Apple's Smart Home, WWDC 2014 Predictions and Rumor Roundup: What to Expect From Apple's 2-Hour Long Keynote
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is the place and time to get a look at the newest products from the Cupertino tech giant, as well as hints about what's on the horizon for the closely followed gadget maker. Here's what WWDC 2014 might bring, and what's been rumored but probably isn't in the cards.
iWatch: Not Likely
The "iWatch" is probably the biggest rumor on the net, and has been for more than a year now. Of course, there have been plenty of signs that Apple is hard at work at revolutionizing the wearable computing industry going back to last year's WWDC: patent leaks a-plenty, Nike (an Apple partner) ending its own FuelBand line, and rumored iWatch-related new hires at the company starting in 2013.
But either the development and release of the iWatch is a singular achievement in leak-control for Apple, or (more likely) Apple will not unveil the iWatch this June. Bank on the latter, but that doesn't mean the iWatch (or whatever it's eventually called) isn't on the way to a release in the foreseeable future.
iOS 8: All But Guaranteed
"At this year's five-day conference, developers from around the world will learn about the future of iOS and OS X, giving them the latest tools and technologies to continue creating the most innovative apps for the millions of iOS and Mac customers worldwide," said Apple's press release for the event.
Albeit, "the future of iOS" could just be iOS 7, or another iteration of it, but the leaks and screenshots -- for example, app icons of Healthbook, TextEdit, and other apps have emerged, as well as details about a possible split-screen multitasking function, similar to that of Samsung's version of Android -- that have hit the web in the build-up to WWDC 2014 point to a new iOS, which would follow the unveiling of iOS 7 at last year's WWDC. We don't expect iOS 8, if that's what the iOS update is called, to be incredibly revolutionary, even with late reports that iOS 8 will suddenly make your domicile a "Smart Home," but we do expect an update to Apple's mobile OS that will expand your iPhone's connectivity and capabilities.
OS X 10.10: All But Guaranteed
The same goes for the latest incarnation of OS X, which folks on the web have taken to calling OS X 10.10 (an awkward designation: perhaps Apple has a more elegant label in the cards). According to leaks, like that of Apple expert Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac, Apple is planning on putting a lot of focus on the redesigned OS X, codenamed "Syrah."
Expect the newly redesigned OS X to show many influences of iOS 7, along with even more interactivity between mobile and desktop, which we saw hints at during WWDC 2013. But don't expect the "grand melding together" of Apple's desktop and mobile OS's that some have been predicting.
Streamlined Retina MacBook Lineup: Possibly, But Not So Much
The current MacBook Pro line includes some models that have solid-state drives (SSD) and HQ Retina screens, and some that don't. At the same time, MacBook Airs have been excluded from the Retina party so far. It's been rumored that Apple will drop the non-Retina MacBook Pros (even introducing a new Retina model), and switch all new MacBook Airs to Retina screens.
It's certainly possible one of those changes might be unveiled, come WWDC 2014, but it's unlikely that Apple will go full-steam-ahead on all-Retina laptops, simply to avoid skyrocketing the baseline price of what has so far been a very successful lineup. Also, the current MacBook Pro Retina lineup is only half a year old. Could Apple drop the last non-Retina MacBook Pros? That would be the simplest and most likely change for the company to make, but of course that's not too interesting.
Apple TV: Maybe
A new version of Apple TV -- not just a software update or added functionality with new content providers -- has been in the rumor mill for months, as well. Also, the "iTV" or whatever the dreamed-about fully integrated Apple television set has been a constant subject of rumors. There's little to no evidence for the iTV, but there have been some reports of Apple responding to Amazon's launch of the FireTV (along with other competitors entering the market), while Apple's set-top device has remained un-updated for years. But some of those launch reports were set for March of this year, and that never happened.
We put the likelihood of a new Apple TV set-top box as a maybe, but it may be less likely if Apple is working on something bigger (like a true "over-the-top" TV streaming device) that takes longer to get together. A big-screen "iTV?" Keep dreaming.
iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPhone 6, and/or iPhablet: Very Unlikely
What would the tech mediasphere be without constant swirling rumors about the imminent, revolutionary Apple mobile device that can read your thoughts, comes with a Bluetooth contact-lens screen or a new Retina screen of whatever size people are hankering for at the time, and possesses other unheard-of powers to change your life.
Apple will almost certainly have a new iPhone/iPad available in the foreseeable future, but that will almost certainly follow Apple's tried-and-true development cycle. An iPhablet? Maybe... this fall, at best. An iPad mini 3? The iPad mini 2 (actually called the Retina iPad mini) was only launched last October -- don't believe the company has yet another iteration ready for this June.
For gadget enthusiasts, your best bet for WWDC 2014 is maybe a new Apple TV set-top box, new home products, or new peripherals for Apple devices that take advantage of new system software -- changes in Apple's OS's, which are the only solid bet for WWDC 2014.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!