Rumors have surfaced regarding the upcoming iOS 17 and macOS 14, with the former focusing on core system app updates and the latter being a minor update. These speculations were discussed on The MacRumors Show podcast, where it was mentioned that iOS 17 could be compared to iOS 15 in terms of app updates rather than revolutionary features like iOS 14’s widgets or iOS 16’s Lock Screen redesign.
Wallet and Find My enhancements in iOS 17
The test podcast highlighted potential improvements to the Wallet app and Find My features in iOS 17, with a greater emphasis on location-based functionalities. More information about iOS 17 is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Sideloading, a feature likely to be introduced in compliance with the Digital Markets Act, is expected to be available only in Europe. Developers may need to pay an additional fee for third-party app availability, although this is not expected to be announced during the WWDC keynote. Apple is predicted to handle this implementation similarly to how it addressed regulatory changes in the Netherlands, allowing third-party payment systems in dating apps.
watchOS 10 and macOS 14 updates
WatchOS 10, previously stated to be the most significant update since its introduction, is not expected to be as substantial as the leap from iOS 6 to iOS 7 in 2013. While the core design is not expected to change, new ways to use and interact with the system will be introduced. There is currently no information supporting the presence of app folders.
Meanwhile, macOS 14 is not anticipated to be a “groundbreaking or significant” update. Instead, Apple is believed to be focusing on integrating support for features in other operating systems to ensure a consistent cross-platform experience.
To stay updated on Gurman’s latest insights regarding software updates previewed at this year’s WWDC, tune in to The MacRumors Show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.