It’s that time of the year, WWDC is right around the corner and I am pumped. Strangely, not a lot has leaked this year so anything could happen.
Let’s begin with tvOS, since I expect the least to change regarding it’s functionality and feature set.
- I feel like Apple is going to rename tvOS to homeOS, which currently runs on not just the Apple TV but on the HomePod and HomePod mini. This makes sense since the Apple TV also acts a home hub for HomeKit devices.
- I want to see the Apple TV get better shortcuts for launching HomeKit scenes.
- Lastly, setting HomePod mini as the default output from Apple TV. This is one of the most annoying shortcoming of the current HomePod mini.
Next, watchOS which just like tvOS has got minor improvements over the last 2 years. This year won’t be any different.
- Better HomeKit complications. I know you can use Siri for this, but I still prefer to have them set as complications.
- Automatically switching watch faces depending on the time of the day or location. Right now you can do this using shortcuts, but I would like to see this built-in.
- Features to improve mindfulness and sleep tracking.
iPadOS, which was introduced 2 years ago, barely got any updates last year. Weirdly, this is the only operating system from Apple that requires significant changes. iPadOS is good as an iPad operating system, but falls apart for the iPad Pro.
- Dump the current multi-tasking system and bring a slimed down version of the one in macOS.
- Widgets all over the Home Screen. I think this is inevitable, since we can already do this on iOS.
- External monitor support. I feel like iPad Pro will never be taken seriously until iPadOS gains true external monitor support. We have pointer functionality and thunderbolt port, just make sure external monitors (and hard drives) work better.
- First party apps like Files, Safari, Mail and Photos need to get better. Especially Files, is so bad it’s embarrassing.
iOS received tons of features last year and it’s going to be the same this year. I don’t have a lot to say about iOS, because I am already happy with how it works. I do have a few predictions though.
- Privacy features get a boost. More control and simpler process to enable/disable access to on-device sensors for camera/location etc.
- Ability to change payment processor for IAP. If Apple leadership is as smart as we think they are, IAP won’t be restricted the way it is right now.
- There have been rumors about iMessage getting a big update. I am sure this is going to happen. iMessage might be the most used and yet the worst functionality on iOS right now. It needs to get better.
- The only wish I have for iOS is for Apple Maps to gain offline support. The only thing that I miss from google maps.
Last but not the least macOS, which saw a big visual overhaul last year. I don’t have a wishlist for macOS. I think everything works great for me right now. I just hope to see some refinements to the UI and maybe ability to pin widgets all over the screen (just like dashboard). Apart from that I am very happy with Big Sur.
Monday is going to be an exciting day for Apple and for the developer community. There has been a lot of negativity lately with the Epic trial and the investigation led by the European Commission. Nonetheless, it is going to be a packed WWDC. If you want to follow along, I will be live-tweeting on Monday @anuraj17. See you then 🍿
