If you’ve been following all our previous weekly tech roundup posts, then you might be wondering why we’ve scheduled this particular one pretty early. Given the truckload of Apple news bits that were unveiled during yesterday’s WWDC 2024, we figured that it’d be pretty handy to give you guys a quick rundown of some of the highlights that were announced in case you missed the show. With all that being said, let’s take a look!
CHECK OUT: Apple Boasts New AI Features at WWDC 2024
iOS 18 Looks Very Familiar
Let’s start off with the heavyweights – for iOS 18, Apple has finally joined Android in giving users more customization and personalization options with movable and resizeable app icons and colour palettes, as well as changes to the control centre which now comes with even more options for device and home controls. Users will also be able to lock apps for privacy and hide them completely from view with a dedicated folder. For messaging, Apple added the ability to react with generative AI emojis, scheduled messages, new text formatting functions, as well as support for RCS messaging.
Other notable features are “Tap to Cash” for instant contactless payments, and even a new dedicated Game Mode (another feature pioneered by Android) which allots system resources to games which are currently running for better performance.
iPad OS 18: Now with a Calculator!
In addition to the much-requested Calculator app (which comes with support for handwritten equations and instantaneous problem solving), Apple likewise gave us some new updates for iPadOS 18. This includes a new floating tab bar to streamline in-app navigation for a more seamless user experience, as well as enhancements to SharePlay with real-time tapping, drawing, and even remote iPad control between users. Notes also gains the powerful Smart Script feature, which learns and refines handwriting style, essentially creating a personalized font for a more polished look.
Going back to the Calculator app, Apple has included a fleshed-out “Math Notes” feature. Math Notes works in tandem with the Apple Pencil to recognize handwritten math equations and solve even complex problems, and can extend functionality to the Notes app as well.
macOS Sequoia Branches Out
macOS Sequoia likewise gets some nifty improvements – Continuity receives a major update with iPhone mirroring, allowing users to seamlessly control their iPhone directly from their Mac. This includes controlling apps, accessing iPhone audio, and even viewing the iPhone screen while it remains locked. Additionally, iOS notifications will conveniently appear on Mac for a more unified workflow. Apple also introduced the Passwords app, which securely manages passwords, verification codes, and other credentials across devices, and even syncs with Windows machines through the iCloud app. Safari likewise gets smarter with Highlights, a new feature that surfaces relevant information based on a user’s browsing habits, including trip planning and entertainment options.
For productivity, users can now access Presenter preview for a more professional video conferencing experience, making sure that you know exactly what’s being shown from your end. For multitasking, Sequoia receives automatic multi-window tile layouts for better screen real estate management, so your app windows will easily slide into place.
Vision Pro to Launch in More Countries
For Vision Pro, Apple stated that it will arrive for more countries in the weeks to follow, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the U.K. With that said, we also saw the unveiling of visionOS 2, which comes with new features dedicated to add a more immersive experience for users.
For one, users can breathe life into existing photos with the ability to create stunning spatial photos, adding depth to any 2D image. For productivity, Vision Pro will support enhancements with Mac Virtual Display, allowing users to view content in larger resolutions and sizes from their computer. Commuting likewise gets a futuristic upgrade with train support in Travel Mode, allowing users more entertainment options when traveling via tracks. Speaking of entertainment, Apple also announced spatial video support for Vimeo and Apple’s own immersive video format.
watchOS 11 Upgrades
Perhaps the last biggest platform update is with watchOS 11 – there’s a new Training Load feature that analyzes workout intensity using factors like calorie burn, age, and weight, helping users optimize their training. Meanwhile, the Vitals app provides a central hub for viewing key health metrics, while cycle tracking now offers gestational age information for expecting mothers. Furthermore, watch faces gain a touch of personalization with the ability to automatically add widgets based on user context and location, while photo watch faces allow users to showcase favourite memories right on their wrist.
Additional Updates
In addition to the above updates, Apple unveiled a slew of enhancements across its other platforms. AirPods users can expect improved noise cancellation and the ability to personalize spatial audio for an even more immersive listening experience. For Home and tvOS, new updates bring a touch of intelligence to the living room – “Insight” provides fun facts and trivia in the background about the music, actors, or the show you’re watching. Audio clarity gets a boost with enhanced dialogue support for a wider range of audio content, while subtitles receive an update for improved timing. Finally, tvOS caters to home theater enthusiasts with support for the wider 21:9 aspect ratio on projectors, along with new screen savers.
