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WWDC 2019 starts at 10am PDT (1pm EDT, 6pm BST) today, and we’re right here in the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, US, ready to let you know all the key words from Tim Cook and co’s presentation in this, our delightful WWDC live blog.
What are we expecting? Well, The end of iTunes, for one, as it becomes a whole new world of different apps. iOS 13 for iPhone, iPad and iPod, Watch OS 6 for (yep, you’ve guessed it) Apple Watch, as well as macOS 10.15 for its line of Macs and Macbooks - and even possibly a dedicated OS for iPad too, called iPadOS, which makes sense given it’s so different from the phone these days.
There could be more on Apple Arcade and Apple TV Plus, as well as information on the strongly-rumored Mac Pro 2019… all that, and more, below as we bring you alll the key WWDC info.
(Plus, click the dropdown menu below to head to our dedicated section to see what we’re expecting to be launched).
[ul]
[li]What you need to know: OS 13 | macOS 10.15 | Watch OS 6[/li][/ul]
WWDC 2019 live blog
All times in Pacific Daylight Time
10:29 - Some of the big changes to iOS: 60% smaller app updates, 30% faster Face ID unlock and apps launching twice as fast. Craig is jazzed too - maybe there’s something powerful in the coffee backstage.
Watching a video that’s demoing something… oh, it’s only dark mode! And we’re going to see it live… dear god, someone just screamed.
10:26 -Final thing from Kevin: there’s a new Pride Watch face coming to the Apple Watch. That’s good.
Tim Cook is back on stage - he’s prepping us to learn about the new iOS. Who reckons it’ll be called iOS 13? We do. WE DO.
As always, he’s chatting adoption rate: 85% of iOS customers are on the latest release. iOS 12 is the most-installed ever… is that in terms of percentage or numbers? Because if it’s the latter, that makes sense as there are more devices out there.
Another dig at Google: Android 9 only on 10% of devices. This has been going for a while.
Craig Federighi is on stage and he’s getting rock star status with the WHOOP WHOOP WHOOPS.
10:24 - We’re seeing a live demo of the new watchOS 6 now - cheering to show the decibel tracking in the new Noise app worked live… so how is that only periodically checking for sound? It was pretty rapid.
The new Watch App Store is being shown - it’s card-based, and you can scroll across to see ratings and screen shots, then scroll back to the top to get.
Really feels like the Watch is going to go standalone… could Android users be able to use one of the best wearables out there soon?
[IMG alt="Kv3bH8VDzsFHUz5qYv3PXj" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Kv3bH8VDzsFHUz5qYv3PXj.jpg[/IMG]
10:21 - Cycle tracking is coming to the Watch and the health app if you’ve not got an Apple wearable - that’s something we’ve been waiting for, and will really help people know something that’s crucial information.
[IMG alt="cAbCsK2bSmr4hkN9EE4fA3" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cAbCsK2bSmr4hkN9EE4fA3.jpg[/IMG]
10:19 - Oh, this is good: there’s a decibel meter inside the Watch, telling uou if things get too loud and could hurt your hearing health.
Apple is making it clear that it does not record all the time, and does not save anything to the Watch or any Apple account.
10:16 - There’s an independent Watch app store coming for the watch - so you can buy apps directly to your device. Is the Watch losing the need for an iPhone?
There will be standalone apps from Colgate, Kalms and a multitude of others. The new watchOS 6 will also bring Activity Trends, with nine metrics to compare the progress over the last 90 days over the last year.
The info will show you how to do better if the trend is going downwards, like how to get a big fitter or some tips on how to stay active.
Oh, and Watch is getting voice memos and a calculator, with a tip splitter on there too.
[IMG alt="e7tXbMM3UUPb77VMmRT5Ba" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e7tXbMM3UUPb77VMmRT5Ba.jpg[/IMG]
10:12 - We’re now listening about Apple Watch - watchOS is getting an upgrade (shocker) and Kevin Lynch is on stage to talk about it.
When Apple Watch was first launched, Lynch was so nervous talking about the new hardware. Fast forward a few years, he’s so much calmer and engaged with what he’s saying.
Oh, he’s saying stuff. There are new faces that include solar features, and you’ll be getting a notification on the hour - either silently with a tap or birdsong. ‘From robins captures on Apple Park… wait, no, RECORDED at Apple Park.’
10:11 - Whoa, this is big: AppleTV will now support the Xbox One and PS4 DualShock controllers for gaming on the screen. If Apple was trying to make that platform a console, this is a big move.
