Apple 2023 WWDC keynote: Macs now all Apple Silicon, Vision Pro headset announced
Last Monday, Apple held their annual World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote. While Apple’s keynotes aren’t the “must see” level they were back in Steve Jobs’ day, it’s still interesting to see what’s announced, even if most of it’s incremental updates/upgrades (new processors, new features, etc.). Below are my thoughts on the more noteworthy announcements. A full list of news is available here. YouTube, of course, has the full keynote if you do want to watch.
The Mac Pro switches to Apple Silicon
Apple’s top-of-the-line professional model, the Mac Pro, is getting upgraded for the first time since late 2019. The new Mac Pro keeps the “cheese grater” look, but gains, among other things, an M2 Ultra processor.
The Pro was the final model still running Intel hardware; with the switch, Apple’s now all-in on Apple Silicon processors. Which, so far, seems to be working out OK? I haven’t had any significant issues with my first-generation M1 Mac Mini, aside from some problems with trying to put it into sleep mode (though it might be an issue with my Samsung monitor).
New MacOS version: Sonoma
The newest version of MacOS, coming out this fall, is named “Sonoma,” after a California city. Among the new features:
A screensaver feature resembling the one on Apple TV devices.
Widgets on the desktop.
Improvements to Safari, including a new profiles feature and the ability to save websites like apps.
Improved PDF support in Apple Notes. I use Notes, so I might find this useful.
MacOS Sonoma will run on the following models:
iMac: 2019 and later
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Mini: 2018 and later
Mac Pro: 2019 and later
Mac Studio: 2022 and later
MacBook Air: 2018 and later
MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
It looks like most Macs released in 2017 or earlier are finally hitting the end of the road for support.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 announced; which iPhones and iPads will lose support?
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will both come out in the fall. IOS 17 will introduce a Journal app, plus some new features, including live transcripts for voicemail and contact-tied “posters” for calls. Meanwhile, iPadOS 17 will add the ability to customize lock screens with widgets, similar to iOS.
With the new OS versions comes the usual news of which iPhones and iPads are losing support. iOS 17 drops support for the iPhone 8 and X models, both released in 2017; the new minimum models are the iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and second-generation iPhone SE.
Meanwhile, iPadOS 17 is dropping the fifth-generation iPad and first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The new minimum models include:
iPad (sixth generation and later)
iPad mini (fifth generation and later)
12.9-inch iPad Pro (second generation and later)
10.5-inch iPad Pro
11-inch iPad Pro (all models)
In my case, I own a second-generation iPhone SE and a sixth-generation iPad. I think the iPhone SE has at least another two years ahead of it, since it’s using the same processor as the iPhone 11. Unfortunately, I think my iPad is reaching the end of the line, as I assume iOS 18 will drop support. Though I have other reasons to consider upgrading; my iPad’s 32GB capacity is creating issues with running out of space, especially for system updates.
The Apple Vision Pro
Finally, there’s the biggest news out of the keynote: the Apple Vision Pro, “mixed reality” (AR/VR) goggles. The high-tech ski goggles were the talk of tech sites after the keynote, with some buzz about how it’ll change the game for such headsets.
However, the Vision Pro comes with some caveats. Its starting price is at $3500, way more than similar headsets’ cost. Additionally, Apple’s design choices for the Vision Pro means glasses-wearers will need special prescription lenses to use with the headset. As of this writing, it’s unclear how much extra those will cost, though some guess at least $300. The Vision Pro will be available in the US in early 2024, with an eventual international rollout.
At this price point, the Vision Pro is clearly in the same category as the Mac Pro: a product for businesses and creators who need (and have the resources to invest in) such high-end hardware. Still, while the price might come down (and allowing the average person to afford it), the Vision Pro still feels like a niche appeal product like similar headsets from Meta, Samsung, etc.
In my case, I was never particularly keen on 3D stuff; wearing 3D glasses, especially over my glasses, never had much appeal. Plus, 3D in general feels like a fad the tech industry and Hollywood keep trying to make a thing every so often. While I guess I’d have to try the Vision Pro for myself, even that doesn’t sound like an option—again, I wear glasses, and I doubt an Apple Store will have my prescription’s lenses sitting around.
"Apple WWDC '05" by kevin1024 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (Flickr / cropped from original)