Kiwi wishlist for Apple conference
Apple’s first major event of the year takes place next week, with the focus on software updates along with a few surprises.
The Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) focuses on Apple’s new versions of iOS (iPhone and iPad software) and OSX (Mac software) but there’s the occasional gadget announcement too.
You can watch the two-hour keynote speech live at 5am on Tuesday (NZ time) on Apple’s website.
So what can we expect from this year’s event?
iOS 12
While most people get excited about new iPhones, the operating system is just as important as that is what you interact with each day.
This year, Apple is expected to focus on improving security and performance, partly due to a series of recent bugs.
There’s also tipped to be improvements to features that allow parents better control over their children’s phones.
However, you’ll need to wait until September when Apple typically releases its finished versions of its new operating systems.
MacBooks
While the iPhone dominates Apple’s business, there’s still a lot of interest in Mac computers.
There may be a refreshed version of the MacBook Air which is looking quite old, and a larger model of the super-slim MacBook.
The company may also make improvements to its MacBook Pro range following issues around the keyboard and battery life.
Macs will also get a new operating system which may feature more apps that work on them as well as iPhones.
iPhone SE2
The first SE, an affordable, 4-inch iPhone, was released just over two years ago, and there’s speculation a new version will be announced at WWDC.
The SE looked like an older device but it was packed with some of the latest technology.
While WWDC events typically focus on software, the iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 were all revealed at past keynotes.
AirPower
This is Apple’s multi-device charging pad that was announced last year. Wireless charging is becoming more common but there hasn’t been any sign of the ovalshaped pad that can charge the latest iPhones and Apple Watch. That may change at WWDC.
Kiwi wishlist
Hopefully, there may be some small bonuses for Kiwis who’ve missed out on a few products and features recently.
It’d be great to see a New Zealand release date for the HomePod smart speaker (which was first announced at last year’s WWDC), and the addition of 4G capability to the latest Apple Watch for Kiwis.
Finally, Kiwis still can’t use Siri when operating an Apple TV, a feature that was first made available nearly three years ago.