What I'd like to see at WWDC 2021
One of my yearly traditions is to watch Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (better known as WWDC or “Dub Dub”). This year, I’m particularly excited because of all the rumors around iOS/iPadOS, and macOS. MacRumors.com has a great roundup that I highly recommend if you’re into this sort of thing.
I’m currently a daily driver of an iPhone 11 (though I’ve been considering going to a Pixel for a bit, as of late) and a Mac mini. Both are running the latest versions of their respective operating systems. So it may come as no surprise that I have my own wish list filled with things I’d like to see at WWDC this year. If you have a few moments to spare, I’ve attached that list.
The List:
macOS 12
- More reliable iCloud syncing for Messages
- significant speed, stability, performance improvements on older Intel Macs that Apple supported on Big Sur.
- toned down “AirPods are nearby” notifications, perhaps they could stop sending after being dismissed once when Mac is unlocked?
- Probably won’t happen, but I’d love to see anyways: Catalyst improvements on older Intel Macs that Apple supported on Big Sur.
iOS 15
- Redesigned lock screen. (It has been the same since 2017, it could use a refresh.)
- Redesigned control center. (Please take some cues from Big Sur.)
- macOS app icons on iOS for more consistency. I know some folks love and hate them, but I love them. At least now that they’re fleshed out.
- Probably won’t happen: Pattern unlock, akin to Android?
iPadOS 15
- All features from iOS 15, plus…
- Widgets on the home screen.
- App Library.
I’m not including watchOS, mainly because I have very little complaints and requests outside of my Watch needing to be reset in order to update on the latest version of watchOS 7 for whatever reason.
If I’m being completely honest, I am more excited for macOS than the other updates this year. Sure, I have some excitement for iOS/iPadOS 15, and will probably run Public Beta for both, I’m definitely more interested in the Mac side of things. I’ve been enjoying my Mac mini and it’s easily my most used computer. Here’s to hoping they announce some good updates at WWDC this year!