Apple's WWDC 2024 dates have been announced, giving us timing for the unveiling of the company's next round of major operating system updates and likely some other announcements.
This week also saw some disappointing news on the iPad front, with update timing for the iPad Pro and iPad Air pushed back from previous rumors. We did hear some new tidbits about what might be coming in iOS 18 and related updates, while Apple released a much-needed macOS 14.4.1 update to squash some bugs, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14
The most wonderful time of the year for Apple developers and enthusiasts is just a few months away.
Apple this week announced that its annual developers conference WWDC will be held from Monday, June 10, through Friday, June 14, this year. As has been the case since 2020, the conference will be held online, but selected developers and students will be able to attend a special one-day in-person experience at Apple Park.
During the WWDC opening keynote, Apple is expected to announce its latest software updates, including iOS 18, which is expected to include new generative AI features. While the conference is focused on software, there are also sometimes hardware-related announcements.
Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May
New iPads in March? Nope. April? Also nope, seemingly.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reported that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May. He said that production of the devices is ramping up at Apple's factories overseas.
Software and advanced OLED display-related manufacturing techniques are contributing factors to the new iPads taking longer than expected to launch, according to Gurman.
Sources: iOS 18 Lets Apps Be Placed Anywhere on Home Screen Grid
With iOS 18, the iPhone is expected to gain a more customizable Home Screen.
For example, iPhone users will be able to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid, according to sources familiar with development of the update. This option has long been available on Android.
This change means that users will finally be able to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between app icons on the Home Screen, according to our sources. Additional customization options are likely.
New Apple Pencil With Vision Pro Support in Testing Ahead of visionOS 2
While the Apple Pencil is currently compatible with iPads only, a future version of the accessory may work with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
Apple has internally tested a new Apple Pencil with visionOS support, according to a source familiar with the matter. If it ends up being released, it would be possible to use this Apple Pencil with drawing apps on the Vision Pro, such as Freeform and Pixelmator.
Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Much-Needed Bug Fixes
macOS 14.4 introduced several bugs on the Mac related to USB hubs, Java, audio unit plug-ins, and more. Thankfully, Apple has fixed these issues in the macOS 14.4.1 update released this week.
Make sure to update your Mac now, as the update also includes some security fixes.
In other software news, Apple has still yet to release the first beta of iOS 17.5 for the iPhone as of writing. That update is expected to introduce Web Distribution for apps in the EU, and potentially other changes.
M3 Max Chip Has Hidden Change That Could Affect Future 'M3 Ultra' Chip
Apple's M3 Ultra chip may be designed as its own, standalone chip, rather than be made up of two M3 Max dies. However, this is just an educated guess for now rather than a concrete rumor.
It has been discovered that the M3 Max chip no longer features an "UltraFusion interconnect," suggesting that the as-yet-unreleased M3 Ultra chip will not be able to comprise two M3 Max chips in a single package. This means that the M3 Ultra is likely to be a standalone chip, a first for the Ultra chip.
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