WWDC 2020: What to expect from Apple's first online-only event

From how your next iPhone will work to Apple Watch updates, WWDC 2020 holds the secrets 
Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi speaks during the keynote address during the 2019 Apple Worldwide Developer Conference
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Amelia Heathman22 June 2020

Usually at this time of year thousands of developers and tech fans will be gearing up for WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference.

This year things are a little different with the tech giant hosting WWDC 2020 as a virtual event for the first time as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Whilst the keynote won’t take place on stage at Apple Park, it’s still factored into the programming for next week, along with all the features of WWDC that developers have come to rely on over the years from over 100 engineering sessions, to developer forums and the celebration of Apple’s WWDC scholarship students.

For Apple fans, the big part is of course the keynote on Monday, offering an insight into how the next iPhone software, iOS 14, will look, along with watchOS 7, and updates coming to Apple TV, iPads and Macs. It may be online, but it’s going to be busy.

Here’s what to look out for at the WWDC 2020 keynote address:

WWDC 2020: what time does the keynote start?

The big keynote address at WWDC 2020 will start at 10am PDT on June 22, which is 6pm BST.

You can tune in via apple.com, the Apple Developer app and Website, Apple TV and YouTube. You can catch up on all the coverage right here at standard.co.uk/tech.

WWDC 2020: iOS 14 updates

The big news at WWDC every year is always what will the next iPhone software update look like when it is released to iPhone owners in the autumn.

So far, we know there’s going to be a new customisable home screen. There’s going to be a new list view option, which allows people to see all their installed apps at once, and you’ll be able to sort through them and access Siri suggestions. This is the type of feature that’s been on Android phones for years, but will be great to see on iOS.

Built-in translator features could be coming to Safari for the first time in iOS 14. This could allow iPhone users to translate web pages without a third-party app or service.

It wouldn’t be an Apple announcement without a new focus on AR. Though it’s unlikely we’ll see anything about Apple’s AR glasses, trusted leak site 9to5Mac says that Apple is testing a new AR application internally called Gobi. At the moment, the website says this could allow people to learn more about a product or see a menu. Intriguing…

Apple CEO Tim Cook on stage at WWDC 2018
Apple

For car fans, there are rumours Apple is working on ‘CarKey’ feature which would allow iPhone owners to use their phones instead of a physical car key or fob - that means locking, unlocking and starting a car. That makes one less thing to carry around with you.

Many of the features coming to iOS 14 will probably come to the new iPad too given that previously the software updates were the same. One extra iPad feature could be for full Apple Pencil support on websites, whether in Safari or via other browsers.

WWDC 2020: watchOS 7 updates

Apple’s wearables segment has been doing really well and one of the crown jewels is, of course, the Apple Watch. New updates to look out for include new watch faces, including a way to create personalised watch faces depending on pictures from the Photo apps.

On the health and fitness side, one of the big things could be the Watch’s first Sleep monitoring app, something Watch users have been crying out for. However, this could be tied to the new Watch itself, so may not be revealed until September.

Another health-related feature Apple is reportedly working on is a feature that can monitor blood oxygen levels and send you a notification if it falls below a certain threshold.

A special kids mode could also be on its way so parents can manage Apple Watches used by children.

New personalised faces cold be coming to the Apple Watch range 
Apple

WWDC 2020: what about Macs?

MacOS 10.16 is set to be the next Mac software, and the rumours have been very quiet on the next name for the software, as well as what updates it will bring.

One rumour is that Apple will replace the Message app with something more in line with iMessage on the iPhone and iPad.

But the keynote may not reveal information just on the next software updates but new actual Macs. Last year, the company used WWDC to unveil the new Mac Pro and there are rumours there could be a new iMac coming in 2020. Will that be next week? We’ll have to wait and see.

WWDC 2020: any new gadgets?

You might want to prepare your bank account for a new pair of Apple headphones. Rumoured to be called AirPods Studio, the overhead wireless headphones could sport a premium leather-like fabric, ear and headband padding and sensors for head and neck detection.

Another product that could be unveiled next week is the long-rumoured AirTags, a little tracking tag that will compete with the likes of Tile.

Be sure to tune in to all our coverage of WWDC 2020 next week to find out what’s coming next for Apple.

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