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Back to the iFuture: How Apple’s Website Has ‘iEvolved’ Over the Last 15 Years::

Depending on how long you’ve been using Apple products, Apple’s website might be fairly new to you – and even if you are a long-time veteran of Apple and their products, it can be fun to take a little trip down memory lane. So lets jump in the time machine and discover what’s it’s been like throughout the last 15 years!

http://www.slideshare.net/choehn/15-years-of-applecom-15990876

Charlie Hoehn (via The Loop) put together this slideshow using screenshots from the Wayback machine, and offered some apt observations in the process:

The two biggest changes: they moved the navigation bar to the top in 2000, then gave the entire site a facelift with the introduction of Leopard in 2007.

Somewhat surprisingly, Apple.com hasn’t really changed as much as you might expect – especially in comparison to sites of other major companies like Sony, IBM and Microsoft, who’s sites have undergone a great deal of restructuring. Apple has managed a certain degree of consistency for a decade and a half, which is quite an achievement all by itself. Great design is timeless, I suppose.

What was the first version of Apple’s site you remember? Leave the slide number in the comments below!

What to Expect from Apple’s WWDC 2013 Keynote: The Complete Roundup::

Apple’s WWDC keynote is on Monday, and rumors abound about what will be announced. But what can we really expect, what can we possibly expect, and what rumors are so far out there that Plastic Man would throw his arm out of the socket reaching for them?

We here at MacTrast pride ourselves on our helpfulness, we’re helpers. So, try to sit up straight and pay attention as we separate the shinola from the shi… facts from the fiction.

iOS 7

Likely

The interface is in for a change. As we already know, Apple CEO Tim Cook made major changes to Apple’s executive leadership team last year, showing the exit to iOS Senior VP Scott Forstall and splitting his duties up between the likes of OS X chief Craig Federighi, Services head Eddy Cue, Technologies SVP Bob Mansfield, and most important to the interface of iOS 7, design head Jony Ive.

Simplicity will rule the roost. Ive LOVES simplicity, we see it in his hardware designs, and we’ll see it in iOS 7 now that he’s in charge.

Users can expect iOS 7 on the iPhone and iPad to say goodbye to some of the “skeumorphic” textures found in previous releases. Gone will be the Notes app that looks like a yellow notepad look, black and white and gray textures will be the main theme for app interfaces. Apps will gain individual character by differently colored buttons and navigation bars.

A good hint as to what to expect is the WWDC 2013 iOS app that was released earlier this week. the application introduces a new aesthetic that focuses on flat white, black, and grey textures. The app uses new fonts, and shadow-less buttons and navigation bars. Flat.

New social features are a good bet to be part of iOS 7, with Flickr and Vimeo available along with the current Twitter and Facebook integration.

Possible

AirDrop functionality could possibly be included in the new iOS version. AirDrop will allow iOS users to share files from their devices to other users devices. We include it in “possible” because it’s been experimented with before, and was dropped. It’s probably a 70% chance for inclusion this time.

Expanded Siri “Eyes Free” technology. This could allow users to better integrate Siri into their vehicles electronics system, with such features as mirroring your iPhone’s display on the display of your car’s console system. Improved reliability for Siri and the Maps app are also said to be in the works.

Camera filters for the iOS Camera app are also a possibility. These Instagram type filters are said to be popular with developers, not so well-received by Apple executives. 60/40 chance for this one.

Not This Time

A change in the way iOS handles multitasking has been rumored, but most users are comfortable with the current method, so probably no big changes this time.

9to5Mac has heard rumblings of some testing of new technologies that could move on-screen objects based on how the device is being moved in-air. For example, app icons that shift according to the angle that the iPhone is being held. Nope. Maybe later. Perhaps the “iWatch” could help make this a reality.

A Siri API. Not sure why I’m putting this one in the “not gonna happen” list, but maybe it’s just because we’ve been hearing about this one for a long time, and nothing has happened. But hey, I’d love to see this one happen, so feel free to move it up to “possible” if you feel like it.

OS X

Likely

The banners for WWDC have been hung in the Moscone Center with care, and they include one with a big ol’ “X.” That means for sure Apple will be introducing version 10.9 of the venerable Mac operating system. Let’s take a look at what might be coming with the new version.

OS X 10.9 should include interface tweaks, but there won’t be any Ive influenced changes this version. No flatness this version.

OS X 10.9 will most likely include better multiple desktop support, with the ability to to have different full-screen workspaces on multiple desktops. Users with multiple monitors should be able to run apps full-screen on one monitor without seeing the Grey linen view on the other monitor like they do with 10.8.

Much rumored is a battery extending change to multitasking, and improvement to application performance by pausing the processing of background apps.

There should also be a nice new version of Safari to play with too.

Possible

Siri has been long rumored to be readying a debut on the OS X desktop, this could be her year. There hasn’t been much floating around in the rumorsphere, but it could be one of those nice surprises Apple likes to throw in from time-to-time.

