What to expect from WWDC 2019

By

WWDC 2019
It’s going to be big!
Photo: Apple

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is just days away and it’s shaping up to be one of the most software-packed events in the company’s history.

New software for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and more will be shown off for the first time when Tim Cook takes the stage on June 3rd. Most of the event will be focused solely on Apple’s biggest software updates of the year, but there’s a chance we could see some new hardware too.

iOS 13

We hope iOS 13 looks a lot like this.
We hope iOS 13 looks a lot like this.
Photo: Alvaro Pabesio

iOS 13 will be the biggest star of WWDC 2019. This year’s update will include the typical speed improvements and bug fixes along with some UI tweaks and new features. Launching multitasking and closing apps will trigger get a new animation. Widgets are getting a cleaner look. Apple is also considering a swipe-to-type keyboard.

Dark Mode’s introduction will probably get some of the biggest cheers at the event. iMessage is getting profile sections where you choose a photo and select who can see it. Reminders is getting updated with a new grid showing different tasks.

The Health app is getting a big update. Daily activity will be featured more prominently on the front page. Hearing Health will be added telling users how loud an environment is or if they’re listening to music too loudly. Find My iPhone might get updated to support third-party devices, or there’s a rumor that Apple might release its own tracker attachment akin to Tile.

iPad will reportedly receive some multitasking improvements. The home screen will be tweaked a bit. Rumors have claimed mouse support might be added in iOS 13, but we’re not too confident on that. iOS 13 and macOS 10.15 will also make it possible to use your iPad as a second display on Mac.

Siri will likely get some updates too with new commands that third-party developers can access. Better NFC support that triggers Apple Pay without an app is on the way too. Of course, there will be dozens of other tiny features that Apple won’t even have time to mention in the keynote so we’ll be diving into all the details right after the event.

macOS 10.15

WWDC 2018
The answer is complicated.
Photo: Apple

Apple isn’t expected to give macOS a ton of love this year, but the new stuff it does get will be pretty huge. The biggest new feature will reportedly be the ability to run iPad apps on the Mac thanks to Project Marzipan. This will lighten the load on developers for creating cross-platform apps. It should also bring a ton of apps to the Mac. If you’ve ever looked through the Mac App Store you’ll see it’s pretty desolate.

To showcase Marzipan’s abilities in macOS 10.15, Apple supposedly created a new Podcasts app and Apple Music app. Find My iPhone and Find My Friends from iOS 13 are also reportedly making their way onto the Mac too. macOS 10.15 will let you use your iPad as a second monitor and it will include a new Siri Shortcuts app. Apple Watch will be integrated more with the Mac too as a way to authenticate certain commands.

watchOS 6

Apple wAtch
Apple Watch could use some new faces.
Photo: Matt Birchler

The Apple Watch will finally untether from the iPhone this year thanks to a new App Store just for Apple Watch apps. Developers currently have to offer an iPhone app with an Apple Watch companion app and you have to install apps through the Watch app for iPhone. Being able to add apps to your watch on the fly will be a big change, but it’s still unclear if you’ll need an iPhone to setup Apple Watch

Other new updates are expected to include new health apps, an audiobooks app, calculator, pill tracking app and more. watchOS 6 will also likely add new complications and Animoji.

tvOS 13

Tim Cook talks up the potential of Apple TV+ to change the world.
Apple TV+ is on on the way.
Photo: Apple

Rumors surrounding tvOS 13 have been practically nonexistent in the lead up to WWDC 2019 but make no mistake, it’s coming. Apple TV+ is launching this fall so the company will be getting ready for that. We don’t expect any major UI changes, however, there will probably be some minor tweaks and new feature additions.

Mac Pro

The Mac Pro is being "completely rethought."
The Mac Pro is being “completely rethought.”
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple first teased that it’s working on a modular Mac Pro back in 2017 but the company has been quiet about the new machine ever since. WWDC 2019 might provide the first glimpse of the updated Mac Pro. Even if it does get some stage time it probably won’t be on sale until later this year though. Apple is also reportedly making a new external display too that packs HDR support.

Tim Cook and Co. are scheduled to take the stage at the San Jose Convention Center on June 3 at 10AM PT. Per usual, Cult of Mac will be here breaking down all the new software and surprises so make sure to comeback and tune in.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.