Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) kicked off on Monday, June 5th, with a keynote address from CEO Tim Cook. The event, which is held both physically and virtually this year, is a chance for Apple to showcase its latest software and hardware innovations. For sure, this year's keynote did not disappoint.
New Hardware by Apple
While Apple is not known for making major hardware announcements at WWDC, there is always a chance that the company could surprise us this year. And they did it with some new Mac hardware. First in the lineup of announcements was the new 15.3-inch MacBook Air which is a pretty big upgrade to its MacBook Air lineup, which has only featured 13-inch displays up until now. |
| The New MacBook Air. Source: Apple Hub. |
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| Mac Studio and Mac Pro. Source: Apple. |
The Mac Studio known as a “performance powerhouse,” will come with options for either an M2 Max or M2 Ultra chip. The Mac Pro, on the other hand, features only the M2 Ultra chip, as well as the option for PCIe expansion.
While the Mac Studio starts at $1,999, the Mac Pro starts at $6,999.
New Software Platforms by Apple
These are software updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Apple released new versions of its operating systems for all of its major platforms. These updates will likely include new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
iOS 17
Apple's first Software update was announced, that is iOS 17. A list of new updates was announced. Starting with communication apps; Phone, FaceTime and Messages.
The Phone app is getting some visual updates for contacts with Contact Posters and Live Voicemail with a live transcript of the message. FaceTime app now has an option for a caller to leave a FaceTime message.
The Messages app has an arranged iMessage app library, a Check-In feature for notifying friends and family, a Swipe to Reply, search filters and an audio message transcription. Additional to the new Messages feature is Live Stickers where you can create your own photos to create Live Stickers.
You can use your iPhone horizontally to enable the StandBy screen by just turning your iPhone on its side while charging to make it even more useful when you set it down.
AirDrop will include NameDrop, a new feature where you hold your iPhone near someone else’s iPhone or Apple Watch to use NameDrop. You’ll both be able to choose the specific phone numbers or email addresses you want to share, and you can share them along with your Contact Poster instantly.
Other minor updates are an improved keyboard with better accurate autocorrect and predictive text, offline maps for download, Siri finally lets you drop the “hey” from “Hey Siri.”, and a new Journal app to write and remember your memories.
iPadOS 17
iPadOS 17 was the second software update to be announced at the WWDC Keynote. Some similar features have been mentioned for iOS, but what is new for iPadOS is a redesigned Lock Screen, support for an external camera from iPad to Mac, PDF AutoFill and Live collaboration on Notes app interactive widgets on the home screen and Lock Screen widgets, Live Activities on the Lock Screen and finally a Health app for iPad (but no calculator app yet, sobs).
macOS Sonoma
Apple's third software for the Mac was announced. The macOS Sonoma (named after a famous vineyard) brings interactive widgets to the desktop, screensavers to use when your Mac is idle, shared passwords, and a new Game mode for Mac users; with improved low latency connection of devices from wireless headsets/earbuds to gaming consoles.
There is also a Presenter Overlay feature used in Video Conferencing apps with camera reactions, docking of Web Apps and profiles in Safari with Locked Private Browsing windows.
Some features from iOS and iPadOS are also coming to the macOS Sonoma like Predictive Text, PDF AutoFill, Live Stickers and using Siri word instead of "Hey Siri".
Audio & Home
The fourth announcement focused on Apple's Audio and Home hardware which are getting firmware updates. AirPods is getting an Adaptive Sound mode, touch settings for AirPods have also been added for pressing to mute and Automatic Switching for AirPods is faster.
AirPlay suggestions for devices can be enabled and AirPlay is now part of TV appliances in hotels. There is also Siri support for AirPlay on HomePog for third-party apps.
There is a redesigned Control Center on Apple TV to navigate and find your quick settings. FaceTime is finally coming to Apple TV, all it requires to work is an iPhone's rear camera using Continuity Camera on tvOS. Locate your Siri remote like AirTag using your iPhone.
watchOS 10
watchOS was the fifth software to be announced with yet another set of upgrades. All apps on the watch get a refreshed look with more information displayed. World Clock has a new interface which changes the time in daylight. A new way to access watch widgets using Smart Stack. There are also new ways to navigate the watch app library and controls and new watch faces as well.
A new Dynamic 3D elevation dial feature is also mentioned in the announcements, and a Mental Health and Vision feature in the Health app is added and accessible on the iPhone and iPad. Plus new features for Fitness+ in the Cycling and Hiking modes have been added.
NOTE: All Apple's Operating System updates will be publicly available in Fall 2023 during the next iPhone launch.
One More Thing...
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| Apple Vision Pro. Source: Apple Hub. |
The device lets you partake in both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. It is designed to combine the real and digital worlds both for the wearer and those around them. The primary interface displays apps over top of the real world for the wearer; meanwhile, people nearby can see the wearer’s eyes through the device using an external display feature that Apple calls EyeSight.
Powered by Apple's new operating system visionOS, the device is powered by two Apple Silicon chips: the M2 and a new R1 chip for real-time sensor processing. According to Apple, the Vision Pro features a single strip of glass on the front of the device, along with a digital crown that lets you switch in and out of AR and VR.
It also comes with support for spatial audio through built-in speakers and an external battery pack that’s capable of lasting two hours with a single charge. The Vision Pro is damningly priced at $3,499 and will be available from early next year.
