As the majority of attendees are Apple developers' event, WWDC is not without system updates such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

It is expected that Apple will release the iOS17 system at the conference, and it is rumored that the new system will focus on improving users' quality of life through various updates to small components. Apple has previewed a suite of assistive features that may come with the new system, including a personal voice tool that allows users to create personalized synthesized speech through 15 minutes of training.

Apple is expected to also update the StageManager feature through iPad OS17. Although Apple officially released this multitasking feature in October last year, it is still "not working" at present. However, the update regarding iPad OS17 is more about technology than general functionality.

It is currently unclear what new features will be available for Apple's macOS14 and tvOS17, but it is reported that Apple will make a major update to WatchOS10 by adding a new gadget interface.

IPhone blog application focused on mental health

Earlier reports pointed out that Apple also plans to launch an iPhone logging app that allows users to record their thoughts and activities for the next day.

This application can recommend writing themes for users, provide a "all day discovery" function, and track who the user is mainly with during the day, and even discover what special things you have done on a certain day and time. Apple is expected to release this app on WWDC, but it may not be released until this autumn.

Open ecosystem

Some rules of the EU Digital Market Act (DMA) have come into effect. Although Apple strongly opposes it for security reasons, the deadline for "digital gatekeepers" like Apple to allow users to download applications through third-party app stores is March next year, which means there is not much time left for Apple.

Therefore, it is highly likely that Apple will announce some adjustments made to the iPhone and iPad ecosystems on WWDC. According to reports, Apple is seeking a "complete overhaul" of its iOS system to meet the requirements of European regulatory agencies.

In addition to allowing side loading, there is widespread speculation that Apple may no longer require third-party browsers to use Apple's own WebKit engine, which will make mobile browsers on devices such as iPhones and iPads more diverse. Apple may also open NFC chips that only support its own services such as Apple Wallet and Apple Pay.

Apple is researching products/technologies

Apple has prepared a large number of new Mac computers, but they may not all make their debut on WWDC. In addition to the new MacBookAir with a 15 inch display screen, Apple is developing a new MacPro, a 24 inch iMac upgrade, and two new MacStudios.

Apple's actions in the field of artificial intelligence are also closely monitored. Although Apple has remained silent on measures related to artificial intelligence, the company's recruitment list shows that Apple hopes to recruit professional and technical personnel in the field of artificial intelligence. Due to concerns about data leakage, Apple has recently restricted employees from using ChatGPT, and perhaps it will create its own artificial intelligence system for employees like Samsung.

In addition, the release of the iPhone 15 series smartphone later this year is also worth looking forward to. There are rumors that the entire iPhone 15 series will support the "Smart Island" feature and may also be equipped with a USB-C charging interface. (Chen Chen)