WWDC 2024: What to expect, including AI, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and more

So what can you expect at WWDC 2024? Apple's annual World Wide Developer conference is expected to dive deep into AI this year.

In fact, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, an Apple analyst and respected tech leaker, the Cupertino-based tech giant is calling its new suite of AI features "Apple Intelligence."

WWDC 2024: What to expect

Unlike hardware events typically held in the fall, WWDC centers around Apple's software ecosystem. However, past surprises like the Vision Pro reveal remind us to stay tuned for potential unexpected announcements.

But of course, as mentioned at the outset, AI is expected to be at the forefront at WWDC 2024.

AI, iOS 18, and iPadOS

As AI continues to dominate tech industry headlines, Apple is expected to make substantial strides in this domain. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is collaborating with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into iOS 18. This partnership marks a significant step as Apple aims to compete with Google, Microsoft, and Samsung, who have made substantial advancements in AI.

Siri is also expected to receive significant upgrades, using Apple's large language models (LLMs) to perform more specific tasks within apps, such as opening documents and sending emails. These Siri enhancements, however, are likely to be rolled out in early 2025.

For iOS 18, Apple is expected to introduce AI features that enhance user experience. According to Bloomberg, anticipated features include:

• Voice memo transcriptions: AI-driven transcription for quick and easy voice memo handling.

• Faster search: Enhanced search capabilities powered by AI.

• Conversational Siri: Improvements to Siri to make interactions more natural and intuitive.

• Smart Recap: AI summaries of news stories, documents, and notifications.

• Custom Emojis: On-the-fly creation of emojis based on text content.

Many of the software updates set for the iOS 18 are also poised to appear for iPadOS, too. For example, the Settings app is getting a redesign on both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. The Calculator app is also getting a revamp — and it's launching on iPad "for the first time," according to Gurman.

RCS Messaging

Beyond AI, Apple may talk about its move to adopt Rich Communication Services (RCS). Apple is set to have RCS replace SMS — offering iMessage-like features such as typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and end-to-end encryption.

This shift will improve cross-platform messaging, especially between iPhone and Android devices, although it's unclear if the green bubble issue might persist.

Adopting RCS is particularly timely as Apple faces an antitrust suit from the Department of Justice. The suit claims Apple undermines competition by not making iMessage available on Android. Highlighting RCS adoption at WWDC would demonstrate Apple’s efforts to address these concerns and bridge the messaging gap.

macOS 15

macOS 15 will mirror many iOS updates, including changes to Apple Music, Notes, and productivity apps. Calculator app is also expected to receive a significant overhaul, featuring Notes integration and improved unit conversions. According to Gurman, macOS is reportedly getting a new passwords app, similar to LastPass, that will also be featured on iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.

On the hardware front, significant announcements are not anticipated this year, following last year’s hardware-heavy WWDC.

Stay tuned for Mashable's coverage of WWDC 2024 on June 10.