Apple's annual WWDC 2023 developer conference will take place next month, where the company will unveil all of its brand new operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV -- and maybe a little bit else.
This is always an exciting time of year, when we get to see the next iterations of Apple's software and the big changes that are coming to our devices. If we're lucky, we also sometimes get to see new hardware, and this year we might hit the jackpot, as rumors loom large of a new Apple VR Reality Pro headset.
Will Apple finally take the covers off its fabled mixed-reality offering? We'll find out at the developer conference, which runs from June 5 - June 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Here's everything we know about WWDC 2023 so far.
What to expect at WWDC 2023
At WWDC 2023, iMore's editors believe Apple will unveil new versions of key OS platforms: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and the next version of tvOS. Hardware may include includes a new 15-inch MacBook Air and a new Mac Pro (2023) with new Apple silicon ... and of course the Reality Pro VR headset.
watchOS 10 Big changes are forecast, notably to the use of widgets
Apple Reality Pro VR Apple's mixed reality headset (at last!) should be revealed
15-inch Macbook Air A larger version of Apple's thinnest laptop. And the M3 chip?
Mac Pro (2023) A new M2 chip may power Apple's powerhouse machine
WWDC 23: When is WWDC 2023?
WWDC will take place from June 5 to June 9, with a special in-person event on the opening day.
The exciting stuff all happens on the first day. Apple will unveil iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and possibly some other goodies at its keynote. It’s also when any hardware will be unveiled. The event usually runs for a few days after, but this is really for developers to try and get the best out of their apps and Apple’s software.
The main keynote usually kicks off at 10 am PT on Monday, followed by the Platforms State of the Union at 1 pm. The Apple Design Awards usually follow later that day.
WWDC 23: Where will WWDC 2023 be held?
Apple has confirmed that WWDC 2023 will take place in an online format, "with an opportunity for developers and students to celebrate in person at a special experience at Apple Park on opening day."
What to expect at WWDC 2023
At a glance:
- iOS 17
- iPadOS 17
- macOS 14
- watchOS 10
- tvOS 17
- MacBook Air 13-inch
- MacBook Air 15-inch
- Apple VR Reality Pro headset
WWDC 23: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and other software
As per usual, we can expect Apple to unveil the next iteration of its major software platforms. That means we should see iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and the next version of tvOS.
We have heard more generally that Apple is putting nearly all of its 2023 effort into its rumored Apple Reality Pro VR headset at the expense of its mobile and Mac software. This means we could see a less feature-rich set of releases this year, with the VR hardware and its accompanying software taking center stage.
WWDC 23: 15-inch MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and other possible hardware
Last year, we got to see Apple's new M2 MacBook Air, one of the company's best MacBooks in recent memory. Hardware isn't a mainstay at WWDC, and Apple doesn't always unveil new products. However, there are some possible new Macs in the pipeline that could make an appearance if they aren't unveiled at Apple's expected Spring event. That includes a new 15-inch MacBook Air and a new Mac Pro (2023) rumored to feature the same design as the current model with Apple silicon.
Another new product could well steal the show at WWDC, even if it isn't released, as Apple enters its first brand new product market since it unveiled Apple Watch, with the heavily rumored launch of Apple's own VR headset. Read on to find out more.
WWDC 23: Apple Reality Pro and Reality OS (rxOS)
Apple Reality Pro, the company's long-rumored VR headset, will reportedly be unveiled at WWDC, according to the most recent rumors. Apple's AR/VR headset will reportedly offer mixed reality experiences, video-conferencing, 4K video, a lightweight design with premium materials, and more.
According to rumors and reports, this will include a heavy emphasis on video-conferencing and education and integration for Apple's iOS App Store, meaning you'll be able to run all of Apple's best iPhone apps and games as 2D windows. Gaming is thought to be less of a heavy focus, which seems strange given this appears to be a favorite use case for VR headset users.
According to reports, while Reality Pro will be unveiled at WWDC, analysts don't expect it to be available until several months later.
