What to expect from Apple's WWDC 2012: iOS 6 and new Macbook Pro

Apple’s WWDC 2012 preview: iOS 6 and new Macbook Pro?

by Tim Gee, Security software 11/06/2012

What is WWDC?

It stands for Worldwide Developer Conference and it’s where Apple traditionally announces big software updates and sometimes new products and updates. The event is hosted in San Francisco and kicks off at 6pm.

The latest version of the Apple iPhone and iPad operating system, iOS 6, will definitely be announced at this year’s event with banners proclaiming it to be ‘the world’s most advanced mobile operating system’ already adorning the venue.

Last year’s event saw the announcement of iOS 5 and iCloud, which appeared on the latest iPhone and iPad models. Read our full review of the Apple iPad 3.

What is iOS 6?

The new version of the operating system will not just be available on existing iPhones, but also will appear on the next version, the iPhone 5. With this in mind we may see clues about what to expect in the smartphone, although it’s likely the full unveiling of the phone won’t happen until sometime in the autumn.

Apple may confirm that the screen size will increase to 4-inches as leaked pictures have suggested, and we are also expecting Apple to move away from using Google Maps to its own map services – potentially with 3D capability.

We also wouldn’t be surprised to see some improvements to the Siri voice control feature and Apple could introduce it to the iPad for the first time.

The Macbook Pro hasn't been updated in 2 years

New Macbook Pro

With two years since Apple last refreshed the Macbook Pro range we are well overdue for a new version to appear and this seems like a good opportunity to announce it.

Rumours have suggested the new range will feature a high resolution ‘retina’ display like the latest iPhone and new iPad, Intel’s latest Ivy Bridge processors and USB 3.0 ports.

OS X Mountain Lion

$OS X \Mountain Lion$

Mountain Lion adds features found on iOS

Some features have already been confirmed for Apple’s latest computer operating system, including the addition of Notification Center, Messages, Game Center and Reminders.

Read our top 5 features of Apple OS X Mountain Lion.

We could also see the introduction of new dictation software – introduced to the iPad – and further integration with iCloud as Apple brings its two operating systems closer together.

iPhone 5

While Apple traditionally announced new iPhones at WWDC, the iPhone 4S had to wait until the iPod event in the autumn so it is likely too early for concrete news on the iPhone 5 – simply because it would stop everyone buying the 4S.