[IMG alt="SYzrSPTfVkDn6Wfd4FKmZV" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SYzrSPTfVkDn6Wfd4FKmZV.jpg[/IMG]
10:09 - AppleTV is going to get a profile function, so family members can switch between their favorite shows. Not to brag but I totally suggested this a fortnight ago when having a demo - I can only assume the developers worked for 14 days straight to get that feature in from my feedback.
Lyrics also coming to Apple Music on the TV as well.
[IMG alt="kcsTD9HXsbt8CzF4GAEqUR" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kcsTD9HXsbt8CzF4GAEqUR.jpg[/IMG]
10:05 - Currently watching a new promo for the new Star Trek show on Apple TV Plus… Tim seems to love that too. He’s watched the whole season already - alright, show off.
10:02 - Tim Cook is on stage, welcoming the throngs of developers and fans. He’s really jazzed up. It’s nice when people are happy, isn’t it?
He’s talking up the new services from the recent TV event - Apple Arcade, Apple TV Plus and Apple News Plus.
10:01 - We’re currently watching a black and white video of people using a Mac to do all lovely things that humans like to do when they’re tired. A developer’s build just failed and he’s angry. There’s a baby crying. A man is drinking from a milk jug and thinking he should go back to bed, but he gets back on the Mac and he solves it.
I see what Apple is saying there.
‘While the world sleeps, you dream’.*
*OK that was on screen, I didn’t make that up.
10:00 - And we’re a go! It’s all dark. It’sa reallyy hardt o type.
09:57 - The lights have gone down a little early - the screen has changed to a more dynamic look at neon emoji. An Apple hype worker just skipping in front of me clapping.
I imagine Tim Cook is shadow boxing into a mirror at this very second.
09:50 - Proof of said chanting from our very own @mattswider, who will tweeting all kinds of key insights throughout the two hours plus we’ll be liveblogging.
09:45 - You know that feeling just before Christmas where you spend all the time wishing, wishing, wishing that the Wi-Fi holds up and Santa comes on stage to tell you all about new software updates? That’s pretty much our #mood right now.
They’re letting in developers in little batches, and there’s a weird tribal thing that’s started… they’re chanting ‘DUB DUB… DEE SEE!’ like it’s some kind of Haka.
09:15 - Anndddd… we’re in! 45 minutes to go.
09:10 - We’re in the second queue now - oh yes, it really is this exciting - and we’ve got eyes on the doors to the auditorium. We reckon we can get the jump on a couple of these chumps in front, when they open.
08:45 - No, Gareth. Well, not literally anyway. Apple’s tagline for this year’s WWDC is “Write Code. Blow Minds” hence the selection of head-busting graphics we’re seeing plastered around everywhere.
08:40 - While Apple is expected to announced A LOT today, it’s worth remembering it does like to take its time with particular announcements. A volley of launches is no guarantee.
08:30 - Ever thought to yourself, ‘do many people attend WWDC?’ Well here’s your answer. We’re still an hour and half from the WWDC 2019 keynote kicking off and the crowds are already building outside the McEnery Convention Center.
08:15 - The passes at WWDC 2019 are understated (at least, the media one is), with a simple silver shade and black text. It did look good next to our breakfast, though.
07:30 - One of the best ways of understanding what we may be in for today is to look back on last year’s WWDC keynote. We got plenty of demos, especially around iOS 12 and AR Kits, and Apple hit all its key areas; iPhone, Macs, Watch and TV.
Today’s keynote is expected to last two hours, so there’s plenty of time for Apple to give us an in-depth look at a host of new platforms.
[ul]
[li]Read: All the announcements from the WWDC 2018 keynote[/li][/ul]
06:30 - You’ll be able to watch the WWDC 2019 keynote as well, and we’ve made you a handy guide to show you how.
Make sure you stick with us here as well though, as we’ll be cutting through the jargon to bring you our expert analysis on everything Apple has to say.
[ul]
[li]WWDC live stream: how to watch the Apple keynote[/li][/ul]
06:00 - DO YOU WANT MORE WWDC 2019 SPECULATION? Of course you do, as we hit the four-hours-til-keynote milestone.
Well how’s this for size? Something else we may get is our first look at TV OS 13, along with more details of Apple’s new streaming service, which it announced back in March.
Apple TV Plus will offer exclusive shows, movies and documentaries from acclaimed filmmakers, including JJ Abrams, Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan when it arrives later this year, but more information may be revealed today - especially how it plays nicely with Apple TV hardware.
[ul]
[li]Read: Apple TV Plus release date, price and features[/li][/ul]
05:48 - Sunrise in San Jose, and as the sunlight creeps through the crack in the curtains and dances its way across Tim Cook’s face, the sleepy CEO slowly opens his eyes.
He picks up his iPhone, peers at the screen for a few seconds as his eyes adjust their focus as his fingers accidentally slips down the side and onto a volume key.
