Malcolm Owen
Apple may not use its WWDC 2021 keynote to make any hardware announcements, with a prominent leaker hinting that there won't be any physical product launches.
While WWDC is known to be a software-centric event, concerned primarily with Apple's operating systems and software changes, rumors always circulate about new hardware being revealed during the event. In the opinion of one well-known leaker, it seems that WWDC 2021 will be a software-only year.
Responding to a query on Twitter on whether there will be any hardware products shown at WWDC 2021 on Monday, leaker "@L0vetodream" responded in Chinese with the translated phrase "I feel no."
— (@L0vetodream) June 7, 2021
While the Twitter account has amassed a following for high-accuracy leaks for Apple products, there is always a chance that the account is incorrect and Apple does show hardware. In a later tweet, they said "I was just talking about playing, I'm not reliable at all," which immediately casts doubt on the initial "I feel no" tweet.
Apple has used the WWDC event to highlight hardware, but certainly not every event. On three occasions, for the "coke can" Mac Pro, the iMac Pro, and the 2019 Mac Pro, Apple teased the hardware, and shipped a profoundly limited quantity of the devices before the end of the year.
Rumors claimed that Apple could launch a 16-inch MacBook Pro refresh during the event, as well as the possibility of pushing forward with its Apple Silicon transition with a new chip. However, this is also during a time when the world is dealing with a chip shortage, which could cause problems for the production of new hardware.
Follow all of WWDC 2021 with comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, macOS Monterey and more.
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AppleInsider Staff
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
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24 Comments
I can not believe that Apple has a chip shortage. Cook usually has his supply chain lined up with the needed capacity. It’s not like they have run out of A12 chips to put in iPhones.
On the other hand this could indicate demand for new iMacs through the roof and all M1 capacity dedicated to them.
This is so depressing. I am eagerly waiting for the new Macbook pros.
If Apple releases or at least describes new hardware, it means Tim has finally closed the majority of leaks OR is honing in on the major leakers with false information of no new products. Apple used to be able to keep things secret but with all the potential money coming from leaked information (stock market changes), it's been more difficult to keep suppliers from opening their d*** mouths. I would like to see Tim prove these morning rumors wrong with some fantastic product information. Either way, I'm sure Apple product management security is going to be watching all information before, during and after the keynote to see who says what so they can go after the leakers. Leakers are committing illegal activities and need to be dealt with.