Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference WWDC23 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and packed events in the company’s history. From major software updates to the introduction of groundbreaking hardware, the event promises to leave both developers and consumers in awe.

Mark Gurman, a reliable source of insider information, has revealed even more details about what Apple is planning to unveil at WWDC 2023. His insights have heightened anticipation, as they suggest that the event will feature some of the most significant announcements and updates in recent memory.

watchOS 10

According to Gurman, watchOS 10 will be a massive update, featuring notable changes to the user interface. In fact, he suggests that the watchOS changes will be even bigger than those for macOS and tvOS, making it the most significant Apple Watch software update since the device first launched in 2015.

This complete redesign of watchOS could be similar to the switch from iOS 6 to iOS 7, a transition that the Apple Watch has yet to experience. If you were to compare watchOS 1 to watchOS 9, you would notice that, while some UI elements have changed, the general look and feel remains the same.

Given the current modern design of the Apple Watch UI, it is uncertain how much change is possible. The use of dark elements, for example, is energy-efficient on OLED displays and is unlikely to be altered. Nevertheless, this overhaul is eagerly anticipated, as the current UI has remained largely unchanged for the past eight years.

iPadOS

Mark Gurman’s report indicates that iPadOS won’t receive any major updates during WWDC 2023. Instead, the focus will be on laying the software groundwork for the new OLED iPads, which are expected to launch in 2024.

The need for software groundwork raises questions about what new features these OLED iPads might introduce. Possibilities include an always-on display, repositioning of the Face ID camera for landscape orientation, additional ports, and Apple-developed accessories. Each of these would require extra software support.

These software groundwork preparations suggest that the 2024 iPads could come with significant hardware changes, making them the biggest update since the 2018 iPad Pros. This development is worth keeping an eye on as more information becomes available.

iOS 17

Regarding iOS 17, Mark Gurman has reiterated that the update won’t bring any groundbreaking features. Instead, Apple will focus on addressing user-requested features and implementing minor improvements to enhance the overall user experience.

For the first time since December 2022, Gurman has mentioned that Apple is still working on opening up the iPhone to sideloading. This would enable users to install apps from sources other than the App Store, a change that Apple must implement by 2024.

It remains uncertain how Apple will announce this sideloading feature, whether during WWDC or through a press release at a later date. The company may choose to downplay the announcement or reveal it as part of a future iOS 17 update, like iOS 17.1. Regardless, this development represents a significant shift in Apple’s approach to app distribution on its devices.

Apple’s AR/VR Headset

According to Mark Gurman, Apple is set to announce its AR/VR headset at WWDC 2023. This highly anticipated device has been rumored for a long time, and the event will finally provide the public with more information about its features, capabilities, and potential applications.

Gurman’s report also states that Apple’s AR/VR headset will run on Reality OS, a completely new operating system designed specifically for the device. Alongside the announcement of the headset, Apple is expected to release a software development kit (SDK) to enable developers to create apps for the new platform.

The introduction of Apple’s AR/VR headset raises questions about the future of iPhone and iPad. As AR technology becomes more advanced and integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, the roles of these existing devices may change. It remains to be seen how Apple envisions the interplay between AR glasses, iPhones, and iPads in the future.

15″ MacBook Air

Mark Gurman’s report suggests that Apple is working on a 15-inch MacBook Air featuring the next-generation M2 chip. The company is expected to announce this device sometime in 2023, though the exact launch timeframe is yet to be confirmed.

Some concerns have been raised about the potential short-lived lifecycle of the 15-inch MacBook Air. As the M2 chip is already in development, the 15-inch model could quickly become outdated once the newer, more powerful M2-based MacBook Air models are released.

The 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to offer a larger display and a more powerful processor than its 13-inch counterpart. This might make it more appealing to users who require more screen real estate and processing power for tasks like video editing and graphic design.

However, it is crucial to consider the potential short-lived lifecycle of the device, as mentioned earlier, when deciding between the 13-inch and 15-inch models.

Other Mac Updates

In addition to the 15-inch MacBook Air, Mark Gurman’s report indicates that there might be a second MacBook announcement at WWDC 2023. While details are scarce, it shows that Apple is committed to continuously expanding and improving its Mac lineup.

The report also sheds light on future Mac lineups and launch timelines. With Apple’s continued efforts to transition its Macs to Apple Silicon, it is expected that the company will continue to introduce new models and updates throughout 2023 and beyond.

Following the success of the Mac Studio, speculation about follow-up models has been brewing. As Apple continues to innovate and push the boundaries of performance and design, it is likely that we will see new and improved Mac Studio models in the coming years.

Event Duration

Mark Gurman’s report suggests that Apple’s WWDC 2023 event might have a runtime of approximately two and a half hours. This extended duration implies that the company has a packed agenda, with numerous announcements and updates to share with the public.

A two and a half hour runtime for WWDC 2023 would make it one of Apple’s longer events in recent history. Previous events, such as the iPhone 13 launch event, lasted around an hour and a half. The longer duration of WWDC 2023 highlights the importance of the event and the breadth of announcements Apple has in store for its audience.