For all of you Apple fanboys the WWDC 2012 is probably one of the most exciting times of the year. It is almost always an event where Apple unveils something extraordinary; last year being the world’s most advanced mobile operating system – iOS 5 and iCloud. This year the tech community is expecting something more than just software improvements however, and as such we are going to discuss our predictions on what Apple will showcase at the WWDC 2012.
The iOS 6 Firmware
The iOS 6 firmware has actually been something confirmed that we can look forward to at the WWDC 2012 thanks to banners being put up by Apple at the Moscone Center. As such the question is no longer will Apple talk about the upcoming iOS 6 firmware, but rather what features will make it into iOS 6. So far the most widely rumoured functionality coming to iOS 6 is a redesigned mapsapplication, which will be powered by the fruit companies “in-house” technology. With Google announcing their 3D mapping technology coming soon, it makes sense that Apple will launch something similar; especially considering they purchased 3 mapping companies. Besides a new maps application, Facebook integration has been rumoured and even Siri support for the iPad. Even though Game Center has not been widely talked about in the blogosphere I think Apple will be introducing a revamped version of Game Center with extended functionality to further dominate the mobile gaming market.
Mountain Lion Release Date And Pricing
Mac OS X 10.8 ”Mountain Lion” has seen some rigorous testing through developer previews and as such is nearing completion. For those of you who have not been paying much attention to Apple’s new OS X refresh, it was announced in February and took a lot of people by surprise. The aim on Mountain Lion is to make the OS X experience more like that of iOS. In the fact that it will bring popular iOS features like reminders, Twitter integration, Game Center and also Notification Center to OS X. At the WWDC 2012 Apple is sure to give more details about Mountain Lion, including itsrelease date and pricing. It is my thoughts that OS X 10.8 will be released in July and will be available as an upgrade option for $24.99 via the Mac App Store.
Extended iCloud And Siri Functionality
One of the big focuses at the WWDC 2011 was iCloud. In iCloud’s initial release Apple did a great job at showcasing how the ‘cloud’ is really the way of the future. To further emphasize this fact Apple will be adding some new features to iCloud that will be talked about at the WWDC 2012. In my opinion Siri will also get some added functionality that will include new commands, more supported languages and possibly even a developer API. This would open up huge doors to developers to be able to integrate their applications with Siri, and would surely lead to innovation just like it has with the Jailbreaking community.
The Apple TV SDK
It was just today that we actually talked about the possibly of Apple announcing an Apple TV SDKat the WWDC 2012, and this makes sense. It is no doubt that the Apple TV is a solid media streaming solution, but it is obvious the only thing it is lacking is downloadable applications that competitors to the Apple TV (for example – Boxee) feature. With the introduction of the iOS 6firmware at the WWDC 2012 I think Apple will rewrite the Apple TV firmware to include support for an ‘app store’ of sorts. Meaning Apple would indeed release an Apple TV SDK to developers.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is due for a refresh and in my opinion we will see one at the WWDC 2012. Although this will not be a major overhaul of the MacBook Air, Apple should be introducing Retina display, a bump in specs and Thunderbolt connectivity. If you are expecting the MacBook Air to become thinner, I would not hold your breath. Rather than already reducing the size of such a thin laptop, I would see Apple increasing battery life.
MacBook Pro
As for the MacBook Pro I would suspect Apple to do something a little more radical. The radical change being significantly reducing the profile of the MacBook Pro to resemble the MacBook Air. This would be accomplished by taking out the optical drive, which would give much more space for the other components. Besides a thinner profile the MacBook Pro should also be getting a Retina display and of course a faster processor (Intel Ivy Bridge processor).
iMac
Considering the iMac has not been updated since last May I think Apple will also be doing a more significant update to this product line. For those who have been following the rumors of Apple introducing a touchscreen iMac though, I would not be so quick to think this will be announced this year. In my opinion, Apple will be reducing the profile of the iMac just like the MacBook Pro, increasing the specs to also feature an Intel Ivy Bridge processor and of course who could forget a Retina display?
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is probably not one of Apple’s most popular products, but it is indeed due for a slightrefresh. As common sense could suggest the Mac Mini will most likely feature a bump in specs thanks to Intel’s new line of Ivy Bridge processors, and I am sure we will see updated graphics cards. The Mac Mini will most likely also come with an option to have Mountain Lion server pre-installed.
Mac Pro
Although the Mac Pro does not appeal to the general public (due to its price tag), it does appeal to professionals seeking raw processing power. As Apple has not updated the Mac Pro since 2008, it seems only logical that they will be giving the Mac Pro an overhaul. This would include updated hardware to reflect current technologies and a redesigned or tweaked housing unit.
Hey, what about the iPhone?
