Apple has announced that the Worldwide Developers Conference for this year will take place on June 10, where early looks at iOS 18 and updates for other software like MacOS, iPadOS, and potential news on generative AI coming to Apple devices will be showcased. Competitors such as Samsung and Intel have been promoting AI capabilities in their hardware and software, putting pressure on Apple to set a new course with generative AI in its devices. There are rumors that Apple is in talks with Google to bring its Gemini AI model to iPhones to keep up with generative AI in other mobile devices, indicating a focus on AI that has not been seen from the company before. While Apple has not mentioned AI in its WWDC press release, upgrades for VisionOS, the software powering Apple Vision Pro, which was revealed at last year’s WWDC, are expected to be highlighted during the event.
The WWDC 2024 event, which will be held in-person at Apple Park, will feature days of specialized sessions targeted at developers building software across Apple’s ecosystem from June 10 to June 14. The event is anticipated to start with a keynote by Apple CEO Tim Cook, with potential announcements of new features for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset that was released earlier this year. The headset, priced at $3,500, pushed the limits of AR and VR, but its high cost led some consumers to wait and see how it would develop. Any new features revealed for the device at WWDC 2024 could potentially lead to greater adoption. For those who cannot attend in person, the event will also be available to watch online.
The announcement of WWDC 2024 comes amidst a massive antitrust lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice against Apple, accusing the tech giant of practices that hinder fair competition. The lawsuit focuses on Apple’s control over the app ecosystem with the iPhone and downgrading connections with non-Apple phones. Apple has denied the accusations, stating that the lawsuit threatens the company’s identity and principles that set its products apart from others. If the lawsuit were to succeed, it could set a dangerous precedent, empowering the government to have a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.
In response to the lawsuit, Apple stands by its principles and the uniqueness of its products, arguing against government interference in technology design. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of iPhone and Android devices. Despite the legal challenges, Apple continues to innovate and develop its products, with a potential focus on AI with the rumored integration of the Gemini AI model on iPhones. The tech giant remains committed to its developer community and ecosystem, with the WWDC 2024 event serving as a platform to showcase the latest updates and features for Apple devices and software. The expectations are high for the event, with a keynote address by Tim Cook and specialized sessions geared towards developers building software for Apple platforms.
