WWDC Rumor Tidbits: Camera Filters and Motion Sensing in iOS 7, iRadio for Mac and Apple TV?

Thursday June 6, 2013 2:08 pm PDT by Juli Clover

In a roundup of what to expect at next week's World Wide Developers Conference, 9to5Mac has released some new rumors concerning both iOS 7 and Apple's upcoming streaming music service, "iRadio." 

Alongside the standard iOS 7 rumors, the site suggests that Apple has been experimenting with camera filters for its built-in camera app, like those used in many third party camera apps such as Instagram.

We understand that while many iOS engineers are excited about the potential of filters being built-in to the iPhone's camera app, some Apple executives are not as fond of the feature. With that in mind, we are not sure if filters will make this year's release.

In addition to experimenting with camera features, Apple is also said to be testing new motion technology, which could be used to shift objects on the screen based on device orientation.

We have heard whispers that Apple is testing new technologies could move on-screen objects based on the iOS device hardware being moved in-air. For example, app icons could slightly shift depending on the angle that the iPhone is being in held. The technology is similar to what allows the iOS 6 volume controls to rotate based on the iPhone being moved. We are not sure if this feature will make the cut for iOS 7, but the development of this technology is nonetheless intriguing.

As far as Apple's upcoming streaming music service is concerned, 9to5Mac suggests that it could potentially be offered as a pre-installed standalone app alongside iOS 7, but other options include a separate app users would have to download from the App Store or incorporating the service into the existing Music app. There are also rumors that the music service could also be brought to both the Mac and the Apple TV in the future.

We have also heard that Apple has expressed interest to record labels about expanding the streaming music service beyond iOS devices. Without sharing specifics, Apple mentioned that it would like to integrate the service into a tweaked version of iTunes and the Apple TV's software.

iOS 7, which is said to feature a total redesign, will be unveiled next monday during Apple's WWDC keynote. Apple is also pushing for a WWDC release of its streaming music service, though it is unclear if the company will be able to achieve that goal. 

MacRumors has a detailed roundup that includes more information on what to expect at next week's presentation, including OS X 10.9 and new MacBooks.