Apple WWDC 2023: Rumours and Expectations

By: Rohit Yadav

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Updated on: 05-Jun-2023

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This year's WWDC starts with a keynote address on Monday, June 5, at 10 am Pacific time. Prior to the event, there are usually numerous rumors circulating about new features for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. While some operating systems receive more attention than others, the list of new features for these platforms in 2023 seems relatively limited. It appears that Apple has been focusing its efforts on something different, possibly an entirely new product category.

If you've been following Apple's rumor mill, you've likely come across headlines about the company's long-awaited mixed-reality headset for augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. After years of speculation, it seems that Apple is finally ready to unveil this highly anticipated device at WWDC. There is even a possibility that we'll see it in action during the conference, as it is rumored to run on a new operating system called xrOS, specifically designed for the headset. It is expected to support a few key apps upon its launch.

However, it's important to note that all of this is based on speculation. We were also expecting to see the mixed-reality headset at last year's WWDC, but the reveal was postponed. Regardless, one thing is certain: there will be new software features announced for existing devices. There are also rumours of potential new Mac hardware announcements from Apple. We will be closely following all the news and providing a liveblog to cover the major reveals. To get you up to speed before the event, here's a preview of what you can anticipate at this year's WWDC. I will also provide details on how you can tune into the keynote on Monday morning.

New Software

iOS 17

Apple introduced the ability to add widgets to the home screen with the release of iOS 16, allowing users to display weather, activity rings, and social media feeds. According to a report by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, iOS 17 is expected to expand on this feature by introducing a new smart-home display mode. When the iPhone is locked and placed horizontally, this mode would activate, providing users with notifications, weather information, calendar appointments, and more in a layout similar to Google's Nest Hub or Amazon's Echo Show. The display would feature bright text on a dark background for improved readability.

Gurman's report also mentions rumours of Apple launching a journaling app, the ability to sideload apps to comply with European Union regulations, a mood-tracking feature in the Health app, and enhancements to location services. Another report from MacRumors suggests that Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cut out on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max serving as a secondary display, will receive additional functionality such as Siri integration to make it less obtrusive on the main display.

Additionally, Apple is expected to introduce new accessibility features. In May, they announced plans to launch software features later in the year to improve cognitive, vision, and speech accessibility. These features include Point and Speak in Magnifier, which facilitates interaction with physical objects labeled with text for individuals with vision disabilities, as well as Live Speech, enabling users to type messages that are spoken aloud during phone and FaceTime calls.

iPadOS 17

Like previous iterations, it is expected that iPadOS 17 will share many features with iOS 17, such as the smart-home display mode, journaling app, and the ability to sideload apps. Additionally, there are indications that the Health app may finally be introduced on the iPad, complete with the mood-tracking feature. One significant update revolves around Apple's Stage Manager feature, which was introduced in iPadOS 16. This multitasking feature aims to emulate a desktop computer experience by allowing users to organize apps, group and resize windows, and overlap them. However, it has been noted that the feature lacks intuitiveness. According to reports from 9to5mac, Apple is planning to enhance the capabilities of Stage Manager. These enhancements may include support for webcams on external monitors, a sleep mode for the iPad's display while the external display remains active, and a resizable dock specifically for the external display.

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman also mentioned that iPadOS will lay the groundwork for upcoming revamped iPad Pro models with OLED displays, expected to be released next year. A tweet from @analyst941, which has since been deleted, suggested that the iPad may receive the same Lock Screen customization as iOS 16, including the ability to adjust the position of the clock. This customization could potentially indicate that future OLED iPad models will feature an Always-On display, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro line up, as speculated by MacWorld.

MacOS 14

The official name for macOS 14 has yet to be revealed. Parker Ortolani, a product manager at Vox Media, shared a tweet mentioning 15 unused names that Apple has reportedly trademarked. Among these names is Mammoth, which was heavily rumoured for macOS 13 last year but was ultimately not chosen in favour of Ventura. Therefore, there is a possibility that Mammoth could be used as the name for the upcoming macOS version.

