Apple's Biggest Announcements at WWDC 2023: Vision Pro, Mac Pro, iOS 17, and More

The 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) showed that we've got much to look forward to in the coming months.

From AR/VR hardware and new Macs to iOS 17 and a revamped watchOS interface, here are all of Apple's biggest announcements at WWDC 2023.

1. Vision Pro

Image of the Apple Vision Pro Glasses — Image Credit: Apple

By far, the biggest WWDC 2023 announcement was Apple's new AR/VR headset, known as the Vision Pro. If you've got $3,499 to spare, you can soon immerse yourself in popular video games, along with 2D and 3D movie streaming. When watching movies, what you see can also go beyond the dimensions of your current room—allowing you to fully involve yourself with what's going on.

The Vision Pro features Spatial Audio technology, which also adjusts the sound based on where you are. You can use the headset with tools like FaceTime and Apple Notes for remote collaboration and to contact your loved ones, and it'll even allow for 3D photo editing.

Alongside the hardware, Apple announced the visionOS software, meaning we can expect regular software updates for the headset, just like your iPhone and Apple Watch. It features an external battery that lasts up to two hours on a single charge.

Apple also announced that it has partnered with the gaming software giant Unity to bring apps to Vision Pro. On top of that, users will have access to Disney+'s suite of services when the Vision Pro hits the market in early 2024. Vision Pro will first be available in the US, with other markets to follow shortly after.

2. Mac Pro

image of the Apple Mac Pro — Image Credit: Apple

With all the excitement and discussion surrounding the Vision Pro, you could be forgiven if you forgot about the other intriguing WWDC 2023 announcements. One of the biggest bits of news was the release of the Apple silicon Mac Pro powered by the M2 Ultra chip.

The 2023 Mac Pro will have 192GB of unified memory. Moreover, you'll also get 800GB per second(!) of bandwidth to work with for your creative projects. It also packs eight Thunderbolt ports and offers PCIe expansion slots, which is a first for an Apple silicon Mac.

The Mac Pro is currently available for pre-order for a starting price of $6,999, and it will start shipping on June 13, 2023.

3. 15-Inch MacBook Air

Apple's first announcement at WWDC 2023 was the 15-inch MacBook Air powered by the M2 chip. Apple claims it can deliver up to 18 hours of battery life, which is seriously impressive for a laptop that's only 11.5mm.

According to Apple, the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is 12 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Like the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, it sports a 1080p camera and features MagSafe charging.

The 15-inch MacBook Air will set you back at $1,299. It's currently listed for pre-order, and it'll start shipping on June 13, 2023, alongside the Mac Pro. If you get the Apple Student Discount or work within the education sector, you can receive a $100 discount.

4. Mac Studio

A woman using the Apple Mac Studio — Image Credit: Apple

The Mac Studio has also received a hardware refresh for 2023, and it will come with the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips. Pricing remains the same, starting at $1,999, but just like the Mac Pro and the 15-inch MacBook Air, it'll be available on June 13, 2023.

Thanks to the higher-bandwidth HDMI port, the Mac Studio supports 8K displays with refresh rates up to 240Hz. It also features four Thunderbolt ports in the back, plus two more in the front. For wireless connectivity, it supports the Wi-Fi 6E standard.

The Mac Studio will support up to 192GB in unified memory, and Apple says that the M2 Max Mac Studio is 3.6 times faster than the M1 Ultra version. It's worth noting that the M2 Ultra variant offers 800GB/s of bandwidth, while the M2 Max stands at 400GB/s.

5. macOS Sonoma

Illustration of macOS Sonoma — Image Credit: Apple

Perhaps the most exciting macOS Sonoma feature relates to widgets. Rather than needing to click on the time and date to reveal your widgets, you can now opt to keep them on your desktop. So far, you had to rely on an app like WidgetWall to add widgets to your desktop.

Widgets are also more interactive in macOS Sonoma. You can tick items off your to-do list and perform actions without needing to open the app.

During video conferences, you'll also be able to choose whether—and how—you overlay yourself. Doing so allows for more of an interactive experience. Another new feature is the ability to react via augmented reality.

Safari is also getting improvements in the form of web apps and a new profile creation feature, which allows you to categorize your browsing history depending on whether it's for work, studying, or personal use.

6. iOS 17

iOS 17 Standby Feature Image — Image Credit: Apple

Live Voicemail in iOS 17 will show a worded version of any voicemails you receive—like audio message transcription. You can then decide what you want to do next.

Taking inspiration from customizing Lock Screens in iOS 16, you'll be able to make Contact Posters in iOS 17. Here, you can change the font and your photo; if you'd rather have a Memoji, you can use one of those instead.

Check In is perhaps one of the most important features coming to iOS 17. You can let others know when you're home safe, and the feature will automatically detect when you're back. If something goes wrong, you can update your estimated time—and if loved ones suspect there's an issue, they can try to contact you.

Other iOS 17 features include interactive widgets, a new Journal app, search filters in Messages, and video messages for unanswered FaceTime calls.

7. iPadOS 17

An Example of What the iPadOS 17 Lock Screen Will Look Like — Image Credit: Apple

Apple's iPadOS 17 update will feature the Lock Screen customization tools iPhone received with iOS 16, including font adjustments. You'll also get interactive widgets as on iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, and the Health app is finally coming to iPad.

Freeform will receive a selection of new drawing tools, and Messages shall receive call filters and swiping up to reply—both of which you'll also get with iOS 17.

iPadOS will also see more PDF document editing capabilities, plus improvements to the Stage Manager feature.

8. watchOS 10

watchOS 10 brings several new features too. Besides completely redesigned apps, it'll feature a Smart Stack to browse the weather, your calendar, and much more. Several new cycling features will also be introduced, such as the option to connect to bicycles with Bluetooth capabilities.

The Weather app will, like with iOS 16, change depending on the time of day. watchOS 10 also brings two new watch faces, one featuring Snoopy and Woodstock, who will interact and play with watch hands and react to weather conditions.

The Vision Pro Dominates the WWDC 2023 Headlines

As you can see, Apple announced several new hardware and software products at WWDC 2023. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the Vision Pro AR/VR headset that fans will eagerly anticipate in 2024.

Not much has changed software-wise, but you'll still get a handful of valuable features. We finally got to see the Apple silicon Mac Pro we waited years for, and the 15-inch MacBook Air is perfect for those who want a larger Apple laptop without breaking the bank.