New MacBook Air models with the M2 chip are expected to debut at WWDC 2022 next week, along with iOS 16.
HIGHLIGHTS
Always-on iPhones may show "glanceable information" on the lock screen.
Apple is rumoured to be bringing new social network-like functionality to iOS,
as well as new multitasking features for iPad users.
According to a report, iOS 16 will support always-on displays for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The new iOS version is said to include future support for an always-on lock screen, which will be unveiled at the WWDC 2022 keynote next week. Apple's iOS 16 is also said to have new social network-like features, as well as updated Messages. The Cupertino company is expected to show off its updated iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS at the WWDC keynote, in addition to the new iOS release.
In his newsletter Power On, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stated that iOS 16 will include future support for an always-on lock screen, which will allow the iPhone to reduce its frame rate and display "glanceable information" when the screen is idle, similar to the newer Apple Watch models. It's thought that the support will only be available on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Apple was rumoured to offer always-on displays on the iPhone 13 Pro models earlier this year, but the company did not follow through.
According to Gurman's newsletter, iOS 16 will be a "significant upgrade" for iPhone users. It's said to include new Messages and Health apps, as well as notification updates.
Apple is rumoured to be introducing new audio messaging experiences to its Messages app.
The new iOS version is said to include significant lock screen improvements, such as wallpapers and widget-like functionality.
Apple is expected to release iPadOS 16 at this year's WWDC, in addition to the iPhone update. Windowing and multitasking will be drastically altered in the new iPadOS, according to Gurman.
Apple is also expected to release a watchOS update with a list of improvements to the Apple Watch's "day-to-day operating and navigation." The company's Health app is also said to improve health tracking on the iPhone and Apple Watch, though it is unlikely to be ported to the iPad and Mac.
Similarly, Apple TV users can expect some upgrades, as Gurman stated that a new tvOS version will include more smart-home integrations. Users of Macs, on the other hand, may see System Preferences redesigned to look like the Settings app on iOS.
Apple is unlikely to announce any new iPhone models at WWDC 2022, as the iPhone 14 series could be announced at a later date in September. Gurman, on the other hand, predicted that Apple would unveil its new MacBook Air with M2 chips at the developer conference.
Developers have told Gurman that Apple employees are increasingly using next-generation MacBook Air models with their apps, according to Gurman. Along with the new MacBook Air options, the journalist previously stated that Apple would be working on upgrading the high-end Mac mini, 24-inch Mac, and a new low-end MacBook Pro.
On June 6, the WWDC keynote will be streamed live. The developer conference will begin after the keynote and run until June 10.
