Top Stories: WWDC 2024 Announced, New iPads Delayed, and More

[MacRumors]

Apple's WWDC 2024 dates have been announced, giving us timing for the unveiling of the company's next round of major operating system updates and likely some other announcements.

This week also saw some disappointing news on the iPad front, with update timing for the iPad Pro and iPad Air pushed back from previous rumors. We did hear some new tidbits about what might be coming in iOS 18 and related updates, while Apple released a much-needed macOS 14.4.1 update to squash some bugs, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14

The most wonderful time of the year for Apple developers and enthusiasts is just a few months away.

Apple this week announced that its annual developers conference WWDC will be held from Monday, June 10, through Friday, June 14, this year. As has been the case since 2020, the conference will be held online, but selected developers and students will be able to attend a special one-day in-person experience at Apple Park.

During the WWDC opening keynote, Apple is expected to announce its latest software updates, including iOS 18, which is expected to include new generative AI features. While the conference is focused on software, there are also sometimes hardware-related announcements.

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May

New iPads in March? Nope. April? Also nope, seemingly.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reported that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May. He said that production of the devices is ramping up at Apple's factories overseas.

Software and advanced OLED display-related manufacturing techniques are contributing factors to the new iPads taking longer than expected to launch, according to Gurman.

Sources: iOS 18 Lets Apps Be Placed Anywhere on Home Screen Grid

With iOS 18, the iPhone is expected to gain a more customizable Home Screen.

For example, iPhone users will be able to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid, according to sources familiar with development of the update. This option has long been available on Android.

This change means that users will finally be able to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between app icons on the Home Screen, according to our sources. Additional customization options are likely.

New Apple Pencil With Vision Pro Support in Testing Ahead of visionOS 2

While the Apple Pencil is currently compatible with iPads only, a future version of the accessory may work with Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Apple has internally tested a new Apple Pencil with visionOS support, according to a source familiar with the matter. If it ends up being released, it would be possible to use this Apple Pencil with drawing apps on the Vision Pro, such as Freeform and Pixelmator.

Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Much-Needed Bug Fixes

macOS 14.4 introduced several bugs on the Mac related to USB hubs, Java, audio unit plug-ins, and more. Thankfully, Apple has fixed these issues in the macOS 14.4.1 update released this week.

Make sure to update your Mac now, as the update also includes some security fixes.

In other software news, Apple has still yet to release the first beta of iOS 17.5 for the iPhone as of writing. That update is expected to introduce Web Distribution for apps in the EU, and potentially other changes.

M3 Max Chip Has Hidden Change That Could Affect Future 'M3 Ultra' Chip

Apple's M3 Ultra chip may be designed as its own, standalone chip, rather than be made up of two M3 Max dies. However, this is just an educated guess for now rather than a concrete rumor.

It has been discovered that the M3 Max chip no longer features an "UltraFusion interconnect," suggesting that the as-yet-unreleased M3 Ultra chip will not be able to comprise two M3 Max chips in a single package. This means that the M3 Ultra is likely to be a standalone chip, a first for the Ultra chip.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: WWDC 2024 Announced, New iPads Delayed, and More

 

[coffeemilktea]

New iPads in March? Nope. April? Also nope, seemingly.

I don't use iPads much so I hardly ever pay attention to iPad news, but it really seems like every article or comment I see is some variation of "new iPads delayed" or "these iPad models haven't been updated in a very long time."

Was Apple so busy with their headset they couldn't spare the engineers to work on new iPads? 😅 Or are iPad users joining iMac users like me in realizing that Apple doesn't care about their favorite product category any more? 🥲

(seriously the past few years have been rough for us iMac fans)

 

[krspkbl]

Nevermind WWDC... I'm looking forward to another 2 months of constant iPad posts

 

[TimB21]

You mean "delayed" from your predictions, not delayed in fact?

 

[zombierunner]

Gurman on April 30: New iPads will be announced at WWDC. Also, it's wild that iPhone 16 cases are being leaked now.

 

[AppleTO]

I haven’t really touched my iPad Pro since the M1 Mac’s came out. I guess I’m not the target audience for this one. I’d happily take a MacBook with an OLED screen though.

 

[scupking]

Really no need for an iPad update. The m1 and m2 iPads are still over kill for what iPads are used for… The OS is what needs to change.

 

[revelcos]

any sign of a new iPad mini? Come on, Apple!

 

[Realityck]

In other software news, Apple has still yet to release the first beta of iOS 17.5 for the iPhone as of writing. That update is expected to introduce Web Distribution for apps in the EU, and potentially other changes.

I think it's time next Tuesday 4/2 for the iOS/iPadOS 17.5 betas. We need to see what Apple been up to for about a month with this next beta cycle placed on hold.

 

[anthorumor]

I haven’t really touched my iPad Pro since the M1 Mac’s came out. I guess I’m not the target audience for this one. I’d happily take a MacBook with an OLED screen though.

iPad mini OLED would be good too. 120Hz ProMotion would be a lovely bonus.

 

[JitteryJimmy]

Did Apple fail to allocate enough engineers to work on new iPads?

No, this is just the profitable rumor cycle in action:

1. Using your well-known name, hype up a rumor and call it your own.
2. Profit: sell your guesses in articles & newsletters.
3. Instead of inevitable failure, make up an unverifiable "excuse" or "delay" rumour

Repeat indefinitely.

