What users expect Apple to announce at WWDC 2023

The announcements at WWDC 2022, with many highlights such as the improved iOS 16 lock screen and redesigned M2 MacBook Air, got users very excited about what to expect in 2023. Here's what people say. users expect to see at WWDC 2023.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17

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In 2022, the iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 software updates brought significant changes to the iPhone and iPad. Apple has shown a greater focus on personalization in iOS 16, while iPadOS 16 strives to improve and make multitasking on iPad more efficient with Stage Manager. But besides these feature upgrades, many users have reported stability issues with software versions.

In the past, Apple has handled such updates by introducing tweaked releases - iOS 12 being the most notable example - focused on improving the overall quality of the user experience. While expecting iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to follow a similar route, Mark Gurman hinted at the updates bringing in "user requested features" in a tweet:

macOS 14

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The macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) update visually overhauled the operating system in 2020, enhancing the aesthetics of all windows and bringing in new icons. Since then, every macOS update has been geared toward improving the productivity experience and seamless functionality Apple has provided.

The current version - macOS Ventura - has added standout features like Stage Manager and Continuity Camera, along with Handoff for FaceTime. Now, users expect to see even more features with an upgrade in 2023.

If Apple decides to bring user-requested features to Macs, hopefully it will build more widgets, allowing users to pin them to a large canvas on the desktop.

watchOS 10 and tvOS 17

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The last Apple operating systems expected to upgrade in 2023 are watchOS and tvOS. Like macOS, 2022 is a year to remember for these two platforms. Users don't report many glitches, and Apple is constantly adding features and improving the user experience.

The most recent addition to tvOS is a feature that can dim the flickering lights in a video sequence, helping users deal with sudden changes in brightness. The platform also saw the birth of Apple Music Sing when tvOS 16.2 launched. Hopefully Apple will add more unique features like this with tvOS 17.

In 2022, Apple made more physical activity stats available to users with watchOS 9 and introduced hiking-friendly features. The Apple Watch Ultra, a wearable geared towards individuals who want to reach the pinnacle of the sporting experience, is also out. For watchOS 10, hopefully Apple will develop more physical activity statistics and improve sleep tracking, by not limiting this feature to the window when Bedtime Mode is active.

Apple VR Headset

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The long-rumored Apple VR headset is a product that has attracted a lot of attention. Despite numerous reports about the hardware - which would ideally integrate with other Apple products - there are still many unknowns about the device and the functionality of this headset.

However, the launch at WWDC 2023, along with developer technical sessions, could pave the way for some great use cases, which could help Apple justify the super price. Huge $3000 is expected for this device.

Mac Pro and MacBook Air 15-inch

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Ever since Apple's silicon processors hit the market and wowed everyone with the performance on offer, many have been looking forward to seeing the updated Mac Pro. The device's larger form factor means Apple can pack a lot of power into it. Mac Studio has given us a glimpse of what Apple can achieve with the extra space, and hopefully the Mac Pro takes it one step further.

Another silicon-powered device Apple hopes to show up at WWDC 2023 is the pretty much rumored 15-inch MacBook Air, which may even feature an M3 processor. Not everyone needs a MacBook Pro, but many can benefit from this larger display.

Currently, the only big screen option is the 16-inch MacBook Pro. As a result, this 15-inch version will fit perfectly into Apple's lineup, giving those who want more usable space from their device one more viable option.

WWDC 2023 may bring new hardware along with software

At its core, WWDC is and will always be a software-first event, but seeing hardware launch on this big occasion shouldn't come as a surprise anymore. WWDC 2023 is worth watching as it's Apple's first big event of the new year, keeping you up to date on the latest devices and upcoming software upgrades.

Marvin Fry

Update 07 April 2023