Apple WWDC 2023: New Software and Hardware
Apple, one of the most reputed multinational organisations in the world with a company valuation of $3 trillion, recently inaugurated a pair of exclusive flagship stores in India. One in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai — specifically in Jio World Drive, a store spanning 22,000 sq ft with an estimated monthly rent of ₹40–42 Lakh. The other in Saket Mall, Delhi, smaller in footprint but equally prestigious. After strong revenue generation from India, Apple CEO Tim Cook took steps to further cement Apple's footprint in the country.
Currently, Apple and several nations are actively attempting to de-couple from China, which uses its manufacturing dominance and low-cost infrastructure as leverage in geopolitical negotiations. After China, India is the only country in Southern Asia with the landmass, population, skilled labour, natural resources, and connectivity — road and rail — capable of satisfying the requirements of the corporate world at scale.
The Annual Developer Conference
Apple organises a Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) every year in June to announce new software versions, development tools, and occasionally landmark hardware. This year, it announced a device with the potential to reshape the consumer electronics market — much like the original iPhone did after its launch in July 2007.
Apple Vision Pro — The Main Announcement
Apple saved the best for last. In the final 40 minutes of the keynote, they revealed their "New Revolutionary Product" — the Apple Vision Pro. It is an AR/VR mixed reality headset — a pair of super-technology spectacles through which you can see and interact with both the virtual and real world simultaneously.
Analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman of Bloomberg had predicted this announcement nearly a year in advance.
Although the underlying technology is not entirely new — Meta and Amazon have both been working in this space — Apple is known for its perfection and the impression it creates, built over several decades of best-in-class engineering. No other technology company can replicate that impression, and many have tried and failed.
Key Specifications
With the Vision Pro headset you can:
- Replace a computer or any current digital device
- Use a virtual keyboard and an unimaginably large virtual display
- Capture memories through a built-in camera with moment-capturing technology
The device requires AC power supply for stationary use, similar to a desktop computer. It also provides 2.5 hours of battery life — functioning like a UPS to sustain usage during brief power interruptions.
Announced: 5th June 2023 at WWDC
US Availability: 2024
Other Countries: Following year
Price: $3,500 (approx. ₹2,89,900)
Note: The device has divided audiences into two camps — those who are excited, and those who are indifferent. There are no haters, because new technology cannot be hated unless it carries a negative societal impact. This one does not.
Apple Silicon — The Completed Transition
Apple is now collaborating with Disney to provide immersive experiences on Vision Pro, and with gaming companies to bring their titles to macOS alongside Windows. Apple appears to be entering the gaming market seriously, backed by the extraordinary performance-per-watt of their in-house Apple Silicon "M" series processors.
With the Mac Pro now transitioned, Apple has completed its full move to Apple Silicon. This is the third major processor transition in the company's history:
- 1994: Transition from Motorola 68K to PowerPC
- 2005: Transition from PowerPC to x86 Intel
- 2020: Transition from x86 Intel to Apple Silicon
The Mac Pro — the last holdout — starts at $6,000 for the base model.
Software Debuts at WWDC 2023
macOS Sonoma:
Screen saver features, widgets on the desktop, video conferencing improvements (Zoom/Meet style), save websites to Dock as apps, PDF editing and filling, gaming enhancements.
iOS 17:
Personalised phone call screen, Messages check-in feature, create stickers from gallery images, record audio/video messages, StandBy Mode (landscape charging clock and calendar), interactive widgets, AirDrop 2.0 over NFC, offline maps.
iPadOS 17:
Lock screen update, PDF notes editor, interactive widgets — largely mirrors iOS 17.
watchOS 10:
New watch faces, cycling workout, hiking workout, vision health reminders.
tvOS:
Bug fixes and stability updates.
⚠️ Caution: Developer Preview versions are available for testing. Do not install on your primary or daily-use devices — these builds are not mature and may be full of bugs.
India, Apple Pay, and the Bigger Picture
I am personally waiting for Apple Pay and Wallet to become fully functional in India. Reports suggest this may be closer than ever — during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, he met with the CEOs of all major technology giants to sign significant trade agreements, including technology transfers and defence cooperation [1] [2].
Prime Minister Modi coined a memorable phrase during the visit — "AI is not only Artificial Intelligence, now AI means America–India" — defining the deepening diplomatic and trading relationship between the two nations. Multiple MoUs were signed to establish a semiconductor hub in India and develop the country as a skilled, cost-effective global production centre.
The Apple Vision Pro alone helped push Apple's valuation back to $3 trillion. As always, Apple does not just launch products — it shifts the direction of an entire industry.