Rumor roundup: What to expect in iOS 13 and macOS 10.15 [Video]

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holding iPhone with
iOS 13 could offer tons of huge improvements to Apple's mobile operating system.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The last few weeks have been packed with rumors and leaks about what Apple may have in store for us with iOS 13 and macOS 10.15. With so much information coming out day after day, it’s hard to keep track of all the possible rumors.

Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled the full list of expected features coming this year to iOS and macOS. From dark mode to iPad updates, and new Mac apps to Siri improvements, here’s everything we are expecting (so far) in iOS 13 and macOS 10.15.

Dark mode

First predicted back in January and more recently in a huge iOS leak, dark mode is expected to appear as a system-wide feature in iOS 13.

Font manager

iOS is rumored to get support for third party, custom fonts this year. According to reports, the new font manager will replace the current, annoying font configuration profile method in iOS.

New volume dialog

After going more than 10 years without a significant redesign, rumors suggest Apple is going to finally minimize the volume pop-up. This would allow for volume adjustments without completely abstracting or interfering with a foreground app.

Files app updates

One of the longest standing assumptions about iOS 13 is improvements to Files. After the iPad Pro devices gained USB-C last fall, power users immediately began asking for external media support. Most expect that will be part of this year’s refresh.

Reminders update

Reminders hasn’t changed much since iOS 7. MacRumors reports that this year, we may be due for an refresh.

Mail improvements

This may finally be the year that mail on iOS gets the attention it deserves. On macOS, the Mail app supports smart mailboxes, but those are non-existent on iOS. Reports suggest that may change in iOS 13.

Safari upgrades

Safari on iPad can be tough to use. You’re often pushed to iPhone-designed interfaces instead of full websites. In iOS 13, it’s rumored that you’ll be able to set certain sites to automatically load in desktop mode.

Find my … everything?

9to5Mac is reporting that Apple may merge the Find my iPhone and Find my Friends apps, as well as release a Tile-like tracker for locating other important items.

New multitasking on iPad

Alleged leaks from iOS 13 suggest big changes to multitasking on iPad are on the way. The claims suggest that apps will offer multiple active states, allowing you to pair different iterations of the same app in different contexts. It may also allow for running an app in split view with itself, similar to Safari on iPad.

Mouse support on iPad

Recent rumors suggest Apple may offer support for USB-C mice on iPad in the upcoming OS. This would allow for those with accessibility needs to use the precision pointing device, as well as enable “pro” users to make their iPad setup even more computer-like.

New Siri Intents

According to 9to5Mac, Siri may soon offer support for some new Siri Intents. According to their report, iOS 13 may bring support for asking Siri for new media playback options (like Spotify), search features, voice calling, event ticketing, message attachment, train trip, flight, airport gate and seat information.

Shortcuts on Mac

The Mac is rumored to get some love this year by borrowing some tricks from it’s younger brother. With the addition of Shortcuts on the Mac, users could take advantage of a more user-friendly, graphical automation system (in addition to Automator and Apple Script).

Screen Time for macOS

Screen Time has been fairly well received on iOS, and leaks suggest it may be coming to the Mac this year. This would give users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem a more complete picture of their digital life, across all their devices.

Improvements to Marzipan multitasking

Marzipan is in its infancy, but 9to5Mac is claiming some big changes may be on the way. These changes include improvements to how marzipan apps will work in multitasking situations, as well as allow for marzipan apps to run in different states, across multiple windows, for a more Mac-like experience.

iTunes breakup

iTunes has become a bloated mess, and with macOS 10.15, Apple might be ready to give it the boot. Rumors suggest that iTunes will be replaced by stand-alone music, video, podcast, books, and device management apps. These stand-alone apps are expected to be akin to the iOS counterparts, with iTunes likely being dismissed the the utilities folder for those that need it.

Sidecar

One recent report suggest that Apple is working on a macOS to iOS screen sharing extension codenamed Sidecar. The report claims the users will be able to send an application from their Mac to the iPad or other monitor, allowing for increased screen real estate. What isn’t clear is whether the extension could also support using your iPad as a full-fledged second monitor.

macOS and Apple Watch improvements

Apple Watch unlock is one of the best macOS features of the past few years. In macOS 10.15, rumors suggest the Apple Watch will get even more authentication features, allowing it to authenticate for other password prompts, similar to Touch ID on the MacBook Air and modern MacBook Pro. This could work for authorizing App Store purchases, authenticating for software installations. It could also work for opening password protected apps like iCloud Keychain or a password manager.

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is just a few short weeks away. With it will come more information about what we can expect from iOS 13 and macOS 10.15 this year. As always, rumors and leaks aren’t official until Apple says otherwise. That said, if the majority of these features come out this year, we’re in for some great updates.

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