A rye smile creeps across his face as, instead of a large icon appearing in the middle of the screen, a volume indicator pops up in the top-right corner.
“It’s ready,” he murmurs, before rolling over for another five minutes.
05:00 - We’ve touched on iOS 13 and Mac OS 10.15, but there’s more software goodies in store for us today, with the Apple Watch also in line for some new tricks thanks to the rumored Watch OS 6 update.
One of the more interesting Watch OS 6 rumors we’ve seen suggests it will get its own App Store, which means you won’t have to download the app on your phone as well, as is currently the case.
[ul]
[li]Read: Watch OS 6: everything we know so far[/li][/ul]
04:30 - Is it time to say goodbye to iTunes?
Multiple rumors appear to suggest so, with reports that Apple will replace the iconic (but not always loved) iTunes by rolling its features into Apple Music.
For now it’s still just a rumor, but it’s one we will be keeping a close eye on, and you should too.
[ul]
[li]Read: Apple Music may replace iTunes at WWDC 2019[/li][/ul]
04:00 - Another big announcement we expect to see today is the arrival of Mac OS 10.15, along with a new geographical name (it will be following on from High Sierra and Mojave).
A headline-grabbing feature of Mac OS 10.15 will be its ability to support iOS apps, which will open up a whole range of new options for users on their computer. There are set to be plenty more talking points too.
[ul]
[li]Read: Mac OS 10.15: everything you need to know[/li][/ul]
03:30 - A change we may see in iOS 13 is an update to Apple’s volume graphic, which pops up in the middle of your display when you adjust the volume. It takes up a lot of space, and gets in the way if you’re playing a game or watching a video.
A leak less than 24 hours ahead of the WWDC 2019 keynote, however, suggests we’ll see a smaller indicator located in the top corner of the screen, which would be much less intrusive.
[ul]
[li]Read: This is what the iOS 13 volume bar could look like[/li][/ul]
03:00 - The biggest launch out of WWDC 2019 will likely be iOS 13, as this will be our first look at the next-generation operating system for iPhones, iPads and yes, even the new iPod.
Apple is likely to launch the first beta of iOS 13 today, but it’ll likely only be available to developers. A public beta will probably follow in the coming weeks.
While iOS 13 will be available on the iPhone 11 and co. when they launch later this year, today all eyes will be focused on its backwards compatibility.
Last year, iOS 12 launched with the promise it would come to the iPhone 5S, iPad Air and iPad Mini 2 - and these are the devices in line to potentially miss out on the iOS 13 update as Apple moves away from older hardware.
[ul]
[li]Read: Everything we know about iOS 13 so far[/li][/ul]
02:00 - An iPhone SE 2 has been long rumored, but for anyone hoping Apple’s compact form factor will make a return at WWDC 2019 today, we have some bad news. Sorry.
[ul]
[li]Read: The iPhone SE 2 won’t turn up at WWDC 2019 - or ever[/li][/ul]
01:20 - iPad owners with an affinity for numbers, rejoice! A last-minute rumor suggests iOS 13 will, for the first time, bring a native calculator app to the slate.
01:00 - We’ll have two members of the superb TechRadar team coming at you live from the WWDC 2019 keynote, with Gareth Beavis and Matt Swider bringing you everything you need to know about all of Apple’s announcements today - but right now they’re fast asleep, dreaming of new features, device compatibility and release dates.
June 2: We got into San Jose, California a day early to soak up the pre-WWDC 2019 atmosphere and we stopped by the McEnery Convention Center to see what Apple has in store for us.
It’s fair to say Apple has gone all-out with its branding for this year’s event, and it’s going big on the slang name for its iconic developer’s conference, ‘Dub dub’.
[ul]
[li]Google’s already had its annual conference: here’s what happened[/li][/ul]
[IMG alt="vv5BihfDf2Zxgm5WtTDgJB" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vv5BihfDf2Zxgm5WtTDgJB.jpg[/IMG]
1. iOS 13 at Apple WWDC 2019
The iOS 13 beta is poised to be the chief news story out of Apple’s WWDC 2019 keynote simply because it affects every iPhone and iPad user in the world.
We fully expect Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi to talk up the fact that iOS 13 is going to be faster than last year’s update. To make the speed increase percentage even more Apple-dramatic, we may see Federighi cite the overall speed increase since iOS 11 (as iOS 12 offered a speed increase, too).
iOS 13 is going to launch the long-rumored Dark Mode, according to the latest leaks. It’ll turn your white-and-light-gray UI backgrounds into black-and-dark-gray colors that are infinitely easier on the eyes at night.
Reminders, Health, iMessage, Screen Time Books, and Find My (a combination of Find My iPhone and Find My Friends) will be tweaked in iOS 13, says Bloomberg.
