WWDC 2014: Apple Updates App For iPhone And iPad; Company Expected To Unveil New Hardware

With the 2014 edition of Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Worldwide Developers Conference less than two weeks away, the company has updated its WWDC app to version 2.0 for the iPhone and iPad. The annual event, which is scheduled for June 2, is also expected to bring new hardware to the market.

The updated WWDC app includes a revamped user interface with a new icon to reflect the design changes -- from dark purple color to bright orange. The WWDC 2.0 also comes with the latest schedule for the entire event so that interested developers can download it as a guide to the event, 9to5Mac reported.

According to the schedule, WWDC 2014 is scheduled to kick off at the Moscone Center in San Francisco and the keynote will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time (1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT). The event is expected to be led by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who will be assisted by senior vice presidents Craig Federighi and Eddy Cue, the 9to5Mac report said, adding that Apple is also rumored to unveil new hardware at the conference. While Apple has not revealed anything, rumors have pointed to the launch of products ranging from an Apple TV to an iWatch to a Retina MacBook Air.

Rumors also suggest that this year’s WWDC could focus on major design changes to the Mac operating system, taking it to version 10.10. Last week, Apple released OS X 10.9.3, an update to the Mavericks OS for Mac computers, which brings high-resolution 4K display support for the latest Mac Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Apple is also expected to showcase the upcoming version of its mobile operating system, called iOS 8, at the event. The new iOS 8 is expected to come with new features, including new health-centric software called Healthbook, new multitasking features for the iPad and an improved Maps app.

Some earlier reports had also speculated that both the iOS 8 and iPhone 6 could sport Voice-over-LTE, or VoLTE, support, which could improve call quality and efficiency. The iOS 8 update is also expected to bring a simplified Notification Center with only the “Today” and “Notifications” views and do away with the “All” and “Missed” views that are found on iOS 7.

Click here for more details on iOS 8’s rumored features, including a standalone iTunes Radio app, optimized Preview and TextEdit apps and inter-app communication.