Apple WWDC 2021: iOS 15, macOS 12, new MacBook Pros, and everything else you can expect

iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

WWDC is usually where Apple announces new versions of iOS and iPadOS, and this year we can see what the company has in store for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. While we don't really know a lot of details regarding iOS 15, we can expect to see improvements with Widgets. Apple may also allow users to replace more default apps. There have also been reports of a new contextual notification feature, which will automatically silence notifications while you're asleep, but play a sound if you're awake. Rumours have also suggested that Apple will make some changes to iMessage to make it more social, and there would be more privacy features. 

iPadOS 15 should get features such as App Library, Widgets, and Homescreen customisation, which are currently only for iPhones.

macOS 12, watchOS 8, tvOS 15, and HomeOS

We can also expect Apple to announce new macOS 12 and watchOS 8 software upgrades. Unfortunately, there aren't any details as to what these new updates will include. Most likely, macOS 12 will be a minor upgrade with not too many changes, and watchOS 8 may bring more health tracking features. 

HomeOS is something totally new that Apple is expected to announce at the event. It appears to be a new OS for smart home products, and could even combine tvOS and HomePod software to create one unified operating system. Nothing is known for sure, so it's best to wait for Apple's official announcements next week.  

New Apple Silicon - M1X or M2

Apple will be announcing a successor to last years M1 Apple Silicon. While the M1 was more for entry-level MacBooks and Macs, the new M1X or M2 will be for higher-end machines. Although WWDC is mostly about software, we've seen Apple unveil some hardware. The new chip is said to offer up to 10 or more CPU cores, and up to 32 core GPUs. 

Apart from adding more cores, the M1X or M2 will also increase maximum supported RAM to 64GB, and will support more ports and display outputs. As per sources, Apple could announce two-chip variants next week. 

New 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro

Since the new M1X or M2 chips are expected to bring more performance, they would be more suitable for high-end Mac hardware. Therefore, we can expect Apple to announce new MacBook Pro variants, especially a rumoured 14-inch variant, and an upgrade to the 16-inch MacBook Pro. These new laptops could definitely benefit from the improvements that are expected in the M1X or M2 chip. For example, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is a high-end professional laptop with plenty of ports, and that's something the M1X/M2 chip can provide. 

Apple could also add higher configurations to the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the help of the new M1X or M2 chipsets. 

Redesigned Mac Mini

There have been rumours and leaks of a redesigned Mac Mini with a slimmer design thanks to the M1X chipset. It could also offer more ports and a glass cover on the top. However, there's no guarantee that this would be announced at WWDC 2021.

We could also see a new more affordable monitor being part of the WWDC 2021 event. This could use Mini LED technology and will be cheaper when compared to the Pro Display XDR that Apple currently sells.