Regarding new features, Tom's Guide referred to an interview with Gurman on the MacRumors Show where he mentioned that he hasn't come across any noteworthy information about macOS. Similarly, Gurman does not anticipate significant changes for tvOS 17 either. Furthermore, Apple already released the next-generation Apple TV in October.

It seems that Apple is primarily focused on enhancing iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS as part of their continuity strategy, and then incorporating support for these features within macOS. This approach has been hinted at with the introduction of the M1 chip. When Apple announced their first in-house silicon in 2020, they emphasized that it operates similarly to an iPhone and iPad, allowing users to directly download iOS apps onto their MacBooks.

WatchOS 10

In contrast to Apple's other upcoming operating systems, watchOS is expected to receive a significant update that will introduce "a new focus on widgets and fundamental changes to how the device works," as mentioned by Mark Gurman. The updated interface is said to combine iOS 14-style widgets with the previous watchOS Glances system, enabling users to scroll through different widgets (such as weather, activity tracking, and calendar appointments) without needing to manually open each app.

Another potential addition to watchOS is the introduction of widget stacks, which would allow users to group multiple widgets together and scroll through them. Alongside the interface revamp, Apple might also modify the functions of certain buttons on the watch. For instance, currently, pressing the Digital Crown takes users to the home screen, but in the future, it could be used to open widgets instead.

xrOS

It seems that Apple has decided to name its headset's software platform "xrOS." This information was initially reported by Gurman last year, and recently, Ortolani noticed that Apple had trademarked the name in New Zealand through a shell corporation.

According to Gurman, the platform will feature a home screen similar to that of an iPad and will enable users to operate multiple apps simultaneously in space. Users can place apps in specific physical locations, such as a living room, and when they re-enter that room, their previous workspace will reappear. The headset will have the capability to run almost all of Apple's existing iPad apps, including Messages, Music, Photos, Books, FaceTime, Maps, and Weather, as well as third-party iPad apps. Users will be able to sync their Apple account data from their iPhone or iCloud to the device.

In Gurman's Power On newsletter in April, he provided an extensive list of additional capabilities for the headset. These include a Wellness app for meditation, a VR portal for watching sports, new features in the Freeform app like virtual whiteboards, a VR version of the Fitness+ app for exercising while wearing the headset, videoconferencing with realistic avatars, and the ability to use the headset as an external monitor when connected to a Mac.

Apple's mixed-reality headset may not introduce ground-breaking features compared to what's already available in the market. Like other VR headsets, it will likely be positioned as a versatile device for work, exercise, gaming, and relaxation. However, the interest in VR and AR technology has declined in recent years. This lack of interest may be attributed to the inconveniences associated with using AR or VR devices. From setting up the physical space and dealing with cables to wearing a bulky headset and downloading necessary software, these gadgets have yet to gain mainstream appeal.

Nevertheless, Apple's reputation for seamless connectivity and software integration across its ecosystem of devices could give mixed reality the momentum it needs. If the navigation of the new headset is as intuitive as using an iPhone, people may feel less intimidated about incorporating a completely new product into their lifestyle. We will have to wait and see if Apple finally unveils the headset at WWDC, and hopefully, it won't be kept behind glass for attendees to merely observe, similar to the first iPhone launch.

New Hardware

Reality Pro

Based on the various reports coming out of Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, it seems highly probable that the company is developing its own mixed-reality headset. The key question now is not about the nature of the headset itself, but rather when it will be officially launched. Speculations and insider information indicate that the unveiling could take place on Monday. The anticipation surrounding Apple's headset is so significant that other companies are rushing to release their own headsets just days before Apple's expected announcement at WWDC. Meta has announced the Meta Quest 3, Lenovo introduced the ThinkReality VRX headset, and Magic Leap has been showcasing the capabilities of the Magic Leap 2.

