Dissecting the Invite

Doesn’t it have a vibe related to a VR headset?

Interestingly, that wasn’t my first impression. Initially, I thought it depicted a top-down view of the seating area at the Steve Jobs Theatre. However, considering this year’s event is likely to be entirely virtual, with the in-person component probably taking place outdoors at Apple Park, I might be completely off track.

As with nearly every Apple event invitation in recent years, this one likely showcases the marketing team's creativity. Still, I genuinely believe there’s a nod towards VR, given the mounting rumors surrounding that upcoming device.

Yet, part of me is hopeful that this invitation suggests the return of the Mac Pro in its iconic trash can design, adorned with those six vibrant colors. Just imagine!

Now, let’s move on to my key predictions for this June’s event.

The Mac Pro

It’s about time.

Jokes about the trash can aside, the Apple silicon version of the Mac Pro is long overdue. We were promised a complete transition to Apple silicon within two years, and that opportunity window closed at the end of 2022.

Currently, the only remaining Intel Mac is Apple’s most powerful model, which ironically can no longer hold that title. With the existing M-series Macs performing exceptionally well, I'm eager to see what this new Mac Pro has to offer and who its target audience will be.

This one is a sure bet for WWDC23.

New MacBook Airs

I strongly believe we’ll see a refreshed MacBook Air at WWDC, likely in two versions.

First, we can expect an upgrade to the current 13-inch model, giving us our first look at the capabilities of the new M3 chip. If it seems too soon for a replacement of the M2, remember that by the time WWDC arrives, the M2 MacBook Air will be almost a year old. It appears that the M2 chip was merely a stopgap while production ramps up for the 3-nanometer-based M3.

The second version of the MacBook Air will likely debut as a new 15-inch model. This makes sense; with a powerful new M3 chip and a larger display, it would be an excellent option for developers, especially those who may not have the budget for a MacBook Pro—an audience Apple seems increasingly focused on at WWDC.

I’m genuinely excited about this. The M2 MacBook Air is due for a refresh, and the prospect of a larger version is thrilling.

All the Operating Systems (Of Course)

WWDC wouldn’t be complete without new versions of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

Is that all of them? I believe so.

Last year, I mentioned that I couldn’t pinpoint anything specific I wanted from macOS and iOS, and that remains true this year. Despite ongoing complaints about the instability of Apple’s operating systems, my personal experience with the Mac and iPhone has been flawless.

The same applies to watchOS and tvOS—they're both fantastic. The latter has significantly enhanced our living room experience, and my Apple Watch Ultra continues to outshine the competition in terms of performance and features.

As for the iPad, my focus will once again be on iPadOS at WWDC. Specifically, I’m hoping to see some Apple-branded professional applications that truly harness the capabilities of the M1 and M2 chips.

Surely, it’s time for that?

Mixed Reality

Putting aside any silly speculation about the invitation graphic, it seems almost certain that we will see Apple’s mixed reality hardware and its corresponding operating system at this year’s WWDC. However, I anticipate it will be more of a preview than a full launch.

I find this development fascinating. It feels a bit premature for Apple to delve into a technology that has remained somewhat immature and awkward for many years. If the rumors are accurate, we could be looking at a very expensive device from Apple with limited appeal and utility. Mark Gurman suggests it may not even be particularly profitable for them.

However, it will be a significant opportunity for enthusiasts like me. We need fresh topics to discuss. Given my tempered expectations for OS updates, everything Apple currently offers is so refined. There’s only so much to say about the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Whatever new reality Apple prepares to unveil in June, I’m ready for it.

Final Thoughts

There will undoubtedly be aspects absent from WWDC. The more I reflect on it, the more I suspect we won't see an iMac update until later in the year. And if you're hoping for a new Mac Studio, you might be disappointed—the opportunity for that has likely passed.

The highlight of this year’s keynote will undoubtedly be the mixed reality announcements. That’s what will dominate the headlines for days, weeks, and even months afterward. Apple is aware of this, which makes this year’s WWDC particularly thrilling.

So, buckle up… or strap on that device—whatever you prefer, just prepare for an exciting journey.

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on March 30, 2023.