Xcode 5 is a possibility, this could probably go under “Likely,” but not much has been said about it, so let’s leave it here.

A tabbed interface for Finder is a good bet too. Probably more likely than not, but “possible” seems like a good bet.

Not This Time

Rumors have been circulating that 10.9′s release will be delayed because of Apple assigning more developers to the iOS 7 project. It’s possible, but not probable. The new version will at the very least be previewed at WWDC.

Hardware and Accessories

Likely

MacBook Air

New MacBook Air models are almost guaranteed. New SKUs and pricing information has been leaked, and the new models should take advantage of Intel’s new Haswell platform. This should noticeably improve both performance and battery life in the new MacBook Air lineup.

Support for new 802.11ac Wi-Fi routers will probably be included, and some analysts believe the MacBook Air line will include dual mics, like its big brother the MacBook Pro.

Mac Pro

Yeah baby, the Mac Pro will FINALLY get some update love. Apple is currently doing a pre-WWDC blow-out of refurbished Mac Pros, and they’ve been hinting for awhile now that something was coming, so let’s go for it, and say YES! New Mac Pros!

802.11ac Capable AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule

Time Capsules and AirPort Extreme are reported to be in short supply at retailers, and with 802.11ac Wi-Fi chips expected to be a part of the new MacBook Air line, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme updates alongside the new Mac hardware and software.

Possible

MacBook Pros

New MacBook Pros are a possibility, there have been reports of shortages of Retina Display MacBook Pro’s so…

AirPort Express

The AirPort Express probably won’t get any upgrade love this time around, as it just got the treatment at last year’s WWDC, but it could get a bump of some sort.

Not This Time

iOS Devices

There will be no new iOS devices introduced at the WWDC. No new iPad, iPad mini, or iPhone. That’s for later. Tim Cook has all but guaranteed that in his previous comments.

iWatch

No “iWatch” this time either. Maybe Tim Cook will flash a glint of an armband or something similar, just to tantalize the troops, but no unveiling this time. I know. I really want this one too.

Apple Television Set

Stop holding your breath, blue is not your color. Nope, no “Apple Television.” There’s not a single shred of evidence that this beast actually exists, and even if it did it’ll debut later in the year. Again, see Tim Cook’s previous comments about good stuff coming late this year, so if by some stretch of the imagination it exists, it’ll be introduced then.

Miscellaneous

Likely

iRadio

Yeah, there will be an unveiling of Apple’s much-rumored ‘iRadio” streaming music service. The record companies have been finally all brought into line, and are ready to play. It probably won’t be released during WWDC, but it will be previewed for all in attendance. iRadio is expected to be advertiser supported, with both audio and visual ads. No word on if there will be a premium version offered sans-ads.

Possible

Aperture and iWork

It’s probably just wishful thinking on my part, but some indicators are pointing to the possibility of new versions of Aperture, and iWork. These applications haven’t gotten any love in a long time, and they’re WAY overdue.

Wrap Up

Well, there you have it. My, and by extension, MacTrast’s predictions for the WWDC 2013 keynote. Some of the above is from solid sources, and some of it was decided by the SWAG (Scientific Wild-Assed Guess) method. We’ll find out where the chips may fall on Monday. Let’s hope it’s like Christmas morning, and we get a couple of nice surprises in our stocking.

What do you think readers? Do you agree with my projections, or am I WAY the hell off? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tim Cook: Apple Will Open iOS to More Third-Party Customization::

Apple’s iOS platform has long been criticized for being extremely “closed,” meaning that developers aren’t able to offers users a high degree of third-party tweaks and customizations. Meanwhile, Google’s Android platform has taken the opposite approach, opening up their platform to practically any customization one could dream up – often at the cost of user experience or even security. According to Tim Cook, however, Apple’s legendary closed approach to iOS could be about to change.

Speaking Tuesday evening at the D11 conference, Cook was grilled over just how closed Apple’s software really is, especially in comparison to Android. In response, Cook made some comments that were more than a little bit surprising to many following the conference, stating that Apple is indeed planning on opening their platform to at least some degree.

Here’s a rough transcript of what he had to say on the topic, courtesy of The Verge(emphasis added):

I think you’ll see us open up more in the future, but not to the degree that we put the customer at risk of having a bad experience. So there’s always a fine line to walk there, or maybe not so fine. We think the customer pays us to make choices on their behalf. I’ve see some of these settings screens, and I don’t think that’s what customers want. Do some want it? Yes. Butyou’ll see us open up more.

It doesn’t really get much more direct than that. “You’ll see us open up more.” Of course, exactly what Apple will open to third-party developers, and to what extent, is still up for question. Given Apple’s traditional moderation in opening up services and APIs to developers, the change will likely come in small doses – after all, as Cook pointed out, such measures are not worth risking the user experience over. That’s been a key difference between Android and iOS from the very beginning.

