Mark Geoman Reveals in 'PowerOn' Newsletter
[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] There is speculation that two new MacBook models may be unveiled at Apple's annual event, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), held on June 6 this year. It is expected that not only the new iPhone operating system (OS) 'iOS16' but also new hardware products will be announced.
Mark Gurman, an IT specialist reporter for Bloomberg News, stated in the 'Power On' newsletter on the 10th (local time), "Apple is known to be releasing two new MacBooks in mid or early second half of this year," suggesting that this year's WWDC could be the stage for the reveal.
WWDC is an event where new OS beta versions are unveiled, but it has gained attention due to Apple's history of announcing its own silicon chip (SoC) transition and introduction plans at WWDC in June 2020, three years ago.
Gurman predicted the MacBook Air as one of the new product lineups. It is expected to be a powerful MacBook Air equipped with the M2 chip, which is a significant improvement over the M1 chip, offering better processing speed. The new MacBook Air is estimated to feature a white bezel similar to the 24-inch iMac and offer various selectable options. Other potential new products include the Mac Mini, 24-inch iMac, and a low-cost MacBook Pro.
The iOS16 beta version is also reported to include substantial content related to the mixed reality (MR) headset that Apple is expected to announce either this year or by the end of next year. Regarding this, Gurman noted, "The iOS beta version contains many references to the headset, which means the new device will be released during the period when iOS16 is maintained before the release of iOS17 in 2023." iOS16 is also expected to include important changes such as notification updates and new health tracking features.
Meanwhile, this year's WWDC event will be held online for five days from June 6 to 10, marking the third consecutive year since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Apple will hold an in-person event at Apple Park, located in Cupertino, USA, inviting some developers and students to watch a pre-recorded keynote speech by CEO Tim Cook together. The third Swift (Apple's programming language) student contest of the year will also continue.
WWDC is an event where Apple reveals new features to be introduced in the operating systems (OS) of iPhone, iPad, Mac, and others to developers worldwide. Based on this, developers can create apps in advance before the official OS update. The new OS unveiled at WWDC is first distributed as a beta version to developers and others in the summer, then released to the public in the fall alongside the launch of the new iPhone.
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