Important for iPad users, we’re allegedly going to see a native functionality using the iPad as a secondary display (akin to Duet and Luna Display), a revamped home screen design, stackable app windows for easier multi-tasking and maybe even mouse support. Apple is trying to make the iPad running iOS 13 more like a computer.
We have a full list of changes, a rumored device compatibility list, the expected beta release date schedule in our iOS 13 explainer page.
[IMG alt="wE2Gp7xQZQW2APmjjyUEiV" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wE2Gp7xQZQW2APmjjyUEiV.png[/IMG]
2. macOS 10.15
We loved macOS 10.14 (aka Mojave) for finally introducing system-wide Dark Mode and additional creative tools, but we haven’t heard much at all about macOS 10.15 – which doesn’t even have a cool nature-themed codename yet (in keeping with recent releases, it will likely reference a California biome).
We don’t know much about what’s officially coming, but macOS 10.15 could include iOS features like Siri Shortcuts (and potentially the Shortcuts app), Screen Time, improved Apple ID management and special iMessage effects. We’ve also seen rumors that iTunes will be split into four different apps: Music, Books, TV, and Podcasts.
There’s also the possibility that macOS 10.15 enables Mac users to link up their iPads as secondary displays.
On the other hand, it’s also possible that we’ll only see incremental improvements, as happened with the move from 10.13 Sierra to 10.14 High Sierra. If that’s the case, perhaps we’ll see that minimal upgrade in the name – Dry Mojave, maybe?
Apple ruffled feathers when it raised minimum system requirements for macOS Mojave and locked out older machines, so we don’t expect those thresholds to change this time around. To be specific: we expect anything newer than a 2015 MacBook, mid-2012 MacBook Pro, any late 2012 MacBook Air/Mac mini/iMac, late 2013 Mac Pro or 2017 iMac Pro to be able to run the next macOS.
Assuming Apple runs its usual schedule, it will introduce macOS 10.15 and release it in late September.
[IMG alt="SVctRMtqDqag6jCKNhnSvf" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SVctRMtqDqag6jCKNhnSvf.jpg[/IMG]
3. watchOS 6
We haven’t heard anything about watchOS 6, but we’re assuming that update will be announced at WWDC 2019 for owners of the newer Apple Watches. Perhaps it will be the long-awaited sleep tracker feature (Apple did buy sleep tracking company Beddit two years ago), though that’s rumored to be coming to Apple’s wearables in 2020.
But sources told Bloomberg that Apple plans to sever its wearable’s close dependency on iPhone by adding an App Store directly to Watch (and ergo, watchOS). This opens the door to third-party developers (finally!) but Apple reportedly also plans to toss in some basic apps that have been on iOS for years, liek Calculator, Voice Memos, and the ability to send Animoji and Memoji stickers. There will also be two new health apps: one called ‘Dose’ to monitor pill reminders and the other ‘Cycles’ to track menstrual cycles.
watchOS 6 will almost certainly be compatible with the latest Apple Watch 4 and previous Apple Watch 3, while support for Apple Watch 2 is likely. We don’t have high hopes for the original Apple Watch, however, as it stopped getting updates with watchOS 4.
We expect Apple to follow precedent and launch a watchOS 6 beta shortly after WWDC 2019, then release a final public version in September.
[IMG alt="JpsKykSuiPaqo2FLi2kXrg" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JpsKykSuiPaqo2FLi2kXrg.png[/IMG]
4. tvOS 13
If you thought we hadn’t heard much about Apple’s other probable software updates, we know even less about tvOS 13, which we expect to be announced at WWDC 2019.
But Apple TV devices will certainly support the company’s new streaming services. Apple TV Plus will have exclusive shows from big names like Oprah, Steven Spielberg, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and M. Night Shyamalan, and is expected to launch in later 2019. That’s around when Apple Arcade is set to launch, which will have a host of games you can play across iOS, macOS and tvOS devices.
At last year’s WWDC, Apple mentioned very little about the then-upcoming tvOS 12, which brought Dolby Atmos overhead surround sound, Dolby Vision HDR standard and zero sign-on that auto-filled passwords from your home Wi-Fi network (for US users, at least).
We don’t know about any features coming with the supposed tvOS 13, but if it follows precedent, it will arrive in mid-September.
[IMG alt="FhHbTFaK7RC3sea2PGUqZA" width="500px" height="500px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FhHbTFaK7RC3sea2PGUqZA.jpg[/IMG]
5. Mac Pro…and more
Apple is reportedly considering introducing a new version of the Mac Pro, according to Bloomberg. While we didn’t get any details of how the desktop machine might be revamped, but there’s plenty to update, given the second and last generation Mac Pro came out in 2013.
