EnTech: WWDC 2015: Here's what to expect from Apple in June

WWDC 2015: Here's what to expect from Apple in June

Apple will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference from 8 June to 12 June in San Francisco, where it is expected to hold a keynote and make announcements that'll guide the schedule for the remainder of the week.
The company used past keynotes to preview new versions of iOS and OS X and unveil refreshes to varying product lineups. Pocket-lint will provide our usual coverage and analysis on everything that's announced this year.
If you're wondering what specifically might be in store, we've rounded up the rumours below and included information about the conference, how to attend, etc.

READ: Apple's WWDC 2015 to start on 8 June, iOS 9 anybody?

Where and how can you get WWDC 2015 tickets?

Apple is limiting WWDC 2015 registration to members of the iOS Developer Program, iOS Developer Enterprise Program, or Mac Developer Program. You can learn more about how to join and membership fees here.
Apple said it'll allow developers to register for tickets (via this site) until 17 April at 10 am PST. After the registration period closes, Apple will conduct a random drawing in order to assign tickets. Developers will receive their tickets by 20 April at 5 pm PDT.
At that time, their credit or debit card will be charged $1,599 per ticket. There will also be up to 350 "scholarships" available, giving students across the world the chance to earn a free ticket. You can find more information here.

When is Apple's WWDC 2015 keynote?

Apple's WWDC 2015 keynote will kick off at 10 am PST on 8 June.

Will Apple live stream its keynote?

Yes. Apple will live stream its main keynote and select sessions throughout the week via the WWDC website and the official WWDC app.

What might Apple announce during its keynote?

iOS 9
Apple tends to preview a new version of iOS during its keynote. The purpose is not just to show consumers what's in the works in terms of iPhone and iPad software, but also to educate developers and give them enough time to plan updates for their apps. Apple typical releases major updates to iOS around autumn, so developers need the summer months to get their ducks in a row.

Apple delivers annual iOS updates, and the next major update will likely be called iOS 9. Don't expect a tonne of new features. According to 9to5Mac, Apple plans to use iOS 9 as a software fix for several issues currently affecting iOS 8. Engineers are reportedly putting a huge focus on addressing bugs, maintaining stability, and boosting performance for the new operating system.
We're assuming iOS 9 will include some new features, but it looks like Apple simply wants to perfect iOS with under-the-hood improvements and worry later about adding flashy new tricks for eager consumers. That said, consumers will be happy to hear Apple is reportedly trying to reduce the amount of storage needed to install new updates.

READ: iOS 9 release date and rumours

HomeKit and Home app

Apple developed the HomeKit framework so it could simplify the current state of home automation. It's essentially a common language that smart devices from any manufacturer can understand and support. HomeKit also leverages Siri, Apple's voice assistance, letting you control smart devices with just your voice.

HomeKit technically debuted with iOS 8 last autumn, though it has yet to be activated or "launched" by Apple. Some early HomeKit partners, such as third-party accessory makers and manufacturers, have been taking advantage of this wait time to unveil new products that support HomeKit or update existing products.
Most of the new HomeKit-compatible products unveiled at CES aren't yet for sale, as Apple's smart home platform still hasn't launched. That said, Apple will allegedly unveil a new Apple TV with support HomeKit (so you can control devices with teh set-top box) at WWDC, so HomeKit might simultaneously launch then.

For a long time there was no evidence to indicate a HomeKit app. HomeKit was thought to run in the background of iOS 8, controlling your smart devices either directly or indirectly via Siri and Geolocation, but 9to5Mac said Apple plans to let you manage HomeKit devices through a new iOS 9 app called Home.
So, using either Siri through Apple TV or the Home app, you should be able to remotely control your home from iOS devices. The Home app, which might debut with iOS 9 at WWDC, is basic in functionality: it can wirelessly discover and set up HomeKit devices and create a virtual representation of your home.
Doing so will allow you to easily organise and connect HomeKit devices. The app can also use the Apple TV as a hub for connecting all HomeKit devices, and it offers help tips for finding new HomeKit devices and apps. HomeKit will rely upon the Home app to securely manage a smart home full of accessories and data.
Apple has confirmed it will make some HomeKit accessory announcements in June, and 9to5Mac said its sources have indicated Apple is working on its own in-house HomeKit hardware as well.