At this time I think it is too early for Apple to talk about the iPhone. The next-generation iPhone will most likely feature a design change, similar to the transitional period of the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4, and this takes more research and development time. As such, I think the next generation iPhonewill actually have its own dedicated launch event that will happen in either late September or early October. You also need to consider why Apple would refresh nearly 3 quarters of their products in one go, this would be overkill.
There you have it! I don’t think I strayed too far off from reality with these predictions and in my opinion all of them are logical enough that we could indeed see them discussed by Apple at the WWDC 2012. If you have some of your own thoughts you would like to add please tun your attention to the comments.
The iOS 6 Firmware
Mountain Lion Release Date And Pricing
Mac OS X 10.8 ”Mountain Lion” has seen some rigorous testing through developer previews and as such is nearing completion. For those of you who have not been paying much attention to Apple’s new OS X refresh, it was announced in February and took a lot of people by surprise. The aim on Mountain Lion is to make the OS X experience more like that of iOS. In the fact that it will bring popular iOS features like reminders, Twitter integration, Game Center and also Notification Center to OS X. At the WWDC 2012 Apple is sure to give more details about Mountain Lion, including itsrelease date and pricing. It is my thoughts that OS X 10.8 will be released in July and will be available as an upgrade option for $24.99 via the Mac App Store.
Extended iCloud And Siri Functionality
One of the big focuses at the WWDC 2011 was iCloud. In iCloud’s initial release Apple did a great job at showcasing how the ‘cloud’ is really the way of the future. To further emphasize this fact Apple will be adding some new features to iCloud that will be talked about at the WWDC 2012. In my opinion Siri will also get some added functionality that will include new commands, more supported languages and possibly even a developer API. This would open up huge doors to developers to be able to integrate their applications with Siri, and would surely lead to innovation just like it has with the Jailbreaking community.
The Apple TV SDK
It was just today that we actually talked about the possibly of Apple announcing an Apple TV SDKat the WWDC 2012, and this makes sense. It is no doubt that the Apple TV is a solid media streaming solution, but it is obvious the only thing it is lacking is downloadable applications that competitors to the Apple TV (for example – Boxee) feature. With the introduction of the iOS 6firmware at the WWDC 2012 I think Apple will rewrite the Apple TV firmware to include support for an ‘app store’ of sorts. Meaning Apple would indeed release an Apple TV SDK to developers.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is due for a refresh and in my opinion we will see one at the WWDC 2012. Although this will not be a major overhaul of the MacBook Air, Apple should be introducing Retina display, a bump in specs and Thunderbolt connectivity. If you are expecting the MacBook Air to become thinner, I would not hold your breath. Rather than already reducing the size of such a thin laptop, I would see Apple increasing battery life.
MacBook Pro
As for the MacBook Pro I would suspect Apple to do something a little more radical. The radical change being significantly reducing the profile of the MacBook Pro to resemble the MacBook Air. This would be accomplished by taking out the optical drive, which would give much more space for the other components. Besides a thinner profile the MacBook Pro should also be getting a Retina display and of course a faster processor (Intel Ivy Bridge processor).
iMac
Considering the iMac has not been updated since last May I think Apple will also be doing a more significant update to this product line. For those who have been following the rumors of Apple introducing a touchscreen iMac though, I would not be so quick to think this will be announced this year. In my opinion, Apple will be reducing the profile of the iMac just like the MacBook Pro, increasing the specs to also feature an Intel Ivy Bridge processor and of course who could forget a Retina display?
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is probably not one of Apple’s most popular products, but it is indeed due for a slightrefresh. As common sense could suggest the Mac Mini will most likely feature a bump in specs thanks to Intel’s new line of Ivy Bridge processors, and I am sure we will see updated graphics cards. The Mac Mini will most likely also come with an option to have Mountain Lion server pre-installed.
Mac Pro
Although the Mac Pro does not appeal to the general public (due to its price tag), it does appeal to professionals seeking raw processing power. As Apple has not updated the Mac Pro since 2008, it seems only logical that they will be giving the Mac Pro an overhaul. This would include updated hardware to reflect current technologies and a redesigned or tweaked housing unit.
Hey, what about the iPhone?
At this time I think it is too early for Apple to talk about the iPhone. The next-generation iPhone will most likely feature a design change, similar to the transitional period of the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4, and this takes more research and development time. As such, I think the next generation iPhonewill actually have its own dedicated launch event that will happen in either late September or early October. You also need to consider why Apple would refresh nearly 3 quarters of their products in one go, this would be overkill.
There you have it! I don’t think I strayed too far off from reality with these predictions and in my opinion all of them are logical enough that we could indeed see them discussed by Apple at the WWDC 2012. If you have some of your own thoughts you would like to add please tun your attention to the comments.
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