This fits last year’s news that Apple was aiming for a 2019 release of a wholly revisioned Mac Pro, per a lengthy TechCrunch report. Gone is the ‘trash can’ design, as the company is allegedly considering a ground-up revision.
Apple is also preparing its own brand of external monitor (going by the codename J290) that will pack HDR support, per Bloomberg. Other rumors suggest a 31.6-inch 6K screen with mini-LED backlighting, according to Pocket Lint.
Continue reading…
What are we expecting? Well, The end of iTunes, for one, as it becomes a whole new world of different apps. iOS 13 for iPhone, iPad and iPod, Watch OS 6 for (yep, you’ve guessed it) Apple Watch, as well as macOS 10.15 for its line of Macs and Macbooks - and even possibly a dedicated OS for iPad too, called iPadOS, which makes sense given it’s so different from the phone these days.
There could be more on Apple Arcade and Apple TV Plus, as well as information on the strongly-rumored Mac Pro 2019… all that, and more, below as we bring you alll the key WWDC info.
(Plus, click the dropdown menu below to head to our dedicated section to see what we’re expecting to be launched).
[ul]
[li]What you need to know: OS 13 | macOS 10.15 | Watch OS 6[/li][/ul]
WWDC 2019 live blog
All times in Pacific Daylight Time
10:29 - Some of the big changes to iOS: 60% smaller app updates, 30% faster Face ID unlock and apps launching twice as fast. Craig is jazzed too - maybe there’s something powerful in the coffee backstage.
Watching a video that’s demoing something… oh, it’s only dark mode! And we’re going to see it live… dear god, someone just screamed.
10:26 -Final thing from Kevin: there’s a new Pride Watch face coming to the Apple Watch. That’s good.
Tim Cook is back on stage - he’s prepping us to learn about the new iOS. Who reckons it’ll be called iOS 13? We do. WE DO.
As always, he’s chatting adoption rate: 85% of iOS customers are on the latest release. iOS 12 is the most-installed ever… is that in terms of percentage or numbers? Because if it’s the latter, that makes sense as there are more devices out there.
Another dig at Google: Android 9 only on 10% of devices. This has been going for a while.
Craig Federighi is on stage and he’s getting rock star status with the WHOOP WHOOP WHOOPS.
10:24 - We’re seeing a live demo of the new watchOS 6 now - cheering to show the decibel tracking in the new Noise app worked live… so how is that only periodically checking for sound? It was pretty rapid.
The new Watch App Store is being shown - it’s card-based, and you can scroll across to see ratings and screen shots, then scroll back to the top to get.
Really feels like the Watch is going to go standalone… could Android users be able to use one of the best wearables out there soon?
[IMG alt="Kv3bH8VDzsFHUz5qYv3PXj" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Kv3bH8VDzsFHUz5qYv3PXj.jpg[/IMG]
10:21 - Cycle tracking is coming to the Watch and the health app if you’ve not got an Apple wearable - that’s something we’ve been waiting for, and will really help people know something that’s crucial information.
[IMG alt="cAbCsK2bSmr4hkN9EE4fA3" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cAbCsK2bSmr4hkN9EE4fA3.jpg[/IMG]
10:19 - Oh, this is good: there’s a decibel meter inside the Watch, telling uou if things get too loud and could hurt your hearing health.
Apple is making it clear that it does not record all the time, and does not save anything to the Watch or any Apple account.
10:16 - There’s an independent Watch app store coming for the watch - so you can buy apps directly to your device. Is the Watch losing the need for an iPhone?
There will be standalone apps from Colgate, Kalms and a multitude of others. The new watchOS 6 will also bring Activity Trends, with nine metrics to compare the progress over the last 90 days over the last year.
The info will show you how to do better if the trend is going downwards, like how to get a big fitter or some tips on how to stay active.
Oh, and Watch is getting voice memos and a calculator, with a tip splitter on there too.
[IMG alt="e7tXbMM3UUPb77VMmRT5Ba" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e7tXbMM3UUPb77VMmRT5Ba.jpg[/IMG]
10:12 - We’re now listening about Apple Watch - watchOS is getting an upgrade (shocker) and Kevin Lynch is on stage to talk about it.
When Apple Watch was first launched, Lynch was so nervous talking about the new hardware. Fast forward a few years, he’s so much calmer and engaged with what he’s saying.
Oh, he’s saying stuff. There are new faces that include solar features, and you’ll be getting a notification on the hour - either silently with a tap or birdsong. ‘From robins captures on Apple Park… wait, no, RECORDED at Apple Park.’
