Siri for Mac with OS X 10.12, iTunes and App Store redesigns, improved iCloud encryption, and original programming for the Apple TV. These are just a few of the projects Apple has reportedly been working on and they are also likely candidates for stage time at its upcoming WWDC press event and developer conference. Add in the last of the Macs that are due for updates and the usual dose of new developer tools, and we already have a lot to look forward to at WWDC slated for June 13-17.
Below we take a look at the latest rumors and reports for all of the expected product updates and new features in the cards for the event.
iOS 10
We haven’t had a lot of leaks for iOS 10 (yet), but after some references to internal testing alongside OS X 10.12, we do know a little about what Apple is planning for the next iOS release that usually gets an official unveiling at WWDC. One thing we do know: Apple is planning an App Store revamp and that could be a big feature for the release and likely a highlight of the iOS portion of WWDC, especially as reports say Apple is aiming to fix browsing and possibly introduce paid search results rather than just introducing superficial UI updates. It will also be the first event since Phil Schiller took over the App Store and recently responded to developer complaints about longstanding issues with app search and discovery.
- Early iOS 10 and OS X 10.12 ‘Fuji’ internal testing ramps up ahead of 2016 launches
- iTunes metadata suggests ability to hide stock apps on iPhone and iPad coming soon
- Report: Apple to revamp App Store browsing, perhaps with paid search results
- Apple plans to bring Siri Remote features to the iOS Remote app in 2016
Mac OS X MacOS
Mark reported back in February that Apple was working on Siri for Mac as one of the big new features for the upcoming 10.12 OS X release, “Codenamed “Fuji,” that like iOS 10 is expected to get a WWDC unveiling in June. And Apple has an iTunes for desktop redesign in store that Apple execs Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi revealed in a recent interview. It was already supposed to see a release but didn’t, so it’s very possible Apple is now saving it for WWDC. It also looks like Apple is planning a name change from Mac OS X to simply MacOS, which would help the OS name fit in with iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
As for what else Apple has in store, Mark noted in his February report that Apple is also working on “minor user-interface tweaks across core system application windows,” but that “the changes will not be as notable as those in 2014’s OS X Yosemite update.” Otherwise, the release is mainly focused on performance-focused engineering much like the company emphasized in OS X El Capitan.
- Apple hints at future ‘MacOS’ name change on new environmental webpage
- Apple plans Siri for Mac as tentpole feature for this fall’s OS X 10.12 launch
- Apple execs Eddy Cue & Craig Federighi interviewed, new iTunes incoming
Macs
We just went over everything we know about Apple’s upcoming laptop updates, and that was right before Apple did its 12-inch MacBook refresh yesterday. Now that the 12-inch is out of the way, Apple has the MacBook Air and Retina MacBook Pro line to deal with, both of which are approaching or passing the one year mark since last being updated. In March we reported new MacBook Pros were being planned for the second of half of 2016. And recent reports have pointed to new, thinner 13- and 15-inch MacBooks coming around July as well as that redesigned thinner MacBook rumored for mid-2016.
- 2016 MacBooks: Everything we know about Apple’s upcoming laptop updates
- Apple reportedly set to introduce new, thinner, 13 inch and 15 inch MacBooks by July
- New redesigned thinner MacBook Air rumored for mid-2016, perhaps including a 15 inch
- Everything Apple needs to update this year…
Apple TV
Back before the launch of the new Apple TV 4 last year, Mark reported that a streaming video service from Apple was in the works but would have to wait until sometime in 2016. And that was before the many recent reports of Apple working to acquire talent for original programming that we can only assume will be used to differentiate its streaming service and the Apple TV from competitors. Will we get a taste of what’s to come from Apple TV at WWDC? Even if the streaming service isn’t ready for the show, it’s likely tvOS will get some behind the scenes improvements for developers at the very least. Apple is also yet to bring the Siri Remote features to the iOS Remote app, something it previously said was coming this year:
- Apple planning 2016 launch for new Apple TV streaming service
- Report: Apple meeting with ‘triple A-list’ talent to create lineup of original TV shows
- Dr Dre said to be starring in Apple Music’s first original series called Vital Signs
- Apple plans to bring Siri Remote features to the iOS Remote app in 2016
iCloud
Word is that Apple is developing stronger iCloud backup encryption and iPhone security features following the controversy with the FBI and the San Bernardino case. And there have also been several recent reports on Apple’s efforts to bring more iCloud infrastructure in-house to improve the service as reliability continues to be one of the biggest complaints among users of the company’s various cloud services.
