[ad_1]
WWDC 2023 Rumor Report Card: Hits and Misses
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) always generates a lot of excitement and speculation. This year’s event introduced a range of new hardware and software, including the much-anticipated AR/VR headset Vision Pro, new Macs, iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and more. But as usual, not all the rumors circulating before the event proved to be accurate. Here’s a look at some of the hits and misses.
Hits
- Many hardware-related details about Apple’s headset were accurately reported, including the external battery pack connected with a wire, the ability to see the wearer’s eyes, the M2 chip, eye and hand tracking, and an Apple Watch-like Digital Crown for switching between augmented reality and virtual reality.
- Apple announced a 15-inch MacBook Air equipped with the M2 chip.
- Apple updated the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips.
- Apple updated the Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra chip, although there was uncertainty about whether it would be announced at WWDC or later.
- The new Mac Pro features the same overall design as the previous Intel-based model.
- iOS 17 features a new StandBy mode that can show info like the time, calendar, and widgets when an iPhone is charging in a landscape position. While the StandBy name never leaked, the feature was accurately rumored.
- iOS 17 features a new Journal app.
- iOS 17 drops support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
- Apple added new mental health and vision health features to the Health app on iOS 17, and expanded the app to the iPad.
- Apple shortened the Hey Siri phrase to Siri.
- AirPlay will soon work with supported TVs in hotel rooms.
- watchOS 10 features widgets that can be scrolled through, and redesigned apps that take advantage of larger Apple Watch displays.
Misses
- Reality Pro was considered a potential name for Apple’s headset based on a trademark application, but it ended up being named Vision Pro.
- It was reported that Apple’s headset operating system would be named xrOS, but it ended up being named visionOS. Apple does refer to the operating system as xrOS in its WWDC session videos, so to the name may have been a placeholder, or perhaps there was a last-minute change.
- Vision Pro was widely rumored to cost around $3,000, but it is priced at $3,499.
- Vision Pro is launching in early 2024, not late 2023. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo did mention the possibility of early 2024 at the last minute.
- A sketchy rumor claimed Apple’s headset would be available in six colors.
- Nearly all claims made by previously-accurate Twitter account @analyst941 were false, including iOS 17 having a redesigned Control Center and Wallet app.
- 15-inch MacBook Air was initially rumored to feature an M3 chip.
- The new MacBook Air has a 15.3-inch display, not a 15.5-inch display.
Of course, with so many rumors floating around before WWDC, this list only scratches the surface. There were plenty of other hits and misses not covered here, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WWDC?
WWDC stands for Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event held by Apple to showcase new hardware and software products. The conference is primarily aimed at software developers and engineers, although it also generates plenty of buzz among consumers and the media.
What is Vision Pro?
Vision Pro is a new augmented reality/virtual reality headset developed by Apple. The headset features a range of advanced features, including an external battery pack, eye and hand tracking, and an Apple Watch-like Digital Crown for controlling various functions. Vision Pro is scheduled to launch in early 2024.
What new features are included in iOS 17?
iOS 17 includes a range of new features and improvements, including a StandBy mode that shows useful information when an iPhone is charging, a new Journal app, and expanded mental and vision health features in the Health app. iOS 17 drops support for older iPhones, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
What is watchOS 10?
watchOS 10 is the latest version of Apple’s operating system for the Apple Watch. It includes redesigned apps that take advantage of the larger display found on newer Apple Watch models, as well as new widgets that can be scrolled through.
Conclusion
Overall, WWDC 2023 was a major event with numerous new hardware and software products unveiled. While not all the rumors circulating before the event proved to be true, many did, giving tech enthusiasts and Apple fans plenty to be excited about. From the new Vision Pro headset to iOS 17 and beyond, there’s plenty to look forward to from the tech giant in the years to come.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link