One of the most important dates in the technology calendar is now on the horizon, and Apple fans in particular will be keen to find out what comes out of it. The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2014 takes places June 2-6 in San Francisco, with Apple promising on its official website that the event will take a close look at forthcoming iOS 8 and OS X operating system. What will Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) have in store for us in this department, and what else could be on the agenda?
Software focus
During last year’s conference, Apple unveiled iOS 7, OS X 10.9 Mavericks, iTunes Radio, the Mac Pro, and MacBook Airs; which gives some indication of the software focus that this event has taken in recent years. WWDC is an opportunity for Apple to communicate with developers, and there is always likely to be an emphasis on app development at the WWDC event.
Apple’s probable announcements
The indication is that iOS 8 won’t be as dramatic a departure from iOS 7 as that piece of software was from past iterations of the operating system. Nevertheless, the addition of Healthbook is sure to garner some headlines, while Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also likely to introduce more CarPlay functionality into iOS 8. Other updates could include split-screen apps, multitasking, improved battery life management and increased support for a wide variety of peripherals.
Aside from iOS 8, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will also use the WWDC conference to unveil its latest Mac software – namely OS X 10.10. Apple has kept characteristically quiet about what features this new release comprises, but some analysts have suggested that a revamped design could be at its heart.
Possible announcements
While iOS 8 and OS X represent two definites that we will see at WWDC, there are a few possibles as well. There have been murmurings in recent months that Apple has been working on a mobile payment system. Clearly this will become a bigger and bigger issue in the not too distant future, and any market researcher or analysts would be interested in the study publicized in the last twenty-four hours, which indicated that nearly half of European shoppers use their smartphones for impulse buys. Apple may announce developments in this strata, with the intention of tapping into this potentially huge market.
According to the Financial Times, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could also launch a new smart home platform at WWDC. This would enable iPhone and iPads to be utilized in order to manage a home’s lighting, security and a variety of other appliances. Such smart systems are another largely unexplored arena of technology which will become an increasing part of our everyday lives in the near future, and Apple generally likes to get in on the ground floor when it comes to innovation.
Any hardware surprises?
While these are some interesting possibilities, the fact remains that WWDC probably won’t be the venue for any big hardware announcements. So Apple fans waiting for developments with regard to the iPhone 6, or the mooted iWatch and Apple TV, will have to wait at least a little while longer. However, given that Apple wrapped up its $3 billion acquisition of Beats recently, earlier than expected, perhaps the company will have a surprise up its sleeve to really get tongues wagging.