As for Apple's headset, rumoured to be named the Reality Pro or Reality One, it is anticipated to carry a price tag of $3,000. Given its high cost, it is likely that the initial version will target developers and professionals rather than the general consumer market. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the second-generation version could offer both high-end and mid-priced models. Kuo has also provided details on the specifications of the headset, including 4K micro-OLED displays, 12 optical cameras for hand movement tracking, two M2-based processors, and an external power supply. These specifications align with tweets from Ross Young, a credible leaker and CEO at Display Supply Chain Consultants. Young also claims that the headset will boast an impressive peak brightness of 5,000 nits, whereas competing headsets like Meta's Oculus Quest 2 reach 100 nits, and the Magic Leap 2 can achieve up to 2,000 nits.

According to a Bloomberg report, the headset will combine augmented reality and virtual reality. VR features will be facilitated by internal displays, while AR functionality will operate through a video pass-through mode. Users will have the ability to switch between modes using the Digital Crown, a dial similar to the one found on the Apple Watch. This will enable a seamless transition from a fully immersive VR experience to having apps seamlessly blend into the user's real-world surroundings.

15-inch MacBook Air

Multiple sources indicate that Apple is likely to unveil a new 15-inch MacBook Air during WWDC 2023. This forthcoming notebook is anticipated to be the largest MacBook Air ever released and will be powered by the Apple M2 chip. While the official name and pricing details are still undisclosed, it is expected that the price of the 15-inch MacBook Air will be higher compared to the current 13-inch MacBook Air due to its larger size. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst, has suggested that the second-generation version may offer both high-end and mid-priced models.

In terms of design, the new 15-inch MacBook Air is anticipated to bear similarities to the existing 13.6-inch MacBook Air, featuring slim bezels and a flat-edged design. Notable improvements expected on the new laptop include the inclusion of a function key row, an upgraded 1080p webcam, enhanced speakers, and the return of MagSafe charging.

Mac Studio

Apple is gearing up to release an updated model of the Mac Studio along with a new 15-inch MacBook Air. Reports suggest that the company is developing two new desktop computers, equipped with the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, which align with the specifications of the Mac Studio. Apart from the chip upgrade, no other significant new features are anticipated. Nevertheless, these M2 Max and M2 Ultra Mac Studio machines will serve as replacements for the existing M1 Max and M1 Ultra Mac Studio models that were launched last year.

Google Pixel 9a Launches in India, Featuring Flagship G4 Chipset & 5100mAh Battery

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 20-Mar-2025

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Technology giant Google has launched its much-anticipated Google Pixel 9a smartphone in India and the global market. This latest addition to the Google Pixel phone lineup offers an impressive range of specifications and directly competes with Apple’s newest offering, the iPhone 16e smartphone.

The Google Pixel 9a is a premium mobile device powered by a Google Tensor G4 chipset that delivers outstanding performance on day-to-day tasks, multitasking, and gaming. Google has reportedly enhanced the smartphone’s hardware and updated its design to make it more appealing to a broader audience. Let’s explore the key specifications and pricing details of the Google Pixel 9a in India.

Google Pixel 9a Price in India

Google Pixel 9a is launched in India in a single variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. The brand offers several color options, including Iris, Obsidian, Peony, and Porcelain. The Pixel 9a is priced at Rs 49,999 in India. Additionally, a limited-time dashboard offer allows buyers to save up to Rs 3,000.

A Tough Rival for iPhone 16e

The newest addition of Pixel 9a in the Google smartphone lineup sets tough competition for premium smartphones in India, especially the iPhone 16e, which is available at Rs 59,900 with a 128GB storage option. However, the higher-spec 256GB variant of the iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 69,900, making the Pixel 9a comparatively affordable.