10:11 - Whoa, this is big: AppleTV will now support the Xbox One and PS4 DualShock controllers for gaming on the screen. If Apple was trying to make that platform a console, this is a big move.
[IMG alt="SYzrSPTfVkDn6Wfd4FKmZV" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SYzrSPTfVkDn6Wfd4FKmZV.jpg[/IMG]
10:09 - AppleTV is going to get a profile function, so family members can switch between their favorite shows. Not to brag but I totally suggested this a fortnight ago when having a demo - I can only assume the developers worked for 14 days straight to get that feature in from my feedback.
Lyrics also coming to Apple Music on the TV as well.
[IMG alt="kcsTD9HXsbt8CzF4GAEqUR" width="690px" height="388px"]https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kcsTD9HXsbt8CzF4GAEqUR.jpg[/IMG]
10:05 - Currently watching a new promo for the new Star Trek show on Apple TV Plus… Tim seems to love that too. He’s watched the whole season already - alright, show off.
10:02 - Tim Cook is on stage, welcoming the throngs of developers and fans. He’s really jazzed up. It’s nice when people are happy, isn’t it?
He’s talking up the new services from the recent TV event - Apple Arcade, Apple TV Plus and Apple News Plus.
10:01 - We’re currently watching a black and white video of people using a Mac to do all lovely things that humans like to do when they’re tired. A developer’s build just failed and he’s angry. There’s a baby crying. A man is drinking from a milk jug and thinking he should go back to bed, but he gets back on the Mac and he solves it.
I see what Apple is saying there.
‘While the world sleeps, you dream’.*
*OK that was on screen, I didn’t make that up.
10:00 - And we’re a go! It’s all dark. It’sa reallyy hardt o type.
09:57 - The lights have gone down a little early - the screen has changed to a more dynamic look at neon emoji. An Apple hype worker just skipping in front of me clapping.
I imagine Tim Cook is shadow boxing into a mirror at this very second.
09:50 - Proof of said chanting from our very own @mattswider, who will tweeting all kinds of key insights throughout the two hours plus we’ll be liveblogging.
09:45 - You know that feeling just before Christmas where you spend all the time wishing, wishing, wishing that the Wi-Fi holds up and Santa comes on stage to tell you all about new software updates? That’s pretty much our #mood right now.
They’re letting in developers in little batches, and there’s a weird tribal thing that’s started… they’re chanting ‘DUB DUB… DEE SEE!’ like it’s some kind of Haka.
09:15 - Anndddd… we’re in! 45 minutes to go.
09:10 - We’re in the second queue now - oh yes, it really is this exciting - and we’ve got eyes on the doors to the auditorium. We reckon we can get the jump on a couple of these chumps in front, when they open.
08:45 - No, Gareth. Well, not literally anyway. Apple’s tagline for this year’s WWDC is “Write Code. Blow Minds” hence the selection of head-busting graphics we’re seeing plastered around everywhere.
08:40 - While Apple is expected to announced A LOT today, it’s worth remembering it does like to take its time with particular announcements. A volley of launches is no guarantee.
08:30 - Ever thought to yourself, ‘do many people attend WWDC?’ Well here’s your answer. We’re still an hour and half from the WWDC 2019 keynote kicking off and the crowds are already building outside the McEnery Convention Center.
08:15 - The passes at WWDC 2019 are understated (at least, the media one is), with a simple silver shade and black text. It did look good next to our breakfast, though.
07:30 - One of the best ways of understanding what we may be in for today is to look back on last year’s WWDC keynote. We got plenty of demos, especially around iOS 12 and AR Kits, and Apple hit all its key areas; iPhone, Macs, Watch and TV.
Today’s keynote is expected to last two hours, so there’s plenty of time for Apple to give us an in-depth look at a host of new platforms.
[ul]
[li]Read: All the announcements from the WWDC 2018 keynote[/li][/ul]
06:30 - You’ll be able to watch the WWDC 2019 keynote as well, and we’ve made you a handy guide to show you how.
Make sure you stick with us here as well though, as we’ll be cutting through the jargon to bring you our expert analysis on everything Apple has to say.
[ul]
[li]WWDC live stream: how to watch the Apple keynote[/li][/ul]
06:00 - DO YOU WANT MORE WWDC 2019 SPECULATION? Of course you do, as we hit the four-hours-til-keynote milestone.
Well how’s this for size? Something else we may get is our first look at TV OS 13, along with more details of Apple’s new streaming service, which it announced back in March.
Apple TV Plus will offer exclusive shows, movies and documentaries from acclaimed filmmakers, including JJ Abrams, Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan when it arrives later this year, but more information may be revealed today - especially how it plays nicely with Apple TV hardware.
