Apple WWDC 2015 Preview: Everything You Need to Know
Monday, June 8, marks that time of year when Apple holds its World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). It's more than just a gathering of programmers, though, and Apple's lengthy opening keynote kicking off the conference is when the public can get previews of products coming soon, updates on how recently-launched products are faring, and the occasional surprise announcement.
Here's everything to expect from Apple WWDC 2015.
Launching Beats Streaming - Like Spotify, but Apple
It's been rumored for quite a while, but Apple is 99.9 percent guaranteed to announce its own paid streaming music service, since Sony Music CEO Doug Morris basically spilled the beans in an interview on Sunday.
"It's happening tomorrow," replied Morris when asked about the new Apple Music service at the Midem Music Industry Festival in Cannes on Sunday, according to Venture Beat. Morris didn't go into specifics, but touted that Apple was more than ready for launch, with "$178 billion" in cash flow, "800 million [customer] credit cards in iTunes", and his guess "that Apple will promote this like crazy."
Rumors have it that Apple Music (which is what it's expected to be called) will likely be much like Spotify, even down to the $10 per month subscription fee, except it will likely come without the same type of free tier of service that Spotify offers. Apple already has a free Pandora-like radio service called iTunes Radio, which mostly flopped, and is one of the reasons why Apple is expected to take another swing at streaming music.
The new streaming service is expected to come with a new "Apple Music" app, according to the New York Times, where customers will have access to their personal music library, the iTunes music store, iTunes Radio, and the new streaming service all in one place.
To get a leg up on Spotify, Apple is expected to utilize its purchase of Beats music to set Apple Music apart, by featuring channels or playlists curated by industry giants like Dr. Dre.
Watch Developer Tool Kit
Apple's Watch is still fresh on the market, but it has already been criticized for its limited app collection and abilities. Currently, the Watch runs apps off of the iPhone and transfers the data over Bluetooth.
That will start to change on Monday, as Apple is very likely going to release an API, or developer's tool kit, for the Watch proper. According to Engadget, it's expected to allow developers to begin creating apps for the Watch that don't require tethering to an iPhone to work, which will probably eat up the Watch's already meager battery life, but will also turn the Watch into something more like a real standalone gadget, rather than an iPhone accessory.
At the same time, the Apple Watch is finally going to be available in stores late June, so there may be more Watch-related announcements to drum up consumer enthusiasm before the full retail launch on June 26.
iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 Preview
Updates to Apple's mobile and computer operating systems are coming, and at WWDC, Apple is expected to give a rundown of new changes, new initiatives, and hints at features coming in the iPhone 6s or iPhone 7 (whatever they decide to call it).
For example, 9to5Mac reports that while iOS 9 cannot introduce Force Touch functionality to old hardware, the updated mobile OS and API for developers will probably add support to rumors that the coming iPhone 6s will have a force touch touchscreen. HomeKit is also likely to be on display, with a possible new app for iPhones to lay the groundwork for more Internet of Things developments and devices on the way.
But for the most part, iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 are not expected to bring major new features that are exciting for the general consumer. Instead, the updates are expected to bring several deep changes in functionality, security, and reliability, as well as to shrink the storage footprint of iOS and iOS apps on iPhones.
Apple TV Not Ready
The one very exciting, very anticipated update -- since it's been years since the last major update of Apple TV -- is likely not going to be ready for showing off at this year's WWDC.
According to The New York Times, Apple has encountered setbacks involving content deals for its refresh of the Apple TV, and won't be announcing anything major for the platform this week.
It's long been rumored that Apple is seeking to bring live TV to the device under its own terms, and more recent rumors hint that the new Apple TV will also become the central hub of Apple's Internet of Things HomeKit system. But even after years of haggling, it appears content companies have not yet reached a deal with Apple.
Maybe this fall... maybe next fall.
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