Dubai: Don’t expect to see a new iPhone on Monday, but Apple fans might get an early look at the software that will power it.
This and several other announcements are expected when Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday. Being held in San Jose this year, it is the first time the WWDC has been held in Silicon Valley in 15 years.
The biggest announcement will likely be the launch of iOS 11, an update to the operating system behind the iPhone and the iPad. The launch of an updated iOS is usually a precursor to the launch of a new smartphone, and while Apple has said nothing officially, the company is expected to launch a new iPhone sometime before the end of the year. The next iPhone, which would be launched only a year after the iPhone 7, is expected to be a major overhaul of Apple’s flagship product.
Siri speaker
The second big announcement on Monday is the launch of a smart speaker, similar to the Google Home and the Amazon Echo. The new speaker is expected to feature Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
Apple first launched Siri in 2011, but since then has been criticised for failing to keep up with developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Apple just last year allowed developers to begin integrating Siri into third-party applications, but the number of app categories that could be developed were still limited six: ride booking, messaging, photo search, payments, VoIP calls and workouts.
During that time, both Google and Amazon have made headlines for launching products that utilise the AIs they have developed. Their digital assistants offer a number of similar services but can also help with quick calculations, order takeout food or interact with smart home applications.
The prospective launch of the Apple speaker has sparked debates online regarding the direction the company will take with artificial intelligence. Apple’s stated position, according to a Gulf News interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook last year, is not to be concerned about being first to market with new products but to develop the best products.
Hardware
Also on Monday, expect several other hardware announcements. Apple is expected to launch updates to its Mac line-up. No major overhauls are expected; most analysts are expecting Apple to announce upgraded processors. Apple is also expected to make an announcement regarding an upgrade of its Mac operating system. Updates to Apple services, such as Music, are also likely to be announced.
Apple’s keynote speech is scheduled to start at 10am PST. on Monday.