READ: Apple HomeKit explained

OS X 10.11
Apple is expected to announce the next version of its desktop operating system - called OS X 10.11 - alongside iOS 9. Not much is known about the update at this point, but 9to5Mac has suggested that it will be like iOS 9 (or, rather, Snow Leopard) in that it, too, will focus on fixes and stability and optimisation rather than new features or design improvements.

The last OS update for Macs, called OS X Yosemite, was announced and released to developers at WWDC 2014 and later released to consumers in October, meaning Apple will probably stick to the same schedule. It'll also likely follow its California landmark-based naming scheme introduced with OS X Mavericks. Yosemite, for instance, is a reference to the US national park.
Beats-like music streaming service
Apple might also use WWDC to debut a revamped version of the Beats music service it acquired last year. You can read every current rumour about that music service here, but here's a brief recap: Apple bought Beats for $3 billion in 2014, but before the purchase was final, analysts began speculating that Apple was more interested in streaming music than Beats headphones.

Apple likely thinks it can successfully tackle streaming by building a Spotify competitor. The company has reportedly decided to build a new streaming service, for instance, with features, functionality, and technology pulled from Beats Music. Bloomberg specifically claimed Beats Music will be retooled and re-launched this summer at WWDC with a new name.
The new service is expected to cost $9.99 a month for individuals or $14.99 a month as part of a family plan.

READ: Apple Beats Music service: Is it really happening and when?

TV subscription streaming service
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is getting ready to launch a subscription-based streaming TV service this autumn. The report, which cited unnamed sources, claimed the service will cost between $30 to $40 per month and be available on iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV. The service should debut at WWDC in June, ahead of a September launch in the US.

If all the latest rumours are true, Apple's TV streaming service will basically offer up a package of 25 bundled channels, with programming from CBS, 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, Discovery, etc. The service therefore sounds like it'll be similar to Sling TV or even PlayStation Vue; you'll pay a monthly fee in order to watch certain channels anywhere.

READ: Apple TV subscription service: What might it offer?

Refreshed Apple TV set-top box
It's been a long time since Apple refreshed its set-top box. And you know what that means...rumours galore. From a dedicated Game Store and built-in TV tuner to Chromecast-like design and Airport Express functionality, several reports have claimed to know what the fourth-generation Apple TV will feature. Many reports have also suggested the new set-top box will finally debut at WWDC in June.

You can read years worth of rumours about the next Apple TV here, but the most credible reports have claimed it will provide access to Apple's upcoming TV subscription service, with support for Siri and an App Store for downloading apps and games. The new Apple TV is said to also feature Apple's A8 chip, an internal storage increase, and the ability to control HomeKit-enabled devices via voice.

READ: Apple TV 2015 rumour round-up

iPad multi-tasking

It's been long rumoured that a large-screened iPad Pro is in the works, and according to 9to5Mac, Apple wants to finally release its 12-inch iPad later this year. Apple might not even start manufacturing on the device until September, though. In the mean time, it's expected to unveil some software changes at WWDC.
9to5Mac claimed Apple is getting ready to unveil a split-screen mode that'll let users run multiple apps side-by-side, meaning apps will be able to take up a third, half, or two-thirds of the display or one app might be able to be open twice and run side-by-side. This feature should debut at WWDC.
Apple is also working on multi-user support, but that won't be ready for WWDC.

READ: iPad Pro release date and rumours

Want to know more?

Check out Pocket-lint's WWDC 2015 hub for all the latest news about the June conference.