We anticipate learning about macOS 15, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and Apple's AI innovations for products like Siri (perhaps in partnership with OpenAI or Google for its Gemini technology) as well as developments for Apple's flagship apps like Photos, Notes, Maps, Calculator, and others at the upcoming WWDC 2024 (World Wide Developers Conference) event, which is just a few days away.
On June 11, the WWDC keynote address will begin at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET, or 6 p.m. BST, or 3 a.m. AEST for those in Australia. View our guide to see the 2024 WWDC in style.
We have a strong idea that macOS 15 will include a significant number of AI-related enhancements, but you'll have to tune it to find out exactly what features and modifications it will include, as well as its formal name. By introducing AI features to its competing Windows 11 operating system, Microsoft has been pushing Apple in this direction for more than a year, bringing the company more in line with its peers.
We've compiled all the information we currently know about macOS 15 ahead of WWDC 2024. If you haven't upgraded to the most recent Mac OS, see our instructions on how to install macOS 14.
All about AI
iOS is anticipated to be one of the main topics of discussion at WWDC, as rumors suggest that Siri, the company's digital assistant, will receive a significant AI boost that will improve its comprehension, conversational abilities, and customisation. This is most likely due to Apple and OpenAI's recently announced collaboration to combine their technologies, notably ChatGPT, which is anticipated to be included into iOS 18.
Not only is this Apple operating system expected to have AI capabilities, but iPadOS and macOS 15 are also rumored to receive some kind of AI enhancement. These new AI features will be optional, so users won't have to utilize them unless they so choose, according to MacRumors. Additionally, iPadOS and macOS users will need to have at least M1 chips in their devices in order to use AI features. Those who still use older Intel-based Macs would be disappointed if macOS 15 turns out to be the first version that is only compatible with Apple silicon Macs.
Apple's ChatGPT-like chatbot, developed in collaboration with OpenAI, is said to be powered by OpenAI's tools and technologies, in addition to current features of Apple devices. We anticipate learning more details about this at WWDC.
According to MacRumors, Apple is reportedly preparing a number of cross-platform AI-powered features, such as:
- AI-generated Apple Music playlists
- AI-assisted writing in Pages
- AI-assisted slide deck creation in Keynote
- AI code writing features in Xcode
There will be a lot to look forward to, including Apple's first significant step into consumer AI products, which is scheduled to occupy almost half of the WWDC keynote.
macOS 15 release date
We believe there's a good chance Apple will reveal macOS 15 at WWDC 2024, along with the release date, and that a developer beta version will be made available shortly after the presentation—possibly even on the same day—based on past macOS launches. To test it, you'll need to pay a charge. Alternatively, you can wait until later in the year—possibly in July—to test a public beta version at no cost. Then, based on what Apple has done with prior macOS updates, we anticipate the complete public release of macOS 15 later in 2024, either in September or early October.
A beta version may be of particular interest to you if you're an early adopter, extremely enthusiastic, or a Mac software developer. However, you should be aware that beta software is typically more vulnerable to hardware hazards, potential Apple rollbacks of additions and updates, and errors and instability. Installing a beta version is advised only if you are familiar with troubleshooting your equipment or are utilizing a spare Mac device.
We advise everyone else to hold off until the stable public release. Additionally, make sure to return here since we'll keep you informed as soon as we learn more about the macOS 15 release date.
macOS 15 name
The official name of macOS will likely be revealed at WWDC 2024. Since 2013, names of California landmarks have been a popular choice for macOS names. Over the previous ten years, Apple has already trademarked several of these; however, not all of them have been put to use. Redwood, Grizzly, Sequoia, Mammoth, Pacific, Rincon, Farallon, Miramar, Condor, Diablo, and Shasta are among the possible trademarks.
Apple may potentially choose to use a non-trademarked name, as it did in the past.
Previous macOS versions have been named after famous California locations: Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma.
macOS 15 availability
If rumors about this are true, then in order to use Apple's new AI features, your Mac must have an M1 Apple silicon chip or higher.
We anticipate Apple addressing this matter at WWDC. Nevertheless, it's feasible that certain older Macs will be able to run macOS 15, most likely without the AI features. The Mac models who can run Sonoma, the most recent version of macOS, are:
- 2019 or later iMac
- 2017 iMac Pro
- 2019 or later Mac Pro
- 2022 or later Mac Studio
- 2018 or later MacBook Air
- 2018 or later Mac mini
- 2018 or later MacBook Pro
macOS 15 features
Although it hasn't always been the "first" to release a feature or product, Apple is renowned for its meticulous development process while rivals race to be the first to market. When Apple does eventually release its version, it frequently becomes widely successful.
Here are some of the features we expect and would like to see:
One of the most anticipated changes for macOS 15 is a makeover of System Settings, which should result in a new look for the operating system's menus and applications. Many people are looking for a redesign that preserves the intuitive aspects of macOS while introducing some freshness.
An enhanced and more intelligent Siri for Mac computers: We may witness a new iteration of the digital assistant for desktop use once the enhanced and more intelligent Siri finds its way onto iOS devices. Even though it lacks some of the features and functionalities of the smartphone version, people would still like to see improvements made.
Better gaming capabilities for Macs: Apple could introduce innovations that would increase the profitability of game developers creating macOS titles in order to improve gaming on its devices and to utilize its newest M3 and M4 CPUs.