- Apple working on stronger iCloud backup encryption and iPhone security to counter FBI
- Apple reportedly working with Chinese server vendor to help bring cloud services in-house
- Apple developing at least 6 cloud infrastructure projects incl. servers to prevent snooping
- Apple building its own cloud infrastructure under ‘Project McQueen’ codename
Apple Pay
Apple has reportedly been working on a person-to-person payments feature for Apple Pay that could launch sometime this year, and that will certainly be something we’ll see at WWDC if it’s ready for a reveal. At the very least the company will also likely use WWDC to update us on recent progress for the payments platform as it continues to expand to new regions and supported card issuers, retailers and banks.
- Apple in talks to launch person-to-person Apple Pay mobile payments system in 2016
- Bank of America & Wells Fargo said to be working on Apple Pay support for ATM withdrawals
- Apple applies for patent for person-to-person payments, secured by Touch ID
- Apple Pay now available in Singapore for American Express, Visa & others coming soon
Developers
We recently discovered hints at a possible embeddable Apple MapKit API that is likely coming soon for developer use, and Apple will certainly have a lot of improvements to talk in terms of developer tools— it recently started overhauling its Developer Center— and the usual tie-ins with iOS and Mac OS X announcements regarding what’s new for developers. There was also word recently that Apple was developing support for paid subscription content for its News app and the App Store revamp mentioned above will almost certainly be a highlight for developers if it’s ready in time for the event.
- Embedded Apple Map on WWDC site suggests official public MapKit web API coming soon
- Apple developing support for paid, subscription content in its News app
- Apple Developer Center revamped with new account page interface
- Report: Apple to revamp App Store browsing, perhaps with paid search results
Check back as we add the latest in the lead up to WWDC…
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No mention of watchOS 3 ? or the watch itself ?
Hopefully Apple brings a lot more energy to this meeting than they did at the last event on March 21st. That was just painful to watch. They looked totally unprepared and unenthused.
Would love a new AirPort Extreme/ time capsule with USB 3.0 or even USB C
I doubt it. AirPort E/TC focuses more on WiFi for backing up or even with wired connection, it’s done over a long time. There’s no reason to update it to faster connection for backing up purpose since the benefit is very little. Instead, update all AirPort lines to latest AC Wifi.
I wonder why Apple didn’t just make AirPort Express a HomeHub instead of Apple TV?
If u r saying, why not mention USB 3.1, don’t want one?
Apple just standardized 8GB across the MacBook Air 13″ line from the base of 4GB. So I’m thinking the MacBook Air line is set and just burning inventory levels right now as the MacBook will be the main consumer system. For those of you whining about no TB3 on MacBooks, most consumer’s don’t need it. Sure, would have liked to have at least a second USB Type-C port on it, but then, I rarely use the USB ports on my MBPr15.
Children use terms like whining to describe things they don’t see as important or when making excuses for others.
There is no good reason USB-C should not have TB support on the MacBook other than Apple being cheap. TB is for a lot more than just TB devices. It’s also an optical connection for one.
Swift 3.0…. ?
Touch ID for laptops including Apple Pay. Adding Secure Element, Secure Enclave and Touch ID sensor doesn’t seem like a big hurdle for Apple and would give a compelling reason for upgrades.
Really hoping there will be news on Apple Pay launching with the major banks in Canada.
We need Thunderbolt Displays, APPLE!!!!! Why are you still selling 2011 display for $1k!!!! Why 480p camera on a $1,3k Macbook? Why only 24GB of SSD for when you purchase the 1TB Fusion Drive…. We are paying you premium – give us the premium EXPERIENCE.
Apple has thunderbolt displays. Do you mean retina displays?
As for iOS 10 – iOS UI didn’t change much really since 2007. The static applications’ grid is so dated, should have been replaced years ago.
It’s time that Apple made a unified single Apple Store. Get rid of the current tabs at the bottom and introduce tabs by device. Allow me to search across all types of apps for all devices, prioritizing apps that work on my current device AND another 🍎 device. Second, in priority would be apps that only work on my current device. Allow users to download apps to other devices that use the same Apple ID.
4K macbook pro/air would be nice.