CarPlay, iOS 11, macOS Are Likely Hot Topics at Apple WWDC 2017

Apple on Feb. 16 announced plans to hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) June 5-9. The show will be held at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, instead of its usual venue, the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Apple said it moved the show so it can be “just minutes” from its corporate headquarters in Cupertino. As in previous years, WWDC is expected to play host to several big software announcements, including new versions of iOS and macOS Sierra. But WWDC also could be Apple’s platform to showcase improvements to its in-car infotainment system CarPlay, and rumors abound that the company will make a significant push into original entertainment content for its Apple Music service. There are even reports that Apple’s next high-end handset, which has been variously dubbed the iPhone 8 or iPhone X, could be introduced at the show.

Apple’s mobile operating system undoubtedly will make an appearance at WWDC. Apple is expected to showcase some improvements in iOS 11, including design tweaks, better handling of notifications and perhaps even multi-user support. Bundled apps also should get updates.

Apple’s Siri might be one of the more prominent updates at the show. With so much pressure on Apple to compete with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, speculation abounds that the company is working hard to make Siri substantially smarter in 2017. Look for Siri to include more features, access more content on the web and do a better job controlling both first- and third-party devices.

Another guarantee: a new version of Apple’s desktop operating system, macOS. Details on Apple’s plans for macOS are slim, but they could include a slight design update, enhancements to built-in apps such as Safari and Mail and faster performance.

Apple has already tipped plans for upgrades to Apple Music this year. Those upgrades could include easier content searches and new intelligence features that can analyze more accurately what a person likes to hear and deliver suggestions. And Apple could boost its sound quality.

Apple senior vice president of internet software and services Eddy Cue has said his company will invest heavily in original content this year. Apple already has its first series in the pipeline, “Planet of the Apps,” and is expected to unveil more programming at WWDC. Look for those series to be built into Apple Music.

Apple said in a statement Feb. 16 that it will discuss CarPlay, its in-car infotainment system, at WWDC. Apple’s CarPlay is being added to more vehicles and its use is soaring, the company said in a recent earnings call. It’s likely that Apple will announce improvements to CarPlay that will make it more responsive and Siri more capable of interpreting and delivering content to drivers.

The smart home will play a prominent role during Apple’s WWDC keynote. Apple has already said it plans to boost investment in the smart home, so look for it to talk about HomeKit, its developer engine that allows iOS to power smart-home devices. Apple also is expected to make some enhancements to its iOS Home app.

Apple also is focused on health care and how its platform HealthKit can play a role. The company is expected to discuss how it wants to work more closely with healthcare organizations and enhance the patient data stored in its iOS Health app.

Apple TV also might find its way into Apple’s presentation. For one, Apple reportedly is hoping to boost its tvOS platform to make it easier for users to find and stream content. Additionally, Apple might announce a fifth-generation Apple TV at the show that could include Ultra HD support and perhaps even HDR compatibility for better color accuracy.

The big question mark for WWDC is the iPhone 8. While it was rumored Apple was planning an unveiling in the fall, reports now are swirling that Apple might offer a sneak peek of the next-generation device at WWDC with a full announcement to follow in September. Early reports say the iPhone 8 will feature a new, all-glass design; a bigger, OLED-based display; and wireless charging.