 

[DrewHawk]

Apple's WWDC 2024 dates have been announced, giving us timing for the unveiling of the company's next round of major operating system updates and likely some other announcements.

This week also saw some disappointing news on the iPad front, with update timing for the iPad Pro and iPad Air pushed back from previous rumors. We did hear some new tidbits about what might be coming in iOS 18 and related updates, while Apple released a much-needed macOS 14.4.1 update to squash some bugs, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14

The most wonderful time of the year for Apple developers and enthusiasts is just a few months away.

Apple this week announced that its annual developers conference WWDC will be held from Monday, June 10, through Friday, June 14, this year. As has been the case since 2020, the conference will be held online, but selected developers and students will be able to attend a special one-day in-person experience at Apple Park.

During the WWDC opening keynote, Apple is expected to announce its latest software updates, including iOS 18, which is expected to include new generative AI features. While the conference is focused on software, there are also sometimes hardware-related announcements.

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May

New iPads in March? Nope. April? Also nope, seemingly.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reported that Apple plans to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May. He said that production of the devices is ramping up at Apple's factories overseas.

Software and advanced OLED display-related manufacturing techniques are contributing factors to the new iPads taking longer than expected to launch, according to Gurman.

Sources: iOS 18 Lets Apps Be Placed Anywhere on Home Screen Grid

With iOS 18, the iPhone is expected to gain a more customizable Home Screen.

For example, iPhone users will be able to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid, according to sources familiar with development of the update. This option has long been available on Android.

This change means that users will finally be able to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between app icons on the Home Screen, according to our sources. Additional customization options are likely.

New Apple Pencil With Vision Pro Support in Testing Ahead of visionOS 2

While the Apple Pencil is currently compatible with iPads only, a future version of the accessory may work with Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Apple has internally tested a new Apple Pencil with visionOS support, according to a source familiar with the matter. If it ends up being released, it would be possible to use this Apple Pencil with drawing apps on the Vision Pro, such as Freeform and Pixelmator.

Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Much-Needed Bug Fixes

macOS 14.4 introduced several bugs on the Mac related to USB hubs, Java, audio unit plug-ins, and more. Thankfully, Apple has fixed these issues in the macOS 14.4.1 update released this week.

Make sure to update your Mac now, as the update also includes some security fixes.

In other software news, Apple has still yet to release the first beta of iOS 17.5 for the iPhone as of writing. That update is expected to introduce Web Distribution for apps in the EU, and potentially other changes.

M3 Max Chip Has Hidden Change That Could Affect Future 'M3 Ultra' Chip

Apple's M3 Ultra chip may be designed as its own, standalone chip, rather than be made up of two M3 Max dies. However, this is just an educated guess for now rather than a concrete rumor.

It has been discovered that the M3 Max chip no longer features an "UltraFusion interconnect," suggesting that the as-yet-unreleased M3 Ultra chip will not be able to comprise two M3 Max chips in a single package. This means that the M3 Ultra is likely to be a standalone chip, a first for the Ultra chip.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: WWDC 2024 Announced, New iPads Delayed, and More

What about the M3 Mac Mini Pro?

 

[Realityck]

What about the M3 Mac Mini Pro?

There is no rumors to the timing in 2024. Could be an update announced in Spring period now before the WWDC or at WWDC June 10th or more towards the end of 2024. There is no reason for any delays as there are already M3 Macs shipping, it's just a question to when Apple wants to market them. This is the same situation as the iPad updates that people are waiting for. The M1 Mac mini's came out in November 2020, and the M2 Mac mini's came out January 2023.

 

[Fraserpatty]

I am absolutely loving my M2, but I really want a mini also. Hurry up Apple! And can it please have an A17? Think of how many more gamers will be subscribing to the arcade if you do.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Could this be a hint that we'll finally get a UI and icon refresh with iOS 18?

 

[AlastorKatriona]

Allow me to clear something up:

"Most ambitious iOS update ever"

and...

"Arrange the Home Screen with blank spaces"

...do not go together like you think they do.

If Apple wants to blow me away with the Home Screen on iOS, they will give us an option to simply have all apps sorted by Last Used. That's all I want from my Home Screen. Just one, infinitely scrolling vertical list of apps, arranged in descending order, by last used. Use an app, it moves to the top position. At any given time, your Home Screen is going to consist of everything you regularly use, and the stuff you occasionally use is going to be right there too. I've tried to recreate this using the Siri Suggestion widget, but its not the same.

 

[MNWildFan]

Also, it's wild that iPhone 16 cases are being leaked now.

Nothing new about this; heck leaks about next year's stuff starts the moment the current one gets released

Heck, there's even been rumors on here about the 17s already too

 

[MNWildFan]

There is no rumors to the timing in 2024. Could be an update announced in Spring period now before the WWDC or at WWDC June 10th or more towards the end of 2024. There is no reason for any delays as there are already M3 Macs shipping, it's just a question to when Apple wants to market them. This is the same situation as the iPad updates that people are waiting for. The M1 Mac mini's came out in November 2020, and the M2 Mac mini's came out January 2023.

Yeah, I feel like that's the pattern Apple has been going through for the most part; save the laptops for the spring/summer, and then the desktops for the fall/winter

 

[boed]

Apple is welcome to a big wad of my money if they come out with a larger ipad otherwise I see no reason to replace my old 12.9"