Apple still has a bunch of new devices up its sleeve for 2018 — not including the new iPhone lineup — but we won’t see any of it at WWDC.
A new report claims we can expect refreshed MacBook and MacBook Pro models, a more affordable machine to replace the MacBook Air, a new iPad Pro with Face ID, and a new Apple Watch. However, we’ll have to wait until later in the year to get our hands on them.
WWDC is one of Apple’s biggest events, and we’re expecting big things from this year’s edition. iOS 12 and the next major updates to macOS, tvOS, and watchOS will almost certainly be previewed for the first time. We may even see a cheaper HomePod and a new iPhone SE.
But Apple has even bigger plans for the second half of 2018.
MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch refreshes for 2018
Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning refreshes for the MacBook and MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and the Apple Watch. The company is also working on a more affordable notebook that’s expected to replace the MacBook Air, which is getting incredibly long in the tooth.
The new MacBook lineup is expected to get Intel’s latest processors, while the new iPad Pro will be the first with Face ID. The new Apple Watch lineup will be around the same size as the existing models, but will sport larger, edge-to-edge screens with smaller bezels.
“These changes will be the most notable external enhancements since the Watch launched about three years ago, but the new models will still support watch bands from earlier models,” reads the report.
Apple’s plans for WWDC
We’ll have to wait for all of this, Bloomberg adds — none of it is planned for a WWDC reveal. In fact, there is no mention of any new hardware. Apple is expected to focus on its new software instead, which will be “devoted to making users want to pick up Apple gadgets.”
“The company plans to show off its prowess in augmented reality by upgrading relatively new tools for iPhones and iPads,” sources say. This will include ARKit 2.0, which will allow users to play augmented reality games against each other in the same environment.
iOS 12 will also offer a “Digital Health” section, which will provide users with “a series of tools” that will help them monitor their iPhone and iPad usage. It will show exactly how much time you’ve spent using your device and idividual apps.
“Otherwise, upgrades to this year’s software will be more muted. There’ll be minor new features for snoozing notifications, tracking the stock market, making video calls, and sending Animojis — the virtual cartoons introduced with the iPhone X.”
WWDC kicks off on Monday, June 4. Apple’s keynote will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific, and you’ll be able to watch the whole thing online.
Cult of Mac will also be in attendance, so we’ll bring you all the hottest news as it breaks on our WWDC 2018 live blog.
