WWDC 2021: What To Expect From Apple's Great (Remote) Gathering

We take a look at what developers and consumers can expect from Apple’s much-anticipated Glow and Behold event

- Charlotte Henry

For Apple watchers, this time of year means only one thing – the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). It will take place between 7-11 June 2021 and, once again, be an all-online affair.

While the idea is to give developers insight into the future of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS so they can build apps and software appropriately, the event, especially the keynote, always gives fans plenty to look forward to.

iOS 15

This year, we will get a first proper look at iOS 15, and developers will be able to access the beta version soon after the address. The finished software tends to be released to the public some months later, usually sometime in September.

The Apple rumour mill is always running, but much iOS 15 speculation is inconclusive at the time of going to print. However, one thing we can expect is additional privacy features that go beyond that of App Tracking Transparency, which was introduced in iOS 14.5. iOS 15 will include a menu detailing which apps are collecting data from you without you knowing. There is also expected to be an updated Lock Screen and notifications, which will allow custom categories of alerts and the ability to move between them via both the Lock Screen and Control Centre. These status options will also facilitate different automatic replies to messages. As for Messages, the app is likely to get an upgrade so that it can better compete with Facebook-owned WhatsApp.

This new software might mean it’s finally time to give up that much-loved iPhone 6, however. Rumours indicate that you will need an iPhone 7 or later to access iOS 15.