Google Pixel 9a Specifications

Google Pixel 9a smartphone boasts a 6.3-inch POLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2700 nits of peak brightness. It also gets Gorilla Glass 3 for display protection. Moreover, the Pixel 9a receives Google’s flagship Tensor G4 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Google has offered a dual rear camera setup featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The Pixel 9a houses a 13-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. To keep the mobile running, Google has provided a 5,100mAh battery pack that supports 23W fast charging.

Along with India, the Google Pixel 9a is also launched in global markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. However, Google hasn’t confirmed the date of the sale for its Pixel 9a mobile, requiring customers to either rely on local stores or wait for further news in the coming weeks.

Samsung One UI 7 to Roll Out on April 7, Eligible Devices List

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 19-Mar-2025

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Samsung, the Korean smartphone brand, recently announced that it will roll out Android 15-based One UI 7 for the Galaxy S24 series and older devices on April 7. In the press release, Samsung emphasized that the One UI 7 “comes with simple, impactful, and emotive design” to develop interest among Samsung smartphone users. The Samsung One UI 7 will be available for the Galaxy S24 Series, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6.

In the weeks after its official release, Samsung One UI 7 will also be offered in other Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Tab S10, and Galaxy Tab S9 series. Samsung first revealed its One UI 7 in the Galaxy S25 series, launched in January.

Based on Android 15, this recent update has a lot of visual changes to offer, along with new features like redesigned icons, new widgets, enhanced lock screen customization, and integration of the Gemini feature. The update has a new “Now bar” feature, which showcases iPhone-like live activities on the lock screen.

Samsung One UI 7 also has AI-powered features like AI Select, Writing Assist, Drawing Assist, and Audio Eraser. While Samsung has a good reputation for launching timely updates, it’s the first time the brand hasn’t updated its smartphones to the latest version of Android. Here are the Samsung devices that will be receiving the latest One UI 7:

• Samsung Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra, and S24 FE
• Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
• Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6
• Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and S10 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra

Several flagship Samsung smartphones launched in the last couple of years, including the Galaxy S23 series, are backed by four years of OS updates. Therefore, smartphones not mentioned in the list will have to wait a few weeks to months to receive the latest Samsung One UI 7 update.

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro With Dimensity 8300 SoC Launched in India, Check Price & Other Specs

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 18-Mar-2025

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Lenovo has launched its Idea Tab Pro in India, offering capable performance, immersive audio experience, and smart features. The newly launched Lenovo Idea Tab Pro has AI features and MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC. This Android tablet has a 12.7-inch 3K resolution display with JBL-tuned quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Additionally, it is compatible with the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus and paired with pogo-pin connectors for keyboard integration. The table also has Lenovo Smart Control, enabling users to connect their smartphones and PCs with this portable device.

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Price in India

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is offered in a Luna Grey color option. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro 8GB + 128GB onboard storage is priced at Rs 27,999, while its 12GB + 256GB variant has been priced at Rs 30,999. Both variants are equipped with Lenovo's Tab Pen Plus without adding extra cost to buyers.

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Availability

Customers can purchase Idea Tab Pro from the Lenovo India e-store. However, an Amazon microsite promotion confirms that the device will be available on the e-commerce platform on March 21.

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Specifications

This tablet from Lenovo is equipped with AI features, including Google's Circle to Search and Gemini. Lenovo also offers a Translate Without Switching App feature that helps users translate texts instantly. Additionally, the consumer electronics maker has provided Lenovo Tab Pen Plus that helps users circle content to perform quick searches on Google.

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro boasts a 12.7-inch 3K (1840 x 2944 pixels) display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 400 nits of brightness. Moreover, it's powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. The table is shipped with Android 14-based Lenovo ZUI 16 OS. Lenovo has announced to offer two major OS updates (up to Android 16) and four years of security patches till 2029. Additionally, it gets quad JBL speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos. It gets a Lenovo Tab Pen Plus stylus, Folio Case, and Tab Pro 2-in-1 keyboard as accessories.