[ul]
[li]Read: Apple TV Plus release date, price and features[/li][/ul]
05:48 - Sunrise in San Jose, and as the sunlight creeps through the crack in the curtains and dances its way across Tim Cook’s face, the sleepy CEO slowly opens his eyes.
He picks up his iPhone, peers at the screen for a few seconds as his eyes adjust their focus as his fingers accidentally slips down the side and onto a volume key.
A rye smile creeps across his face as, instead of a large icon appearing in the middle of the screen, a volume indicator pops up in the top-right corner.
“It’s ready,” he murmurs, before rolling over for another five minutes.
05:00 - We’ve touched on iOS 13 and Mac OS 10.15, but there’s more software goodies in store for us today, with the Apple Watch also in line for some new tricks thanks to the rumored Watch OS 6 update.
One of the more interesting Watch OS 6 rumors we’ve seen suggests it will get its own App Store, which means you won’t have to download the app on your phone as well, as is currently the case.
[ul]
[li]Read: Watch OS 6: everything we know so far[/li][/ul]
04:30 - Is it time to say goodbye to iTunes?
Multiple rumors appear to suggest so, with reports that Apple will replace the iconic (but not always loved) iTunes by rolling its features into Apple Music.
For now it’s still just a rumor, but it’s one we will be keeping a close eye on, and you should too.
[ul]
[li]Read: Apple Music may replace iTunes at WWDC 2019[/li][/ul]
04:00 - Another big announcement we expect to see today is the arrival of Mac OS 10.15, along with a new geographical name (it will be following on from High Sierra and Mojave).
A headline-grabbing feature of Mac OS 10.15 will be its ability to support iOS apps, which will open up a whole range of new options for users on their computer. There are set to be plenty more talking points too.
[ul]
[li]Read: Mac OS 10.15: everything you need to know[/li][/ul]
03:30 - A change we may see in iOS 13 is an update to Apple’s volume graphic, which pops up in the middle of your display when you adjust the volume. It takes up a lot of space, and gets in the way if you’re playing a game or watching a video.
A leak less than 24 hours ahead of the WWDC 2019 keynote, however, suggests we’ll see a smaller indicator located in the top corner of the screen, which would be much less intrusive.
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[li]Read: This is what the iOS 13 volume bar could look like[/li][/ul]
03:00 - The biggest launch out of WWDC 2019 will likely be iOS 13, as this will be our first look at the next-generation operating system for iPhones, iPads and yes, even the new iPod.
Apple is likely to launch the first beta of iOS 13 today, but it’ll likely only be available to developers. A public beta will probably follow in the coming weeks.
While iOS 13 will be available on the iPhone 11 and co. when they launch later this year, today all eyes will be focused on its backwards compatibility.
Last year, iOS 12 launched with the promise it would come to the iPhone 5S, iPad Air and iPad Mini 2 - and these are the devices in line to potentially miss out on the iOS 13 update as Apple moves away from older hardware.
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[li]Read: Everything we know about iOS 13 so far[/li][/ul]
02:00 - An iPhone SE 2 has been long rumored, but for anyone hoping Apple’s compact form factor will make a return at WWDC 2019 today, we have some bad news. Sorry.
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[li]Read: The iPhone SE 2 won’t turn up at WWDC 2019 - or ever[/li][/ul]
01:20 - iPad owners with an affinity for numbers, rejoice! A last-minute rumor suggests iOS 13 will, for the first time, bring a native calculator app to the slate.
01:00 - We’ll have two members of the superb TechRadar team coming at you live from the WWDC 2019 keynote, with Gareth Beavis and Matt Swider bringing you everything you need to know about all of Apple’s announcements today - but right now they’re fast asleep, dreaming of new features, device compatibility and release dates.
June 2: We got into San Jose, California a day early to soak up the pre-WWDC 2019 atmosphere and we stopped by the McEnery Convention Center to see what Apple has in store for us.
It’s fair to say Apple has gone all-out with its branding for this year’s event, and it’s going big on the slang name for its iconic developer’s conference, ‘Dub dub’.
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[li]Google’s already had its annual conference: here’s what happened[/li][/ul]
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1. iOS 13 at Apple WWDC 2019
The iOS 13 beta is poised to be the chief news story out of Apple’s WWDC 2019 keynote simply because it affects every iPhone and iPad user in the world.
We fully expect Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi to talk up the fact that iOS 13 is going to be faster than last year’s update. To make the speed increase percentage even more Apple-dramatic, we may see Federighi cite the overall speed increase since iOS 11 (as iOS 12 offered a speed increase, too).
iOS 13 is going to launch the long-rumored Dark Mode, according to the latest leaks. It’ll turn your white-and-light-gray UI backgrounds into black-and-dark-gray colors that are infinitely easier on the eyes at night.
