WWDC 2017: Apple unveils new MacBooks, iPad Pro and more

WWDC 2017: What to expect from Apple's keynote

5 June

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote begins today – and the company is expected to announce a host of software and hardware updates.

Just hours before the event begins, Apple has temporarily shut down its online store. This suggests that the company will be refreshing some of its hardware models, such as the MacBook Pro and iPad range.

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But it's unlikely that the rumoured iPhone 8 will make an appearance during the event as the company generally unveils its latest smartphones in the autumn.

All will be revealed at the WWDC at 6pm tonight when the event starts. Until then, here's what we can expect from the conference:

Software upgrades

WWDC has traditionally been a year for software upgrades across Apple's computer, mobile and TV range, a trend that's expected to continue this year.

The company looks set to unveil iOS 11 for the iPhone and MacOS 10.13 for computers, says AppleInsider, while version 11 of the the firm's TV box is expected to appear.

Job offers for artificial intelligence (AI) experts have been spotted in the US, which the website says could mean Apple plans to "discuss an improvement in its Siri voice recognition technology".

iOS could get a file system

One of the new features that could appear on iOS 11 is a file management system, according to MacRumors.

Apple devices operating on the company's mobile iOS software haven't featured computer file management functions before, but the site says a recent leak on the App Store for an application called "Files" indicates that iPhone and iPad users could be getting a more comprehensive storage system.

Details for the app are scarce, although the site says the leaked listing reveals it will only be compatible with 64-bit devices, meaning it will work on most devices produced after the iPad Air and iPhone 5S.

Refreshed MacBook and iPad models

"A couple of hardware surprises" are set to appear during tonight's conference, says 9to5Mac. One of these could be the announcement of a new iPad Pro "with upgraded internals" and a 10.5ins display that replaces the 9.7ins screen on current models.

Rumours suggest that an improved version of the 12.9ins variant iPad will make an appearance, but the site says "it isn't clear if that is ready to ship today".

9to5Mac also expects "Kaby Lake CPU upgrades to the MacBook Pro and probably a minor price drop", although fans may have to wait until the autumn to see improvements to the iMac desktop lineup.

WWDC kicks off at today at 6pm and can be live-streamed from the company's website here.