In an average year, Apple holds three to four events. There’s usually a spring event in March, the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, a September event that’s focused on iPhone and Apple Watch, and sometimes an October event if there are iPads or Macs expected.
Apple always holds its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and we’re not expecting any deviation from the standard plan in 2022. WWDC often takes place early in the month, and for the last two years, it has been a digital event rather than an in-person event. This year’s keynote is set to be held on Monday, June 6.
What we know, is that there’ll be the new operating system, 16… that’ll be shared.
Whilst you might not be overtly excited by this… Apple is working on new features for notifications, the Messages app, the Lock screen, and more, with some of the rumored features listed below.
- Overhauled Lock screen with wallpapers that have “widget-like capabilities.”
- There will be “significant” improvements to notifications, though we don’t know specific details.
- Messages app with “social network-like functionality” with a specific focus on audio messages.
- Health app with expanded sleep tracking functionality and medicine management. Apple is working on a tool that will let users scan their pill bottles into the app, plus there are new women’s health features expected.
- Fresh Apple apps are in the works, with no more specific information.
- Apple is also working on “new ways of system interaction,” but it’s not quite clear what that means.
- New Fitness+ workout types.
- Apple Music classical app with interface based on Primephonic, an app Apple acquired in 2021.
On top of this, Apple also want users of the iPad have more of a laptop/computer feel.
iPadOS 16 will get many of the new features that are introduced in iOS 16, but Apple is also working on additional functionality that’s iPad specific.
There is a new multitasking interface that’s in the works, and it will include a notable overhaul to multitasking and windowing on the tablet form factor. Apple could perhaps bring iPadOS more in line with macOS.
There’ll be news on the operating system for the iWatch, Mac and the Apple TV.
And don’t forget… in September, Apple will hold another event and we’re expecting the new iPhone 14…! (Lots of rumours to what it’ll be like… which I’ll share very soon with you all!)
So for the moment, look forward to a new and improved operating system for the Apple products we use in our life.