Apple’s WWDC 2021: The top 3 announcements business users want to hear

Business users have strong expectations about Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which routinely options essential new software program and {hardware} improvements. WWDC 2021 can be held June 7-11 as an internet occasion due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I do not suppose dramatic announcements are on the top of pros’ WWDC21 want lists; as an alternative, some dependable and even predictable upgrades would assist companies within the U.S. as they start returning to regular operations. Here are greatest announcements I believe business users hope to hear throughout WWDC21.

SEE: How to migrate to a brand new iPad, iPhone, or Mac (TechRepublic Premium)

MacOS 12 and extra new OS variations

New editions of just about each Apple OS are anticipated at WWDC21: main the checklist is macOS 12, Big Sur’s alternative, together with the “15” variations of iOS, iPadOS and tvOS.

Business users will give attention to what these working techniques supply when it comes to new options, capabilities, efficiency, efficiencies, battery life and extra. While nobody expects a brand new standalone translation app or digital assistant, refinements to current technologies–such as translation capabilities and Siri–are essential. The similar is true for Maps, Notifications, iCloud integration and the iWork productiveness suite.

SEE: iOS 15: The top 3 options Apple ought to embody (TechRepublic)

Security enhancements, together with encryption capabilities and safety from malicious assaults, are additionally anticipated by business professionals. As ransomware assaults grow to be extra public and extra widespread, the necessity for the OS to higher shield its actions, functions and information from an infection is more and more essential. 

New and/or improved pro-level Macs

The current Mac Pro, which begins at $5,999, is a beast. The iMac Pro, a extra inexpensive if nonetheless costly however succesful desktop with built-in show, was discontinued in March 2021. Even although Apple simply launched new {hardware} at its current Spring Loaded occasion, there’s a likelihood that in its June builders occasion Apple may reveal replacements for its high-end skilled desktops. 

Power users (e.g., those that produce audio and video productions) can be listening for brand new professional platforms that boast a number of processors and quite a few cores, strong graphics playing cards, environment friendly temperature management and a bunch of ports. As Apple’s laptops and desktops have grow to be a lot stingier missing many enlargement ports, the professional variations present extra flexibility, which is a necessity for such users.

SEE: Apple Silicon M1 Mac shopping for information: 2021 iMac vs. 2020 MacE-book Air vs. MacE-book Pro vs. Mac mini (TechRepublic)

Possible amongst any {hardware} updates is a brand new Mac or iMac Pro with doubtlessly new chassis designs. But even delicate {hardware} upgrades to the prevailing Mac Pro mannequin can be welcome to business professionals awaiting the following technology of professional machines. And who is aware of, Apple could even take a crack at leveraging its personal Silicon chips in new professional platforms–a improvement that might set new efficiency benchmarks.

An M2 chipset

Apple introduced in November 2020 new Silicon chipsets of its personal. The innovation marked the top of an essential Intel collaboration that helped gasoline greater than a decade of spectacular new techniques.

The M1 first-generation chips combine the CPU processor, I/O capabilities, safety controls and Thunderbolt operation onto a single, fast-performing and power-conserving chip. Reviews repeatedly verify the brand new Apple Silicon is a big improve.

SEE: four causes Apple’s new M1-powered iPad Pro is a desktop and laptop computer alternative (TechRepublic)

In a world the place “what have you done for me lately” continues arresting consideration and confirming worth, although, the query turns into: When will Apple reveal its second-generation of chips? While lower than a 12 months after launch could also be too quickly to count on an M2 chip, such a shock would doubtless give many companies confidence that the brand new Apple chips are mature, confirmed and prepared for work.

That stated, with optimistic evaluations and benchmark checks so widespread, I’ve no reservations recommending companies buy new Mac laptops or iMac desktops with the first-generation M1 chip. Regardless, I’ve heard many users declare they’re awaiting second-generation chips earlier than committing to techniques utilizing Apple’s personal Silicon due to potential efficiency, reliability and compatibility fears. Although I imagine these fears are unfounded, I believe an M2 announcement at WWDC can be nicely acquired by business professionals and encourage gross sales and adoption.

Apple Weekly Newsletter

Whether you want iPhone and Mac ideas or the most recent enterprise-specific Apple information, we have got you lined.
Delivered Tuesdays

Sign up at this time

Also see