There are just a few days left until Apple's WWDC 2024 (Worldwide Developers Conference) event, and we expect to learn about macOS 15, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, Apple's AI innovations in products like Siri (possible collaborations with companies like OpenAI and Google's Gemini technology), and developments in Apple's flagship apps like Photos, Notes, Maps, and Calculator.
The WWDC keynote will begin at 10am PST, 1pm EST / 6pm BST. In Australia, it will start at 3am AEST on June 11. Check out our guide on how to watch WWDC 2024.
While we won't know for sure what features and changes macOS 15 will include or what its official name will be until we take a look, there's a strong suspicion it will include a significant number of AI-related updates, bringing Apple in line with peers like Microsoft, which has been pushing in this direction for over a year by adding AI capabilities to its rival Windows 11 operating system.
Ahead of WWDC 2024, we've collected all the news and rumors so far about macOS 15. If you haven't updated your Mac operating system to the latest version, check out our guide on how to install macOS 14.
About AI
iOS is expected to be one of the big focuses at WWDC, and its digital assistant, Siri, is rumored to be getting a major AI boost that will improve conversation, understanding, and personalization. This is likely thanks to Apple's recently reported partnership with OpenAI to integrate technologies including ChatGPT, which is expected to be integrated into iOS 18.
This is not the only Apple operating system that will have AI features, as iPadOS and macOS 15 will reportedly also get some AI enhancements. According to MacRumors, these new AI features are opt-in, meaning users only need to adopt them if they want to. Additionally, iPadOS and macOS users will need to have at least an M1 chip on their device to be able to use the AI ​​features. This could mean that macOS 15 will be the first version exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs, which will undoubtedly be a disappointment for those who are still using older Intel-based Macs.
OpenAI's tools and technology are rumored to be used to develop new and enhanced features in Apple products, while there's also talk of a partnership with OpenAI to create Apple's own ChatGPT-like chatbot. We're hoping to find out exactly what this will look like at WWDC.
According to MacRumors, Apple is preparing several cross-platform AI-powered features, including:
AI-generated Apple Music playlistsAI-assisted writing in PagesAI-assisted slide deck creation in KeynoteAI code writing in Xcode
We're excited to see Apple's first big foray into consumer AI products in general, which will take up roughly half of the WWDC keynote, so there'll be a lot to look forward to.
macOS 15 release date
(Image courtesy of Apple)
Judging by past macOS releases, it seems almost certain that Apple will announce macOS 15 and its release date at WWDC 2024, and release a developer beta shortly after (likely the same day). You'll have to pay to try it out, but you can also wait until later this year, probably July, to try the public beta for free. Then, based on what Apple has done with previous macOS releases, we can expect a full public release of macOS 15 to roll out in late 2024, in September or early October.
Beta versions might be of particular interest to you, especially if you're an enthusiast or early adopter, or a Mac app developer. However, keep in mind that beta versions of software are generally prone to bugs and instability, possible rollback of changes or features by Apple, and hardware risks. We only recommend installing beta versions if you have a spare Mac device or are comfortable troubleshooting devices.
Everyone else is encouraged to wait for the stable public release and be sure to check back on this page as we will update it with more details on the macOS 15 release date as they become available.
macOS 15 names
The official name of macOS is expected to be revealed at WWDC 2024, and since 2013, a trend in macOS names has been the names of California landmarks. Many of these have already been trademarked by Apple in the past decade, but not all are in use yet. Some of the potentially trademarked names include Redwood, Grizzly, Sequoia, Mammoth, Pacific, Rincon, Farallon, Miramar, Condor, Diablo, and Shasta.
Alternatively, Apple could do what it has done before and choose a name that isn't trademarked.
Previous versions of macOS were named after California landmarks: Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma.
macOS 15 now available
If reports are correct, you'll need to make sure your Mac has the M1 Apple silicon chip or later to take advantage of Apple's new AI features.
However, some older Macs may conceivably be able to run macOS 15 without the AI ​​features, and we expect Apple to clarify this at WWDC. Here are the Mac models that can currently run the latest version of macOS, Sonoma:
2019 and newer iMac2017 iMac Pro2019 and newer Mac Pro2022 and newer Mac Studio2018 and newer MacBook Air2018 and newer Mac mini2018 and newer MacBook Pro
macOS 15 Features
While Apple hasn't always been “first” to introduce products or features, it's known for being methodical in its product development while competitors scramble to get ahead — and when Apple finally releases its version, it often becomes a mainstream success.
Here are some of the features we're excited about and hoping to achieve:
Revamped System Settings: This is one of the most anticipated developments in macOS 15, which is expected to bring a redesign of the operating system's menus and apps. Many users are hoping for a refreshed design that can bring a new feel while still maintaining the intuitiveness of macOS. A smarter Siri for Mac devices: With a more intelligent and upgraded Siri coming to iOS devices, we may also see a new version of the digital assistant for the desktop. While it won't have all the features and capabilities of the mobile version, there is still room for improvements that users would like. Improved gaming capabilities for Mac: If Apple wants to make the device more suitable for gaming and take advantage of the latest M3 and M4 chips, it could mark a step forward that would make it more advantageous for game developers to create gaming versions for macOS.
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