Will New Hardware Debut at WWDC 2022?

When I mention avoiding rumors, one topic is hard to ignore: the speculation surrounding new Apple hardware.

Typically, WWDC focuses on operating system and software announcements. However, given that 2022 marks a significant transition to Apple silicon across the entire Mac lineup, I'm optimistic we'll see something unveiled on June 6th.

However, I don’t expect to see a new MacBook Air or an updated Mac mini anytime soon. Any updates to the MacBook Pro will likely come later in the year. And if you're still holding out hope for a new M1 iMac, you might be disappointed.

What I do anticipate during the WWDC keynote is an introduction to the updated Mac Pro powered by Apple Silicon. This will likely be a showcase of impressive specifications, with Apple highlighting its superiority over PCs. Expect discussions about teraflops, extensive core counts, and remarkable power efficiency.

For most users, this will be a Mac that exceeds their budget, needs, or expertise. But it's sure to be a moment worth watching.

iOS 16

I’m going to stir some debate by suggesting that iOS is currently in a decent state. It may never match the customizability of Android, nor will the Home Screen see substantial changes.

This year, iOS 16 will likely receive the typical visual updates, along with minor adjustments and enhancements to widget functionality. I’m perfectly fine with Apple making incremental improvements to their mobile OS; smartphones have become so capable that it's challenging to envision any groundbreaking changes that would significantly impact daily life.

I would love to see 'jiggle mode' become less annoying and for a more functional news feed to appear when swiping right from the Home Screen, as Android does so well. A bit more variety in wallpaper options wouldn't hurt, either.

Of course, Apple might surprise us with a major iOS update this year. I just can’t pinpoint what that might entail or what issues need addressing. Can you?

iPadOS 16

This is the area I'm most excited about. If Apple focused entirely on iPadOS during the WWDC keynote, I would be thrilled.

It's time for a change. Multitasking remains confusing and frustratingly difficult to navigate. The Home Screen underutilizes the available screen space, and there’s no multi-user support. More critically, iPadOS fails to capitalize on the impressive capabilities of today’s iPads.

I want iPadOS to break free from iOS constraints. Unfortunately, it still feels like just a larger version of iOS.

We need proper windowed multitasking. Let us control how many apps we want open and where they are placed. Enable multiple users to share the same iPad with individual preferences and app access. Redesign the Home Screen to enhance the 'it's not a computer' experience you often tease.

Finally, please give us professional applications. Starting with Final Cut Pro would be fantastic, but glimpses of future offerings like Logic Pro and Xcode would spark hope that the iPad isn't merely the Mac's younger sibling.

They can't let us down again, can they?

tvOS 16

For those who follow my writing, you know I’ve recently embraced Apple TV, and I’m enjoying the experience.

tvOS itself is a solid operating system but could use some refinement. I would love a more intuitive way to manage my time between the main Home Screen and the ‘Up Next’ section, but it has made significant strides in recent years.

Currently, I wish for one thing from tvOS, though it may be beyond Apple’s control. In the UK, there’s no option to integrate a TV service with our Apple TVs. Many other countries have this feature, and I believe it's the missing piece in what is almost a complete home TV system for my household. If Apple announces new partnerships with media companies in the UK, I would be delighted. But I doubt that will happen.

watchOS 9

I genuinely think watchOS is impressive. It has evolved into a finely-tuned fitness companion, and it's hard to imagine what Apple might introduce next.

They could add more workout types or new fitness-oriented watch faces, but that's about it.

Beyond fitness, I mainly use my Apple Watch for Apple Pay, timers, and not much else. I’m quite content with this limited functionality, which likely reflects how most users incorporate Apple’s wearable into their daily routines.

What I desire is more intriguing Apple Watch hardware, which I hope will be revealed later this year. We probably won’t see it at WWDC, but I’ll be on the lookout for any watchOS updates hinting at future hardware.

One More Thing (From Me)

This year's WWDC coincides with one of the most significant events in my life.

On June 7th, we will be heading to the hospital for my girlfriend's induction—unless something happens before then, of course.

There’s truly no competition. Tim and his team will have to take a backseat while I embrace fatherhood for the first time. This may lead to a delay in my post-keynote coverage of WWDC, but I promise to return as soon as possible to share my sleep-deprived thoughts.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. What’s the one thing you hope to see at WWDC 2022? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on May 24, 2022.