Apple sends out invites for WWDC on June 6; all eyes on iOS 16, rumoured mixed reality headset

If you look at the pattern developed during the past WWDC conferences, Cupertino likes to throw numbers to prove how its App Store is the most attractive platform for developers. Last year, Apple said it has paid $230 billion to developers for using its App Store since 2008. The company also revealed that its App Store gets over 600 million visitors each week across 175 countries. Lately, Apple is putting a lot of focus on Indian developers and app makers, signalling the importance of the market for the world’s most valuable tech company. 

The big announcement from Apple during last year’s WWDC was the launch of Universal Control, a feature that allows users to use the same mouse and keyboard across a Mac or an iPad. That feature recently went live after a bit of a delay. The company also revealed FaceTime improvements, including how users share their screens or music, through a new software feature called ShareTime.

Besides announcing iOS 16 and macOS 13, industry experts suggest Apple could announce a brand new OS called homeOS. Apple’s home strategy is still not very clear, and WWDC 2022 might be the platform where Cupertino could give developers how it wants to proceed in the crowded smart home segment. 

Although WWDC is a software-focused event, Apple has in the past used the developer conference to show off new hardware. The significant hardware announcement expected at WWDC 2022 is the introduction of the long-rumoured mixed reality (MR) headset. According to Bloomberg, a large team, called the Technology Development Group, is reportedly working on the headset. Although Apple never publicly confirms the existence of the headset, analysts and tech insiders believe such a device will give Apple an opportunity to enter a new product category. The headset reportedly gives the best of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) on a single device. Some reports say it could cost as high as $2000, much higher compared to Meta’s $299 Quest VR headset.

A mixed reality headset from Apple set the tone for the industry that is yet to see a hit device to experience extended reality (XR), which many call a gateway to the metaverse. 

“At its heart, WWDC has always been a forum to create connections and build community,” Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations and Enterprise and Education Marketing said in a statement.

 In addition to the online conference, Apple will host developers and students at Apple Park on June 6 to watch the keynote and State of the Union videos together, along with the online community.