Apple WWDC June 2020: Rumours claim big hardware reveals were axed

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off but rumours suggest the tech giant has scrapped plans for any big reveals.

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starts tomorrow morning, under circumstances unlike any before.

For the first time ever, the conference – which gives developers and consumers a chance to see what’s coming up from the Cupertino tech giant – will be exclusively digital, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions that remain in place across the US.

While the opening keynote address usually involves the unveiling of the new software and hardware we can expect over the next 12 months, leaks have suggested the tech giant has scrapped plans to reveal any new hardware.

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I had two sources tell me no hardware for WWDC tomorrow. They aren’t on WWDC related teams but heard it through the Apple grapevine. I’d take this with a grain of salt, but thought it was worth mentioning.

— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) June 21, 2020

Looking like any possible hardware has been scrapped for WWDC tomorrow 🤔

Might be wrong about this one. Would love to be wrong!

I’ll be surprised with all of you, either way!

— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) June 21, 2020

Tech analyst Jon Prosser and XDA Developers host and writer Max Weinbach both suggested no new gadgets would be unveiled at the four-day event.

They’re not the first to speculate that there would be no major product reveals – Bloomburg’sMark Gurman has also said he did not expect any hardware announcements tomorrow.

Instead, Gurman said the address would likely be all about software updates, which would “set the stage for a range of new hardware devices this year, including a new Apple Watch, four redesigned iPhones, the new HomePod and Apple TV box, as well as updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro” that have already been announced.

With that in mind, here’s what else you need to know about the event.

HOW TO WATCH

The WWDC kicks off tomorrow, June 23 at 3am AEST, with the main event – the keynote address.

The conference then spans across the following three days, featuring other engineering sessions and developer forums and concluding on June 26 local (US) time.

As mentioned, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means this year is the first time ever the event will be fully digital – meaning it’s free for everyone to attend.

The keynote address, headed by CEO Tim Cook, will be streamed on Apple’s website here.

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Watch the first global, all-online Worldwide Developers Conference on June 22 at 10 a.m. PDT. Tap the ♥️ and we’ll send you a reminder on event day. #WWDC20 pic.twitter.com/ZTQcrGNJ8B

— Apple (@Apple) June 11, 2020

WHAT TO EXPECT

Rumours have pointed to a possible update for the iMac, as well as the usual updates to iOS, MacOS and WatchOS. TVOS for the Apple TV may also get a spruce up.

But the big change, reportedly, would be a move that’s been rumoured for years – the chips powering the tech giant’s MacBooks and iMacs will change, shifting from chips made by Intel to new ones similar to those built for the iPhone instead.

The change could allow the company to make thinner laptops with better battery life and potentially quieter cooling fans – though it’d likely take a year or more to make the transition.

There’s also been talk Apple would unveil a redesigned iMac for the first time since 2012.

It’s unclear though whether this’ll happen at the WWDC or later in the year. Regardless, the new desktop is anticipated to come in 21.5-inch and 23-inch options, with slim bezels and other design borrowed from the iPad Pro.

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Rumours are flying that a new iMac design could be unveiled at the WWDC.

Updates to iOS 14 are pretty well inevitable, with software announcements a staple of the WWDC.

None of the new features for iOS 14 have been confirmed, but if speculation is anything to go by, they could involve enhanced multi-tasking features, new layouts on the homescreen, and revamped workout and augmented reality apps.

Apple is also rumoured to be changing the name of iOS to iPhone OS, bringing it in line with iPadOS and WatchOS.

Bloomberg reports that minor upgrades are also planned for the Apple TV set-top box’s software, while the Apple Watch is expected to get new faces, a mode for kids and a new sleep tracking app.

The HomePod speaker can also expect an update, adding the ability to use third-party music services like Spotify.

RELATED: Details of nine new iPhone models leaked

The sides are squared off, just like the rumored #iPhone12 #iPhone12Pro pic.twitter.com/u2lg4pcxSV

— 🇳🇿JinStore® (@Jin_Store) June 14, 2020

And while details emerged earlier this month about the upcoming iPhone 12 models, these aren’t expected to be announced until September.

Apple reportedly filed registrations for nine different models in the iPhone range as well as a new computer with the Eurasion Economic Commission.

The next range of iPhones is expected to feature a number of models spread across the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Max, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max names.