iOS 15 and 7 other big announcements

On June 7, Apple will present all major software updates for 2021. Perhaps even more will be revealed. With our WWDC 2021 forecasts, you’ll be in the know.

WWDC 2021 expectations

Every year in June, all eyes are on Cupertino. Then we get to see the major software updates of all Apple devices, which will then appear in the autumn. From new versions of iOS to watchOS and macOS: Apple always makes a great spectacle to show how the software gets all kinds of new functions. Based on rumors, this is what we expect.

1. iOS 15

The highlight of the evening is traditionally the new iOS version. iOS 15 promises to be an important follow-up to iOS 14, with improved widgets and more options to mute notifications when you’re working, for example. We also expect iOS to adopt the new graphics style of macOS, with new app icons. With that, Apple is leveling its software design.

The main iOS 15 rumors

• Interactive widgets
• More privacy features
• Smarter notifications
• Food tracking in Health app

Knowing more? Read all iOS 15 expectations

2. iPad OS 15

With the iPad Pro 2021, Apple has shown its great ambitions for the tablet. The latest iPad runs on the same chip as the MacBook and iMac, but the software is still limited. All lights are green for 2021 to be the year in which the iPad further breaks away from the limitations of iOS and moves more towards the Mac. That starts with the option to place widgets anywhere on the iPad screen and the improved functionality when you connect an iPad to an external screen.

The main iPadOS 15 rumors

• Widgets all over the home screen
• All improvements from iOS 15
• Enhanced options for external screens

Knowing more? Read all iPadOS 15 expectations

3. watchOS 8

The Apple Watch has evolved more and more from a fashion gadget to a fitness tracker since its first edition. So count on it that we will also see an extension in this area with watchOS 8. Think of new workouts, improved versions of Apple’s own apps and of course a good dose of new watch faces to give your watch a new face.

The main watchOS 8 rumors

• New watch faces
• Prepared for the new Apple Watch
• More health functions

View all watchOS 8 expectations

MacOS 12

Last year, the Mac got a major makeover with macOS Big Sur. That’s why we don’t count on many groundbreaking changes to appear this year with the arrival of macOS 12. We do expect Apple to continue to implement the strict privacy rules of the iPhone on the Mac this year.

Steps will also have been taken to make iOS apps work better on the Mac, so that it will soon be even easier to switch between different devices.

The main macOS 12 rumors

• Smaller improvements
• Great focus on privacy
• Improved operation of iOS apps on macOS

Read all about macOS 12

5. tvOS 15

tvOS is the update with the least major changes every year and that is not surprising. The software of the Apple TV has been doing what it should do for years and is mainly supplemented with new apps from Apple itself and a new dose of screensavers. We don’t expect much more than that in view of the rumors this year.

The main tvOS 15 rumors

• New screensavers
• Improved and new apps from Apple

6. HomePod Software

The big HomePod was canceled by Apple earlier this year. So it remains to be seen whether this smarter speaker will receive a major software update this year. In any case, what we can count on is something Apple has already announced: support for Lossless Audio on the HomePods via Apple Music.

This allows you to listen to music in higher quality, without paying extra for it. We also hope that the HomePod will work even better with Spotify and other music services, now that this is also getting better on the iPhone.

The main HomePod rumors

• Apple Music Lossless Audio
• More HomeKit Features
• Also open to competing music services?

7. MacBook Pro 2021

Usually WWDC 2021 is all about software, but every now and then Apple also presents new hardware. This year, the MacBook Pro 2021 appears to be the top contender for a WWDC reveal. Apple would have given the device a thorough overhaul, with a new design, more traditional connections and a larger screen. Enough to earn some time on stage.

8. More Macs on the way?

In addition to the MacBook Pro, there have also been many rumors about a new MacBook Air, which would take over the colorful design of the iMac 2021. So it could just be that Apple closes WWDC with multiple Mac announcements. For example, iMac enthusiasts are still waiting for a completely renewed version of the 27-inch iMac.

Follow WWDC 2021 live on iPhoned

Soon enough you will see what is right in our expectations. On June 7, Apple will kick off WWDC in the evening with a keynote where we will see all these announcements.

Naturally, the editors of iPhone live report and at the end of the evening a handy round-up will pop up in your mailbox, with an overview of all announcements. All you have to do is subscribe to our weekly newsletter.