So, what can we expect from Apple in terms of APIs and opening up more of their platform? At this point it’s unclear – but it’s a safe bet we’ll get a taste of what’s to come when Apple unveils the next major version of iOS at WWDC on June 10th. Personally, I can’t wait!

Apple Launches Their New WWDC 2013 iOS App – Including Video Integration::

In preparation for its Worldwide Developers Conference which will take place in San Francisco next week,  Apple has launched a new WWDC iOS app to aid attendees in staying on top of the latest news and events at the popular developers conference.

MacRumors:

New this year is video integration, with all Registered Apple Developers able to watch session videos from the conference as they are posted daily. Apple has been posting session videos increasingly quickly after WWDC, and for the first time the company will this year be making videos available during the conference.

The new app will also allow developers who aren’t fortunate enough to attend the conference keep up with new developments via video and news notifications.

Features of the new app include:

• Browse times, locations, and descriptions for sessions, labs, and special events
• Mark schedule items as favorites with a simple double-tap
• Watch session videos, available daily
• Start watching on one iOS device, and pick up where you left off on another
• Keep up with the latest news, get important notifications, and see daily snapshots
• View maps to find your way around Moscone West
• Provide feedback on session content and speakers within the session details view
• Add your attendee information to Passbook for speedier on-site registration

The app is available FREE for the iPhone and iPad in the App Store. [DIRECT LINK]

Apple to Show Off New Versions of Both iOS and OS X at WWDC 2013::

The latest versions of OS X and iOS will be made available to developers at this years Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, giving some indication the event will showcase the next major version of Apple’s Mac OS in addition to iOS 7.

AppleInsider: 

For years, WWDC has been where Apple has showcased the next major version of its iOS platform for iPhone and iPad. It’s presumed that the 2013 conference will be no different, and will feature the unveiling of iOS 7.

But comments made by Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller in a press release issued by the company on Wednesday suggest that Apple could also unveil to developers OS X 10.9, the next version of the Mac operating system.

From Apple’s Press Release: “We look forward to gathering at WWDC 2013 with the incredible community of iOS and OS X developers,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Our developers have had the most prolific and profitable year ever, and we’re excited to show them the latest advances in software technologies and developer tools to help them create innovative new apps. We can’t wait to get new versions of iOS and OS X into their hands at WWDC.”

Apple’s last major release of OS X, 10.8 Mountain Lion, was released in an understated way. No event was held to announce the new OS, instead the company showed the software to select members of the press, and released a press release announcing it was on its way.

Schiller’s comments in the press release gives followers hope that OS X 10.9 may get some main stage exposure at the WWDC keynote which kicks off the conference.

Apple announced on Wednesday that WWDC 2013 be held from June 10 through 14 in San Francisco, and tickets will go on sale this Thursday at 10 AM Pacific, 1 PM Eastern.

Is This the First Leaked Screenshot of iOS 7?

It’s long been rumored that Apple is preparing a significant revamp of iOS 7, complete with a new flatter design overseen by Jony Ivy - and Tim Cook only strengthened such claims by confirming that Ive was indeed a key contributor to the next version of iOS. Today, iDownloadBlog has posted what might be the first actual screenshot of iOS 7, which shows how some of the flattening might appear.

The claims are backed up by 9to5Mac, which has a decent reputation when it comes to pre-release Apple software, stating that “things have [apparently] changed a lot ” since the image was captured. iDownloadBlog posts a clarified version of the image, which was created by removing the top layer of gloss from the icons. The result is a set of home screen icons that do indeed appear “flatter.”

The site also offered an assessment describing the blurry screenshot, and offering some assessment of what the image might mean:

What does that mean for parts of the UI such as app icons? Our friend Sonny Dickson got his hands on a blurry screenshot showing the Home screen of an iPhone running iOS 7. The image quality is terrible, but with the help of talented designer Surenix, we were able to reproduce some of these icons to give you an exclusive look at what some stock app icons on iOS 7 might look like.

If we had to describe the changes in one word, that would be: unified…

When you look at the current state of stock apps icons, it seems that all of them were designed by different teams. Most of them have a different look. They don’t have unified features that tie them all up together. Some of them have a gloss effect. Some of them don’t. Some of them have borders. Some of them don’t, etc…

From what we’ve seen, we believe Jony Ive’s touch on iOS 7 will homogenize the look of Apple’s stock apps icons.

The site goes on to list an exhaustive series of changes that they have observed from the leak, especially in relation to how it differers from current versions of iOS. While the legitimacy and recency of the image are both completely unverifiable, it nevertheless remains an interesting look at what we might see.

Personally, I’d wager the changes will be a bit more significant than just some “flattened” icons – but we’ll likely see for ourselves when Apple shows off the update at WWDC!