In just a few hours, technologically savvy workplaces across the country will grind to a halt as workers tune in to see how Steve Jobs will destroy our bank accounts this time. Just for fun, here are my predictions for today’s “Steve-note” at Apple’s WWDC conference.
iPhone HD Officially Revealed… (Yep!)
…with at least one surprise feature. Yes, I know that we already know what it’s going to look like and a few of its key hardware upgrades (thanks to Gizmodo’s shady reporting which has hilariously landed them on a blacklist from today’s event), but I have a feeling there are a few software related tricks that Apple neglected to mention as part of its iPhone OS 4 reveal a few weeks back. Widgets and a dedicated iChat app for mobile aren’t too far fetched.
As for the hardware, expect the selling points to be a slightly faster chipset (same as the iPad is the rumor), the front-facing camera, some higher quality video recording, and a ridiculously awesome new screen. I’ll eat my shoe if they announce that they’re bringing it to Verizon.
A Reimagined MobileMe Goes Free (Nope!)
In the vein of my previous prediction, part of the software tricks that may be revealed today could be a huge revamp of MobileMe that’s somehow tied to the iPhone/iPad ecosystem. It has been way too quiet on the MobileMe front for a while now, so this seems plausible. There have also been a lot of rumors over the last year that Apple has been buying a ton of server space, but that could be related to my next prediction.
iTunes.com Shakes Things Up (Nope!)
So, Apple recently purchased lala.com (a surprisingly awesome music streaming site), only to shut its doors to the world late last week. They may wait until their iPod announcements in the Fall, but some sort of cloud-based iTunes service has got to be coming at some point. Maybe today?
AppleTV Revamp is Coming, But Not Today (Nope, but expect that gyroscope to help the iPhone control it!)
Speaking of cloud-based, one of the big rumors floating around right now is the revamp of the AppleTV product into a cheap cloud-based streaming machine, complete with an App Store to call its own. Although this is probably pretty likely (especially considering Google’s aggression in this arena over the last few weeks), I think it’s doubtful that they’ll try to cram an announcement like this in today.
Bing is Given a Few Shout-outs (Yep!)
With Apple and Google going through their increasingly messy break-up, don’t be surprised to see Apple on the rebound with some optional integration with Bing into some of their products. In my opinion, Apple and Microsoft are going to need to buddy up if they want to keep Google in check over the next few years. Plus, Bing is actually pretty nice in some respects, so it’s a win all around.
Mac OS X Only Given a Passing Mention (Yep!)
With the iPhone/iPad ecosystem and their App Store’s dominating Apple’s profit margins, I sincerely doubt we’ll see more than a passing mention of the full OS X operating system at this year’s WWDC (despite this being a developer’s conference). The App Store is just too lucrative for all parties involved, and I know many developers just aren’t “wasting time” these days developing normal apps any more. Although I’d love to see a peek of OS 10.7 or hear some news about how they’re ramping up their security in the OS, I’m not holding my breath.
So, those are my predictions for the day (and yes, I realize many of them aren’t completely original, but this is how I think things will shake out). Have any of your own you would like to add? Add them in the comments below.

Great Stuff, Good Points. The Only one I disagree with is the phone. I think that Gizmodo iPhone is a decoy. The real iPhone will look more like a smaller iPad. I cant see Apple letting someone else steal their thunder. I do believe it was a prototype just not the actual final product. Time will tell.
I have to agree with you Jon, I am really hoping the new iPhone pics that have been floating around are just a prototype, I think it looks like crap haha. It doesn’t look like an Apple product to me at all.
I’m actually a huge fan of the design of the leaked prototype (more streamlined and industrial). I think it’s too well thought out to be fake. I have to admit though, I’d have a good laugh if they just released a lame upgrade today in the same form factor.
Those are all good estimations… although, I’d be amazed if the Bing shout-out is true. I would more quickly assume that Apple would create their own search engine before partnering with Microsoft in order to compete with Google. …but, I’ve seen crazier things
All Great comments, I just cant see the “gizmodo leaked iPhone” an apple product. It steps back in time to the original iPod design, just not Apple’s new style. I will have to say that I would still buy one. The look is the last thing on my list. Functionality, Speed and New Technology are top of my list.
Jason Im not sure about the Bing either but if they can add it like yahoo and Google and increase their revenue stream why not, we still have a choice on our search engine.
If they do its just business and more money.
Great discussion!
Jon:
I completely disagree; if anything, the 3G and 3GS look extremely dated in comparison with Apple’s current design language seen in the MacBook Pro, iMacs and iPad. The obvious choice would be to go totally aluminum with the inclosure, but that kills wireless reception. I think the new design lends a little sleekness to a “plasticy” design that’s a little long in the tooth.
As for Bing, Apple and Microsoft already have several mutually beneficial relationships going with Office for Mac, Boot Camp support, etc. Bing makes sense for them both since Google is quickly becoming the 800 lb gorilla in the industry.
Point taken, Well said! The thing with iPhone how many people are going to just put a case or cover over it? So once again Time will tell and I will head to the store to buy one!!
Eric’s point of view was one that took me awhile to come around to - when the first pics and Gizmodo-gate appeared I thought the design looked like crap and nothing like what Apple would release. However, I’ve come to agree with Eric. If it wasn’t for the large seams and slightly bulkier-than-necessary profile, it’s a very “now” design. Industrial chic.
I think that all 6 predictions are spot on. I’d add in the new “magic trackpad” too - I will buy one of those immediately, if they can keep it $69 or under. Unfortunately, I expect $99 or more.
The Bing option is a good one - I use Bing for image search but Google for everything else.
Lastly, I’ve never been able to justify $99 for MobileMe, since literally the only thing I would use or want is the find my iPhone aspect of it. I would love to see them announce a free version of MobileMe that allows find my iPhone - especially if Steve could throw a little humor into the announcement with a nod to the lost iPhone HD prototype kerfuffle.