UPDATED 03:13 EDT / MAY 27 2016

NEWS

What to expect at WWDC 2016: Siri SDK, Apple Music revamp, new MacBook Pros (maybe), more

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) takes place from June 13 to June 17, with the main keynote address taking place at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.

The WWDC is where Apple will reveal what it has planned for the rest of the year. You will need to wait until September to get a look at the new iPhone 7, but iOS 10 will be released at WWDC, which will likely hint at any additional features for the new model. We will most likely also see updated operating systems for Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. We could also see updates to Apple Pay, a revamp to the company’s music streaming service, the Siri SDK, and hopefully some new MacBook Pros.

Here’s a look at what you can expect to see at WWDC 2016 on June 13.

Siri SDK

Reports emerged on Wednesday, May 25 that Apple would be opening up its digital assistant, Siri to third-party developers through the release of a software development kit (SDK). Apple is reportedly also working on a ‘Siri speaker’ to rival the Amazon Echo and newly launched Google Home. Apparently, work has been ongoing since before the Echo was launched. The speaker remains a long-term project for the company, but we can expect to see the launch of the Siri SDK at WWDC.

iOS 10

One of the definite announcements at WWDC is iOS 10. Leaks about the operating system have been minimal, but some iOS 10 rumors include a total revamp of the App Store, the ability to hide stock apps, and the ability for Siri to answer calls and transcribe voicemails. There are also rumors around a standalone HomeKit app and additional Apple Photos features.

Mac OSX

Mac OSX is likely to see a few changes at WWDC, including a name change to MacOS to align it with the other operating systems, and Siri will be coming to Mac. We are also likely to see a redesign for iTunes for desktop after Apple execs Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi revealed the news in a recent interview.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch 2 is likely to make an appearance in 2016, but whether we will get a sneak peak at WWDC or will have to wait until Apple’s fall launch is unknown. What we will probably see at WWDC is an update to WatchOS, the third major installment for the Apple Watch’s operating system.  

Apple TV

Rumors emerged before the launch of Apple TV 4 that Apple was working on a streaming service that would make an appearance in 2016. Discussions were then halted between Apple and media companies in December over discrepancies of what each bundle of channels would include. We will have to see whether the streaming service makes an appearance at WWDC or whether there will just be improvements for tvOS.

We are also expecting to see Siri Remote features come to the iOS Remote app. “We’re working on a new Apple TV remote app that will give you the full functionality of the Siri Remote on your iPhone,” Apple’s Eddy Cue said in an interview last year. “We’re hoping to ship that in the first half of next year.”  

Apple Music Revamp

We can also expect to see a major overhaul of Apple Music at WWDC this year, according to sources familiar with the matter. Rumored changes include a redesigned user-interface, improved 3D Touch support, a simpler design with black and white background and large album artwork.

New MacBook Pros

While WWDC is predominantly focused on software, people will be hoping to see the launch of new MacBook Pros at the event in a few weeks. The rumors making the rounds of what we can expect from the new MacBooks include a Touch ID and OLED display touch bar that will replace the function keys. The new model is also rumored to be thinner and lighter.

New Apple Pay services

Since last year, Apple has also been working on a new mobile-payments service like Apple Pay that will allow person-to-person payments between friends and family. The company is also reportedly working on Apple Pay support for ATM withdrawals. Both new services could make an appearance at WWDC.

Image credit: iphonedigital; Flickr

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