WWDC: The complete guide to iOS 6, MacBook lineup and more
Monday is a big day for Apple as two operating systems are expected to be announced, in addition to a new lineup of MacBooks.
There have been months of rumors building up to June 11, when Apple CEO Tim Cook will take the stage at the company’s WorldWide Developer’s Conference and deliver what could be the biggest Keynote Address since the release of the iPad.
To make sure you’re prepared for all of the latest and greatest announcements, we’ve published this guide to everything you can expect at this year’s WWDC. Let’s begin with the new operating systems:
Apple’s next-generation mobile operating system for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is widely-expected to build upon what made the original iPhone so popular: Native apps. While no major design elements to the operating system are expected, all of the native apps, like Safari, Stocks, Weather and Reminders, will receive a much-needed update.
The biggest of those native apps that will receive an upgrade is Maps. It’s almost guaranteed that Apple will announce that it has finally ditched Google Maps for its own 3D mapping system. In 2011, Apple acquired C3 Technologies, a company that developed unbelievable 3D mapping software that builds upon unclassified missile guidance data.
iOS 6 is also expected to incorporate a full integration of Facebook. Facebook’s current iOS app is very buggy and has long load times. Full integration will let users share and like things across apps as they are updated, in addition to signing for up certain apps that require a Facebook login.
At the same level of Maps, iOS 6 for the iPad is expected to bring Siri to the big screen. Siri has been long awaited for iPad users, but it’s unclear if iPad 2 users will be able to use Apple’s popular personal assistant, which should also experience some major upgrades.
OS X Mountain Lion & iCloud
Mountain Lion is Apple’s latest operating system for the Mac that will bridge the iPad to the desktop and laptop experience. Popular iOS features like Reminders and iMessages are making their way to the new operating system, in addition to Game Center and Airplay. Expect the operating system to come with some surprises and be available for download from the Mac App Store on Monday or by week’s end.
iCloud has always been a work in progress for Apple. This could be the most important upgrade that the cloud-syncing technology has experienced so far. At the 10th annual All Things Digital Conference, Cook confirmed that iCloud is a top priority. Expect a new photo-sharing service, similar to Instagram and some new web apps.
While software is what makes Apple devices so popular, hardware is what gets fanboys excited.
Apple is expected to announce and possible release this week an entire new lineup of MacBooks. That includes a completely re-designed Macbook Pro and a much more powerful MacBook Air. It’s unclear if both MacBooks will feature Apple’s ultra-sharp Retina display, but it’s verily likely the Macbook Pro will feature it.
The Mac Pro, Apple’s giant desktop tower that hasn’t received an upgrade since 2008, is also expected to receive an update, causing much excitement among graphic designers and film editors.
And More
What about the iPhone 5? Apple TV? Well, Apple likely won’t release or announce an iPhone 5. I think it would be just be too much for one Keynote.
But the Apple TV is another subject. It’s been widely-rumored that a new Apple TV operating system — not an actual television set — will be demoed at the WWDC. The new operating system for the Apple TV could be open to developers to create apps that enhance the Apple TV experience.
Blorge will be remotely covering the WWDC. What are you most excited about?
June 11th, 2012
No iOS6 for iPad 1, iPhone 3G, iPOD 3rd gen.