Tech enthusiasts and Apple fanboys all over the globe excitedly wait for June to commence every year for one simple reason- The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This year, the Apple WWDC 2017 will kick off on the 5th of June, the keynote event starting at 10:00 am. This year, the WWDC is even more exciting given the rumors of many hardware updates alongside new versions of Apple’s software systems like the iOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS. WWDC is a conference where mostly software updates are announced. But with highly speculated hardware updates and releases this year, it has become all the more interesting.
WWDC 2011
New Mac notebooks, new iPad Pro and the most awaited, Amazon Echo’s competitor Apple’s Siri speaker may be unveiled at the WWDC 2017. Let’s have a look at the most speculated hardware updates and releases by Apple during this conference-
Hardware Refreshments and Releases at the WWDC 2017
MacBook
The 12-inch MacBook of Apple is expected to unveil with a fresh look having improved graphics, app switching, battery life, and faster Kaby Lake chips. These new MacBooks will not have a design change but they could support around 16GB of RAM, which will be up from 8GB in the current MacBooks, as reported by MacRumors.
MacBook Air
Apple Macbook Air
It is speculated that Apple will announce a refresh to the MacBook Air including new processors and machines. This model was last updated in 2015 that still uses a Broadwell chip. If the MacBook Air gets a refresh, the new version may use Kaby Lake or Skylake processors. This upgradation of chips is the only update that is expected with the MacBook Air.
MacRumors reports that a new body or display is not expected as this low-cost notebook is largely replaced by the MacBook and MacBook Pro. However, it is still the most affordable notebook of Apple.
MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro
Apple had introduced the MacBook Pro with 13-inch and 15-inch variants in October 2016, along with upgraded interior and a Touch bar. But according to the latest rumors, the refreshed version of MacBook Pro is set for a launch at the WWDC 2017.
For the MacBook Pro also, design changes are not expected. But the refreshed versions will include more efficient and faster Kaby Lake chips and processor improvements. We can expect new GPUs in the MacBook Air and other refreshments in the internal specs.
A high-end MacBook Pro supporting around 32GB RAM was rumored for late 2017 originally. But MacRumors mentions that as per latest speculations, it could be introduced at the WWDC 2017.
iPad Pro
Apple iPad Pro
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is seeing many rounds of the rumor mills for a long time now. Finally, it is expected that it will be released at the WWDC 2017. This new iPad will have a similar body to the 9.7-inch iPad; with a difference that it will have a larger display. Certainly, as it will have a 10.5-inch display, the new iPad Pro will be a bit larger than the current 9.7-inch one.
Not just the new display, but the new iPad Pro will also feature a True Tone flash, a true Tone display, better cameras, quad speakers, and an updated processor.
Siri Speaker
The highly speculated Apple Siri speaker is the most awaited and the highlight of the WWDC 2017. This speaker is something Apple is working on to compete with the Google Home and Amazon Alexa. According to rumors, this device will be unveiled at the WWDC 2017. This speaker will act like a hub for Apple’s services like HomeKit and Apple Music.
If we believe the rumors, this speaker will be able to produce more crisp sound than its competitors, the Home and the Echo. While, the sensors will also allow the device to adjust the audio levels automatically; according to the room’s acoustics. This device may also have a feature of facial recognition via an in-built camera.
Just like its competitors, the Apple Siri Speaker will likely support the third-party service s. This will allow the device to perform a wide range of tasks. Even if the Siri Speaker is unveiled at the WWDC 2017, users will have to wait for its launch until later this year, reports MacRumors. It also mentions that if the Cupertino company plans to integrate the third-party apps in its speaker; it is a good idea to introduce the device before the launch.
WWDC Updates
As of now, we cannot expect updates in the desktop Macs like the iMac or the Mac mini. Well, these are some of the most anticipated hardware updates from Apple at the WWDC 2017. The conference begins on 5th June and we will keep you updated about every major thing at the event.
