Major Uncertainties Apple Could Potentially Address, or Opt to Overlook, during WWDC 2019
Apple is gearing up for a significant update to its iOS operating system, with a focus on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and enhanced hardware features. According to reports from Bloomberg, these developments aim to improve the user experience and make iOS more intelligent and adaptable.
AI Integration for Smarter Search and Siri
Bloomberg suggests that Apple is creating a new internal team called Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI), which is working towards developing a ChatGPT-like AI search experience integrated into iOS. This move represents a strategic pivot from Apple’s previous reluctance to develop chatbot-style AI, as the company aims to improve features like Siri and overall AI-driven search within iOS.
Hardware Updates for iPhone 18 Pro Models
In terms of hardware-related iOS features for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that they will feature a slimmed-down Dynamic Island alongside under-display Face ID. These changes indicate significant design and interface adjustments in iOS to support these hardware updates.
Other Expected Features
While specific new iOS version features were not explicitly detailed beyond the AI search improvements and adaptive interface changes linked to new hardware designs, some other expected features have been rumoured. These include:
- A more visually attractive dark mode for iOS
- Refreshes to the iPhone Health app, adding features for hearing health, period tracking, and updates to the landing screen
- A new version of iOS with improved Mail app, updated To Do app, and a better Bedtime tab in the Clock app
- The addition of an actual app store to the Apple Watch, making adding new apps easier
- The possibility of a new Mac Pro being showcased at WWDC, as Intel has released new Xeon processors and AMD is expected to launch new GPUs in July
- Rumours of Apple phasing iTunes out, with the launch of a standalone TV app and the rumoured Apple Music standalone
- The iPad Pro getting mouse support, making it a potential viable alternative to macOS with the addition of pro apps like Photoshop
- The announcement that third-party developers can create a single app for the iPad and macOS, available on both the iPad and macOS stores
What's Not Expected
There are no plans for the Apple Watch to track sleep at this year's WWDC, and there are no plans for a new Apple TV update any time soon. Additionally, the Apple Watch is unlikely to get better battery life with the upcoming watchOS update.
In summary, Apple's upcoming iOS update is expected to leverage deeper AI integration for smarter search and Siri functions, as well as interface tweaks to accommodate new hardware like the smaller Dynamic Island on iPhone 18 Pro models. Other anticipated features include a more visually appealing dark mode, updated apps, and the potential for a standalone TV app and Apple Music standalone. However, the focus of the reports has been more on these hardware and AI service initiatives than on a traditional iOS feature list.
- The AI search experience integrated into iOS, as proposed by Apple's new AKI team, aims to create a ChatGPT-like feature reminiscent of chatbot-style AI, enhancing Siri and overall AI-driven search within technology.
- The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models are predicted to undergo hardware updates, featuring a slimmed-down Dynamic Island and under-display Face ID, requesting iOS to adapt its design and interface to accommodate these tech advancements.
