Tomorrow WWDC begins with a keynote from Steve Jobs and company. Much is going to be discussed and while we don't know the specifics, we do know the topics of discussion.
First there will be Mac OS 10.7, codenamed "Lion." This is the version of Mac OS that incorporates that which has been learned through several years of iOS development and feedback. Many features that we see in today's iPad will be seen in tomorrow's Mac OS.
Next up will be iOS 5. While we know a great deal about "Lion," and even had several developer's previews; we have seen nothing of Apple 5th iteration of the iOS. Many rumors abound and many pundits know what they want to see; but we really don't know what will be in it or when it will be released. We do believe that both "Lion" and iOS 5 will work very closely with iCloud.
The final "known" topic of discussion will be "iCloud" which is apparently the name for Apple's rebranded web services. What any of it will be is a total mystery; but many do think that music will be involved, maybe video and most likely user data. MobileMe probaby won't go away, but will end up under the iCloud umbrella. Since iCloud is being released at a developer conference, it seems likely there will be an SDK. That means we may see by the end of 2011 much more than just what Apple will give us.
Will we see a new iPhone? Can't say. Will we see a new Apple TV? Can't say. Will we see any new hardware? Can't say. Here is what I think.
Apple TV won't get a new version, but an update will be on the way and it will support iCloud in some way. It's also about time for apps to come to Apple TV. Not sure how likely it is, maybe it's more wishful thinking.
Rumors are that with iCloud Apple's Airport line of routers will get an upgrade, possibly with an A4 or A5 processor. The thought is that the router will be an "always on device" that will keep supplying data to your iPhone, iPad and iCloud services. I think something like this happening is pretty likely.
The iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 are too hotly discussed items. Some think a brand new iPhone design is coming. Others think that one year is just too short of time line to blow away a hot selling model and replace it will a brand new design. In that line of thinking many feel that what happened with the iPhone 3G will occur with the iPhone 4, a speed bump with a few "gotta have" features - the iPhone 4S. That would mean an iPhone 5 would come next year, probably hot on the heels of iPad 3. I have to hold with the iPhone 4S camp. The Verizon iPhone 4 in January and the white iPhone 4 in April, seems unlikely to throw away the design before 2012.
This is all guesswork on my part, but many pundits are saying much the same thing; probably more eloquently. What I can tell you is that by tomorrow night, the world will know. I just wish I were going to be at the keynote tomorrow. Maybe next year!
If you want a little more information on what might be coming, check out my blog post on iOS 5 Rumors over on the Moxie Mo Show Blog; or check out the Episode 210 of the Moxie Mo Show.