WWDC 2022: Last-minute rumor roundup

WWDC 2022 formally kicks off on Monday with Apple’s opening keynote at 10 a.m. PT. Throughout this keynote, Apple will formally unveil updates together with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS 13. Forward of WWDC kicking off, we’re seeing some final minute rumors about what to anticipate, together with the potential of a brand new MacBook Air, large updates to iPadOS 16 multitasking options, and extra.

Head beneath as we spherical up a few of the last-minute rumors about what’s coming at WWDC 2022…

WWDC 2022 Particulars

As a fast refresher, WWDC is a week-long occasion that consists of Apple’s opening keynote, the State of the Union with extra technical particulars, the Apple Design Awards, and a whole lot of developer classes, labs, one-on-one conferences, and extra.

• WWDC Keynote: June 6, 10 a.m. PDT
• Platforms State of the Union: June 6, 2 p.m. PDT
• Apple Design Awards: June 6, 5 p.m. PDT

This yr, WWDC 2022 additionally features a small in-person part along with the web choices. A small group of builders and press has been invited to Apple Park for the keynote as nicely related labs, interviews, and far. We’ll, in fact, have full protection of every little thing that occurs all through your complete week proper right here on 9to5Mac.

AR/VR Headset not anticipated

Whereas the announcement or tease of Apple’s long-rumored AR/VR headset as soon as appeared like a assure for WWDC 2022, that now not appears to be the case. As a consequence of ongoing improvement points, provide chain issues, and difficult integration between {hardware} and software program, the Apple Headset is now seemingly set for a debut in 2023.

Bloomberg reported again in January that the Apple Headset has confronted a number of improvement points, together with issues with overheating. Apple has additionally reportedly struggled with correct integration between {hardware} and software program, in addition to points with the digicam {hardware}.

Final month, The Info corroborated many of those particulars and added some further context. Based on that report, Jony Ive’s determination that the Apple Headset needs to be a completely standalone system has confirmed to be a problem.

Apple’s early plans had been for the primary model of the headset to work with a base station, permitting the headset itself to be smaller and depend on that base station for issues like efficiency and battery. Jony Ive, nevertheless, didn’t suppose such a product can be a compelling possibility for customers.

That call by Ive has reportedly led to a slew of improvement points, together with those reported by Bloomberg. The staff engaged on Apple Headset has struggled to stability ““battery life and efficiency whereas minimizing the warmth generated so folks don’t get singed whereas carrying the system.”

With all of that having been stated, it’s clear that Apple isn’t fairly able to announce its AR/VR headset at WWDC this yr. Whereas it’s attainable we get some form of teaser, the extra seemingly state of affairs is that any form of Apple Headset isn’t introduced or launched till 2023.

MacBook Air attainable, however not as colourful as rumored

When it comes to new {hardware} at WWDC, rumors are a bit blended. The almost certainly candidate, nevertheless, seems to be a brand new MacBook Air. A redesigned MacBook Air has been rumored for nearly a yr, however Apple has been battling ongoing provide chain points throughout the board.

Rumors point out that the brand new MacBook Air will characteristic a brand new flat-edged design that takes cues from the 24-inch iMac. Whereas earlier experiences recommended the brand new MacBook Air can be obtainable in related, if not the identical, colours because the iMac, that won’t grow to be the case.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman took to Twitter on Friday night to share some last-minute tidbits about this MacBook Air. Based on Gurman, experiences of the MacBook Air coming in “a number of colours” are “in all probability exaggerated.”

Based on Gurman, we ought to count on the brand new MacBook Air to return in the identical colours as the present mannequin. This would come with house grey, silver, and gold. Gurman does notice that the gold will probably be “extra champagne like” than the present coloration. Gurman additionally says the brand new MacBook Air could possibly be obtainable in a blue coloration much like the 24-inch iMac.

As for a launch date, Gurman says the brand new MacBook Air “has been deliberate to launch at WWDC.” The one factor that will stop that is if the provision chain points in China “created such a provide and launch hole that it wouldn’t make sense to announce it on Monday.”

iPadOS 16 multitasking upgrades

Lastly, a Bloomberg report this week indicated that iPadOS 16 is anticipated to be one of many largest bulletins at WWDC on Monday. Based on the report, iPadOS will convey a “redesigned multitasking interface that makes it simpler to see what apps are open and change between duties.” 

The replace can even convey new methods to resize app home windows alongside “new methods to deal with a number of apps directly.” Apple’s objective is to show iPadOS right into a extra of “laptop computer expertise” when it comes to multitasking and windowing assist.

What precisely this implies stays to be seen, however there does certainly appear to be mounting proof that this could possibly be the yr Apple lastly brings a significant overhaul to iPadOS multitasking.

Extra to return

WWDC 2022 kicks off on Monday, and it’s extremely seemingly that we are going to see some extra last-minute leaks about what’s coming for iOS 16, iPadOS 16, new {hardware}, and extra.

What are you most excited to see at WWDC 2022 this yr? Tell us down within the feedback!

Take a look at 9to5Mac on YouTube for extra Apple information: