5 June ★

WWDC Predictions

WWDC is right around the corner and despite the uncharacteristic iPhone leaks I expect a few surprises. Here's what I think we'll see:

  • There's very little we don't already know about the 4th generation iPhone, but at least one unspoilt feature would be nice. Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely given how much information has leaked out.

  • Developers will probably get a look at a 4.x build of iPhone OS 4 running on the iPad. Will the multi-tasking workflow change at all? I suspect not, given how consistent Apple has kept SpringBoard.

  • Almost everyone expects a new version of Safari to make an appearance after John Gruber’s not-so-subtle hints that Safari will (finally) support extensions. I wouldn't be surprised if they closely resembled Chrome extensions: A JavaScript API with HTML and CSS for presentation1. This is pure speculation, but Apple might also ship a new version of Dashcode with support for Safari extensions along with the final iPhone OS 4 SDK.

  • There are rumours that Apple will reveal a new version of Xcode. Xcode has always been a little spartan when stacked up against other IDEs; that said, I do like it, and with a couple of additions2 it would compare more favourably.

  • Apple will inevitably release a revised iTunes.com to replace Lala; hopefully they'll reveal something at WWDC (although Apple may want to wait for their Autumnal music event, where they traditionally show off new iPods).

  • I strongly believe Apple needs to and will eventually make significant pricing changes to Mobile Me; at the moment they just look weak when stacked up against Android. Ars Technica seems to have some evidence that changes are imminent.

  • There’s probably going to be a couple of revisions to the Mac lineup; the MacBook Air, Mini and Pro are all due for an upgrade.

  • I doubt the rumoured new Apple TV will show up, but you never know.

  • Don't be surprised if Game Room is shown off a little more thoroughly, and we'll probably learn more about iAds. It'll be interesting to see how hard Apple tries to sell Game Room to developers; Jobs kind of phoned in the Game Center part of the iPhone OS 4 event.

  • Jobs will wax poetic about how staggering, magical and revolutionary the iPad sales are, and how he’s humbled by blah, blah, blah.

Steve Jobs will give his keynote address on Monday at 10AM pacific time.

  1. It would be really cool if Chrome extensions and Safari extensions were one and the same, although I don't think it'll ever happen for obvious reasons.

  2. There’s nothing I want more than Safari-style tabs in Xcode.