Reminders, Health, iMessage, Screen Time Books, and Find My (a combination of Find My iPhone and Find My Friends) will be tweaked in iOS 13, says Bloomberg.
Important for iPad users, we’re allegedly going to see a native functionality using the iPad as a secondary display (akin to Duet and Luna Display), a revamped home screen design, stackable app windows for easier multi-tasking and maybe even mouse support. Apple is trying to make the iPad running iOS 13 more like a computer.
We have a full list of changes, a rumored device compatibility list, the expected beta release date schedule in our iOS 13 explainer page.
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2. macOS 10.15
We loved macOS 10.14 (aka Mojave) for finally introducing system-wide Dark Mode and additional creative tools, but we haven’t heard much at all about macOS 10.15 – which doesn’t even have a cool nature-themed codename yet (in keeping with recent releases, it will likely reference a California biome).
We don’t know much about what’s officially coming, but macOS 10.15 could include iOS features like Siri Shortcuts (and potentially the Shortcuts app), Screen Time, improved Apple ID management and special iMessage effects. We’ve also seen rumors that iTunes will be split into four different apps: Music, Books, TV, and Podcasts.
There’s also the possibility that macOS 10.15 enables Mac users to link up their iPads as secondary displays.
On the other hand, it’s also possible that we’ll only see incremental improvements, as happened with the move from 10.13 Sierra to 10.14 High Sierra. If that’s the case, perhaps we’ll see that minimal upgrade in the name – Dry Mojave, maybe?
Apple ruffled feathers when it raised minimum system requirements for macOS Mojave and locked out older machines, so we don’t expect those thresholds to change this time around. To be specific: we expect anything newer than a 2015 MacBook, mid-2012 MacBook Pro, any late 2012 MacBook Air/Mac mini/iMac, late 2013 Mac Pro or 2017 iMac Pro to be able to run the next macOS.
Assuming Apple runs its usual schedule, it will introduce macOS 10.15 and release it in late September.
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3. watchOS 6
We haven’t heard anything about watchOS 6, but we’re assuming that update will be announced at WWDC 2019 for owners of the newer Apple Watches. Perhaps it will be the long-awaited sleep tracker feature (Apple did buy sleep tracking company Beddit two years ago), though that’s rumored to be coming to Apple’s wearables in 2020.
But sources told Bloomberg that Apple plans to sever its wearable’s close dependency on iPhone by adding an App Store directly to Watch (and ergo, watchOS). This opens the door to third-party developers (finally!) but Apple reportedly also plans to toss in some basic apps that have been on iOS for years, liek Calculator, Voice Memos, and the ability to send Animoji and Memoji stickers. There will also be two new health apps: one called ‘Dose’ to monitor pill reminders and the other ‘Cycles’ to track menstrual cycles.
watchOS 6 will almost certainly be compatible with the latest Apple Watch 4 and previous Apple Watch 3, while support for Apple Watch 2 is likely. We don’t have high hopes for the original Apple Watch, however, as it stopped getting updates with watchOS 4.
We expect Apple to follow precedent and launch a watchOS 6 beta shortly after WWDC 2019, then release a final public version in September.
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4. tvOS 13
If you thought we hadn’t heard much about Apple’s other probable software updates, we know even less about tvOS 13, which we expect to be announced at WWDC 2019.
But Apple TV devices will certainly support the company’s new streaming services. Apple TV Plus will have exclusive shows from big names like Oprah, Steven Spielberg, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and M. Night Shyamalan, and is expected to launch in later 2019. That’s around when Apple Arcade is set to launch, which will have a host of games you can play across iOS, macOS and tvOS devices.
At last year’s WWDC, Apple mentioned very little about the then-upcoming tvOS 12, which brought Dolby Atmos overhead surround sound, Dolby Vision HDR standard and zero sign-on that auto-filled passwords from your home Wi-Fi network (for US users, at least).
We don’t know about any features coming with the supposed tvOS 13, but if it follows precedent, it will arrive in mid-September.
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5. Mac Pro…and more
Apple is reportedly considering introducing a new version of the Mac Pro, according to Bloomberg. While we didn’t get any details of how the desktop machine might be revamped, but there’s plenty to update, given the second and last generation Mac Pro came out in 2013.
This fits last year’s news that Apple was aiming for a 2019 release of a wholly revisioned Mac Pro, per a lengthy TechCrunch report. Gone is the ‘trash can’ design, as the company is allegedly considering a ground-up revision.
Apple is also preparing its own brand of external monitor (going by the codename J290) that will pack HDR support, per Bloomberg. Other rumors suggest a 31.6-inch 6K screen with mini-LED backlighting, according to Pocket Lint.
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