WWDC 2024 Ultimate Preview Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of Apple's big event
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The wait is finally over, the hour is close at hand. On Monday, June 10, Apple CEO Tim Cook will take to the stage to begin proceedings at WWDC 2024. That will, of course, entail a week of developer workshops, sessions, and more, but all eyes will be on the 10 am (PT) keynote as Apple unveils its latest headline software iterations for 2024 and 2025.
So when exactly is WWDC 2024, how can you watch it, what’s going to be announced, and why should you care? We’re here to give you the lowdown in our WWDC 2024 Ultimate Preview Guide.
WWDC 2024 Preview
WWDC 2024: The logistics
WWDC 2024 is going to take place at Apple Park, Cupertino. The main keynote will start at 10 am on Monday, June 10, followed by the Platforms State of the Union at 1 pm. There’s undoubtedly going to be a contingent of media and developers on hand, but the main keynote will also be live-streamed around the world.
WWDC 2024: Hardware announcements
Will there be any hardware announcements at WWDC? All the latest rumors indicate no. Apple has already launched several new products to start the year, and there are no imminent upgrades in the pipeline. Top insiders indicate this is going to be a software-only event, so any new hardware would be a big surprise.
WWDC 2024: Software announcements
Apple has already confirmed that WWDC 2024 will entail “the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS advancements.” As such, we can expect to see Apple unveil:
To that, we’d cautiously add tvOS 18. Apple didn’t give tvOS much airtime last year at WWDC, and the year before it didn’t even mention it. However, there should be at least some new features, even if they’re simply confirmation of interoperability with new features elsewhere in the ecosystem.
WWDC 2024: Biggest expected announcements
Some of the biggest new features expected to debut at WWDC include Apple’s major AI overhaul. As it stands, Apple is expected to stuff artificial intelligence into basically every single one of its first-party applications, including Music, Notes, Messages, and more. As you might expect, Siri is a top candidate for a major AI overhaul, too. Here are some of the biggest announcements we’re expecting:
RCS
Apple might unveil RCS messaging for iPhone, which will bring greater compatibility with Android messaging services, allowing users to send higher-quality media, amongst other things.
ChatGPT x Siri
According to the latest reports, Apple has signed a deal to integrate ChatGPT with iPhone through Siri. That could mean more comprehensive responses, more natural conversations, and vastly improved capabilities. Given Siri is available across the Apple ecosystem, its possible all of these changes could also come to iPad, Mac, and even the HomePod.
A new iPhone Home Screen
Apple’s iPhone is expected to get the biggest Home Screen overhaul ever, with a big shift in customization and changes to app icon colors, as well as an end to the iconic grid system that has defined the iPhone since its launch. With any luck, the change might also leak into iPadOS, too.
Boot up
iOS 18: Everything you need to know
Perhaps the biggest changes coming at WWDC will feature on the iPhone. Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 ahead of launch.
Launchpad
macOS 15: Rumored features, supported devices, and more
Beyond mobile, the biggest launch at WWDC 2024 should be macOS 15, but what features will it include? More importantly, what will its name be?
For your reading list
Four upgrades coming to iPad with iPadOS 18
iOS and iPadOS share the same DNA, but what are some of the big tablet upgrades we can expect this year?
Genius Bar
How to watch WWDC 2024 — iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, Apple AI, and more
Want to get the latest from WWDC live as it happens? Watch the keynote at 10 am PT on Monday, June 10. Find out how here!
One more thing
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Get the inside track on the biggest announcement expected at WWDC, the introduction of AI and ChatGPT to iPhone through Siri.
Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9