When the keynote kicks off at Apple‘s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10th, all eyes will be trained on the company’s approach to generative artificial intelligence (AI). While Apple has long touted its prowess in on-device machine learning, the meteoric rise of AI models like ChatGPT has put the tech giant in catch-up mode.

Rumors swirling around WWDC 2024 suggest Apple has been investing heavily in training its own large language models, purportedly spending millions per day on the computationally intensive task. The company has also allegedly been in talks with major news outlets about content partnerships to bolster its training data.

However, other reports indicate Apple may opt for a more collaborative approach, potentially striking deals with AI juggernauts like Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, or China’s Baidu to supply cloud-based AI capabilities. This would allow Apple to leverage cutting-edge models while reserving its homegrown AI efforts for strictly on-device generative features aligned with its privacy-centric ethos.

Some industry watchers even speculate that Apple could open its ecosystem to third-party AI developers, enabling deep integration of external models across its product lineup – a stunning departure from the company’s long-held penchant for control. A recent Bloomberg report lent credence to this possibility.

Beyond AI, WWDC 2024 is expected to deliver the usual raft of software updates. iOS 18 could bring the ability to freely arrange app icons on the iPhone‘s home screen, while iPadOS may introduce “scenes” for enhanced multitasking in the Freeform app. New accessibility shortcuts and desktop widgets for macOS are also anticipated.

On the hardware front, Apple may unveil a new entry-level AirPods model succeeding the second-generation buds, as well as a noise-canceling refresh of the mid-tier AirPods 3. Updated AirPods Max over-ear headphones with a USB-C port could also make an appearance, though substantial design changes seem unlikely.

Last year’s WWDC was a blockbuster event, with the long-awaited Vision Pro mixed reality headset taking center stage alongside revamps like the widget-heavy watchOS interface, iOS 17‘s StandBy mode for intelligent display management, and desktop widgets for macOS. Apple also doubled down on its gaming ambitions with fresh appeals to developers.

The conference also marked the completion of Apple’s transition to custom silicon, as the company showcased a new Mac Pro powered by the beastly M2 Ultra chip – a component that also found its way into an updated Mac Studio. The popular MacBook Air lineup received a 15-inch model as well.