Apple WWDC 2021: How to watch and what to expect
Apple’s annual developer conference, WWDC, kicks off in early June with a two-hour-long keynote.
The biggest announcements will all likely happen on Day One, with previews of Apple’s next operating systems – likely iOS 15, iPadOS 15, MacOS 12, WatchOS 8, and TVOS 15 – all expected. There could even be some hardware announcements, such as the debut of M2, a successor to Apple’s M1 chip. Here, then, is everything Apple is expected to announce, plus how to tune in and watch keynote yourself.
When is WWDC 2021?
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is from 7 June to 11 June 2021. Like last year’s conference, it’s entirely online. The keynote will happen on Day One. In fact, Apple has confirmed it will begin at 10am PDT. Here are some different local times around the globe for your reference:
- US: 7 June at 10am (PDT), 11am (MDT), noon (CDT), and 1pm (EDT)
- Canada: 7 June at 10am (PDT), 11am (MDT), noon (CDT), 1pm (EDT), and 2pm (ADT)
- UK: 7 June at 6pm (BST)
- Europe: 7 June at 7pm (CEST)
- India: 7 June at 10.30pm (IST)
- Australia: 8 June at 1am (AWST), 2.30am (ACST), and 3am (AEST)
How to watch WWDC 2021
Apple will live-stream its keynote. Pocket-lint plans to embed the video player at the top of this page once it becomes available.
Below are some additional ways you can watch the presentation.
Following the end of the keynote, it will also be available to watch in the Apple Podcast app. You will be able to download and watch it in the TV app, too.
What to expect from WWDC 2021
Apple uses WWDC to get developers up to speed with its latest operating system and software updates so that they can get their apps ready in time. Last year, Apple announced iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, macOS 11 Big Sur, tvOS 14, and CarKey. But Apple also sometimes uses the show to tease or preview new hardware. For instance, at WWDC 2020, it announced the AirPods Pro and Apple Silicon (aka M1 chip). Here’s what we expect this year:
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
The next iPhone, or iPhone 13, will likely launch this autumn running an updated operating system. Thought to be called iOS 15, it will probably be joined by iPadOS 15 for the iPad. Apple typically previews these updates at WWDC. So far, rumours suggest iOS 15 will include new notification settings, more customisations for widgets, and new iMessage features. iPadOS 15, meanwhile, could get home screen customisations.
macOS 12
Apple will undoubtedly spend some time focusing on the Mac. More specifically, under-the-hood updates powering the user experience. Not much is known yet about the next version of Apple’s computer operating system, including what it’ll be called. For reference, macOS 11 was called Big Sur.
watchOS 8
In addition to operating system updates to the iPhone and Mac, expect a software update for the Apple Watch – especially considering Google just announced a big overhaul of Wear OS with Samsung. That said, like macOS, there haven’t been many leaked details about watchOS 8 yet.
Is that it?
We suspect Apple will also talk about tvOS. It might also provide an update to Apple Silicon. After all, the M2 chip reportedly recently entered production. AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, and a 14-inch MacBook Pro have also been rumoured for months. Time will tell if these all appear at WWDC 2021!