This Lenovo tab has a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The device gets a 10,200mAh battery with 45W wired charging support, and for connectivity, it receives Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen1 port. It also gets a side mounted fingerprint scanner for added security. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro measures 189.1 mm x 291.8 mm x 6.9 mm and weighs around 615g.

Poco F7 Ultra & F7 Pro Design Leaked, Know Expected Specs & Color Options

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 17-Mar-2025

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Poco F7 Ultra and F7 Pro are the two most anticipated models from Poco and will likely launch globally on March 27. The smartphones are expected to have similar features as the Redmi K80 and K80 Pro, respectively. Before the official announcement, a new report on the internet suggested a rumored design for the upcoming Poco phones. The color options, specifications, and pricing details for the Poco F7 Ultra and Poco F7 Pro have also been leaked online.

Poco F7 Series Expected Design, Color, and Price

A tipster, Paras Guglani, on X, revealed the leaked design of the Poco F7 Pro and F7 Ultra. The Poco F7 Ultra is rumored to come in Black and Yellow color options, while the Poco F7 Pro gets Black, Blue, and Grey color options.

On the rear panel, a circular camera module, similar to the Redmi K80 series, can be seen on the upper left side. The smartphone has three sensors within the camera modules, including a horizontal pill-shaped LED flash unit. On the right side, the volume rocker and power button are placed. Both smartphones reportedly have display options that look the same, featuring slim bezels and a centered hole-punch slot for the front camera.

The report also speculates that the Poco F7 Pro smartphone, with a 12 GB + 512 GB variant, will cost EUR 599 (approximately Rs 56,000), while the Poco F7 Ultra, with 16GB + 512GB, will cost EUR 799 (approximately Rs 75,500).

Poco F7 Series Expected Specifications

The Poco F7 Pro is anticipated to boast a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and a 5,830mAh battery pack. It would also feature 90W wired fast charging, a 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit, and a 6.67-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

On the other hand, the Poco F7 Ultra will likely get power from a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC paired with 16GB of high-speed RAM. The handset will likely get a 6,000mAh battery pack with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The smartphone would feature a 50-megapixel triple rear camera setup with a telephoto shooter. Both Poco F7 series mobiles have Android 15-based HyperOS 2.0.

Redmi Note 14s With 200MP Camera & MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra Chipset Launched

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 15-Mar-2025

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Xiaomi subsidiary Redmi has unveiled its Note 14s smartphone with 4G connectivity. The handset is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99-Ultra chipset and has a 200-megapixel rear camera and a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen. The smartphone gets an in-display fingerprint sensor, an IP64 dust and splash resistance rating, and a 5000mAh battery.

Redmi Note 14s 4G Price & Availability

The Redmi Note 14s smartphone has a starting price of CZK 5,999 (Approximately Rs 22,700) in the Czech Republic and UAH 10,999 (Approx Rs 23,100) in Ukraine. The handset is available in Aurora Purple, Midnight Black, and Ocean Blue color options in both countries.

Redmi Note 14s Specifications

The Redmi has dual-SIM (Nano+Nano) slots, while the version of Android OS is unspecified, with Xiaomi's HyperOS skin on top. The smartphone is a rebadged Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G version and boasts a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

The Note 14s 4G mobile is powered by octa-core MediaTek Helio G99-Ultra SoC, the same chipset used in the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G. Moreover, it's available in a single 8GB + 256GB onboard storage configuration.

It has a 200-megapixel primary camera on the rear panel, an 8-megapixel ultrawide, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. In the front is a 16-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. The Redmi Note 14S has 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFS GPS, and a USB Type-C port.

Moreover, the smartphone has an in-display fingerprint sensor, an IP64 dust and splash protection rating, and a 5,000mAh battery pack with 67W charging support. The Redmi Note 14s weighs only 179g and measures 161.1x74.95x7.98mm.