For iOS 16, 'New Apple Apps' and UI Updates are expected.

What's ahead for Apple's iOS operating system? The leaks began just in time for WWDC 2022 to ramp up.

Now that Google's developer conference is finished, we can turn our attention to Apple's big unveiling. Beginning June 6, WWDC 2022 will take place in just three weeks. The rumor mill has begun to spin, and the first major piece appears to be related to what's coming in the next version of the iPhone's operating system.

The current edition of Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, produced by Mark Gurman, gives an overview of the improvements coming to iOS 16. Although the tease is brief, it gives some insight into what to expect at WWDC. Gurman says:

While I don’t expect Apple to present a full redesign of the software, there should be major changes across the system, new ways of interacting, and some fresh Apple apps. The news about watchOS 9 will be significant as well.

The phrase "new Apple apps" most likely refers to an update to Apple's integrated iOS assortment. That implies Apple's default browser, Safari, as well as Messages, Photos, and the other Apple apps that come preloaded with each device, including iPad apps, could get a facelift. There's also a chance Apple will reveal new apps to add to the package, similar to how it did with earlier iOS versions.

While Gurman's forecasts aren't fixed in stone, they do correspond to what has been discussed in Apple circles. Gurman also declared "pretty big changes across the board" in the Power On email last month, mentioning an update to iOS's notifications and new health-tracking tools, which would line with reports from the Wall Street Journal last year. According to a reliable industry source, the latest Apple Watch Series 8 rumors also match the bill.

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Apple canceled body temperature measurement for Apple Watch 7 because the algorithm failed to qualify before entering the EVT stage last year. I believe Apple Watch 8 in 2H22 could take body temperature if the algorithm can meet Apple's high requirements before mass production.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 1, 2022

WWDC is slated to take place from June 6 to 10, with Apple's keynote on the first day. That presentation is typically when we learn what's new for developers and users across Apple's various platforms, from iOS to macOS and everything in between.