WWDC23 was one of the most notable Apple events in recent years. While most of the software announcements were arguably lackluster, the great iPhone maker did introduce some advanced hardware that could shape its new era. From the upcoming major OS updates to Apple Vision Pro and the fresh Macs, let's recap WWDC23 and look into everything announced at the event.

Software

As always, WWDC revolves around new software releases. Apple previews the OS versions to come later in the year and seeds the first betas to developers on the same day. So during the main keynote of WWDC23, we got to see previews of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and watchOS 10, in addition to other Apple operating systems, such as tvOS 17 and the HomePod's audioOS 17. We also got to check out the first betas of these updates.

With Apple shifting its focus to the Vision Pro and its development, this year's software updates didn't get as much attention. iOS 17 introduces some communication upgrades, including custom call screens (Contact Posters), Live Voicemail, FaceTime video messages, AirDrop through the internet, Standby mode (which offers a smart display experience), interactive widgets, and more. You can read our iOS 17 beta 1 hands-on if you're interested in what this release has to offer.

Similarly, iPadOS 17 beta 1 didn't introduce plenty of new additions. It mostly caught up with iOS by introducing a customizable Lock Screen, Health app, Live Activities, FaceTime video messages, and the iMessage upgrades included in iOS 17. Interestingly, Stage Manager app windows are now more flexible. That's not to mention that you can now rely on external displays' built-in webcams for video calls on iPad.

Moving on to macOS Sonoma beta 1, we got some desktop widgets, a handy tool to port Windows games to the Mac, and new screensavers, along with Lock Screen and Safari improvements, including locked incognito tabs, new FaceTime effects, and more. It's objectively one of the smaller X.0 updates to macOS.

However, the biggest operating system overhaul was in the Apple Watch department. We're getting redesigned apps, a widget stack feature, new health metrics, fresh watch faces, and more. You can learn more about watchOS 10 beta 1 by reading our dedicated article.

Hardware

While WWDC is typically for software, hardware took center stage in many instances. First up is the long-rumored Apple Vision Pro, which is arguably the most exciting announcement of WWDC23. It was the company's "One more thing" towards the end of the keynote. Vision Pro is the company's first headset and spatial computer, allowing users to use their field of view as a canvas. You get a familiar set of built-in Apple apps, such as Notes, Music, and TV, in addition to third-party app support from the likes of Microsoft Office. The $3,499 headset won't be available until next year in the U.S., but we already went hands-on with it. Ben Sin said the experience was mind-blowing, adding that "it's the best demo I've ever tried, from any consumer product in my nine years covering tech."

We also got to see new Macs during WWDC23. The company launched a 15.3-inch variant of the MacBook Air M2. So it looks like the 13.6-inch model from 2022 but offers a notably larger display and superior speakers. In addition to that, the Mac Studio got a processor boost, with Apple discontinuing the M1 Max/Ultra model and debuting an M2 Max/Ultra variant. Lastly, the last Intel-powered Apple computer, the Mac Pro, finally got a taste of the company's silicon. With The Cheese Grater now packing an M2 Ultra chipset, Apple has concluded the 3-year transition from Intel to its own chips.

Beyond WWDC23: What's next?

Since WWDC revolves around software and development, we expectedly didn't see any new iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, or AirPods. We will likely have to wait until the fall event, which typically takes place around mid-September. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro will most likely debut then, along with the Apple Watch Series 9 and some iPad models. Until then, we may not be witnessing any Apple events, as the company has been increasingly relying on press releases for its smaller announcements and reveals.