WWDC 2024: All things introduced by Apple

 

Apple Unveils New Software and Hardware, Including Apple Intelligence

Apple announced a slew of software updates across its product line, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18 on 10 June in its yearly developer conference. The updates will be available as free software updates later this fall. The developer betas are available now, and public betas will be available next month.

Apple Intelligence

The heart of the announcements was Apple Intelligence, a new personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple Intelligence combines generative models with the user's personal context to deliver intelligence that is useful and relevant.

Apple Intelligence Features:

• Writing Tools: Apple Intelligence will unlock new ways to enhance writing with systemwide Writing Tools. Users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write, including in Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
• Image Playground: Image Playground is a new feature that uses Apple Intelligence to help users communicate and express themselves in new ways. Users can create fun images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
• Photos Memories: Users can now create stories in the Photos app by simply typing a description. Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc.
• Siri Enhancements: Siri will see major updates with the help of Apple Intelligence. Users will now be able to type to Siri and switch between text and voice. Siri will also be able to understand and respond to more complex requests.
• ChatGPT Integration: Apple is integrating access to ChatGPT into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This will give users access to ChatGPT's expertise and its image- and document-understanding capabilities without needing to switch between tools. Siri will be able to tap into ChatGPT’s knowledge when helpful.

Apple Intelligence will be available in beta this fall in US English on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to US English.

iOS 18

iOS 18 will introduce new ways to customize the iPhone, additional ways to stay connected in Messages, the biggest-ever redesign of the Photos app, and much more.

Key iOS 18 updates include:

• Customization: Users can arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customize the buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen, and quickly access more controls in Control Center.
• Photos: Photo libraries will be automatically organized in a new single view, and helpful new collections will keep favorites easily accessible.
• Messages: iMessage receives new text effects, formatting options, expanded tapbacks, scheduled messages, and support for RCS. Users will be able to communicate over satellite in the Messages app when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is not available.
• Mail: Mail gains new ways for users to manage their inbox and stay up-to-date with on-device categorization and a new digest view.
• Safari: Safari, the world's fastest browser, now offers an even easier way to discover information with Highlights and a redesigned Reader experience.
• Passwords: A new Passwords app makes it easy for users to access their passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes.
• Apple Maps: Users can browse thousands of hikes across national parks in the United States, create custom walking routes, save locations to an all-new Places Library, and add personal notes about each spot.
• Apple Pay: Users get new ways to pay, including the ability to redeem rewards and access installments from eligible cards.
• Apple Cash: Users can send and receive Apple Cash by simply holding two iPhone devices together with Tap to Cash.
• Apple Wallet: Tickets in Apple Wallet offer fans a richer experience, putting key information like stadium details and recommended Apple Music playlists at their fingertips.
• Notes: Formulas and equations entered while typing will be solved instantly with Math Notes.
• Journal: An all-new insights view helps users keep track of their journaling goals.
• Health: The Health app can help users better understand their data during pregnancy.
• Home: The Home app introduces guest access, providing users with easy ways to grant guests control of select smart home accessories.

macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia will bring new ways of working and intelligence features to the Mac.

Key macOS Sequoia updates include:

• iPhone Mirroring: iPhone Mirroring will let users fully access and control their iPhones from macOS.
• Safari: Safari is getting another update, including the new Highlights feature for effortless information discovery on web pages.
• Passwords: The new Passwords app makes accessing passwords and organizing credentials easier.
• Gaming: Gaming advances with a more immersive experience and a breadth of new titles, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Frostpunk 2, and more.
• Messages: Messages has new ways for users to express themselves, including new text effects, emoji and sticker Tapbacks, and the ability to schedule messages.
• Apple Maps: Users will find new ways to explore with curated hikes and custom walking routes.
• Notes: Note-taking is getting smarter with new audio transcription and summarization features, as well as the ability to solve equations in the note body.
• Calculator: Users can view previous calculations with history and see their expressions as they type.

watchOS 11

Apple is releasing watchOS 11 with features that build on Apple Watch's sensor technology, algorithms, and science-based approach to offer insights into users' health and fitness.

Key watchOS 11 updates include:

• Vitals App: This new app surfaces key health metrics and context to help users make more informed decisions.
• Pregnancy Support: watchOS 11, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 offer support for pregnant users that reflects the changes in their physical and mental health.
• Check In: Users can now access Check In directly within the Workout app.
• Translate App: The Translate app comes to Apple Watch with access to translation for one of the 20 supported languages directly on the wrist.
• Workout App: The Workout app is adding support for new workout types that can track distances using GPS.
• Apple Maps: Apple Maps offers hikes for all US national parks that can be saved to Apple Watch and accessed offline.

iPadOS 18

iPadOS 18 will take iPad to the next level with new intelligence features and apps designed for Apple Pencil.

Key iPadOS 18 updates include:

• Calculator: The Calculator app will offer an all-new way to use Apple Pencil to solve expressions with Math Notes.
• Notes: Smart Script makes handwritten notes more fluid, flexible, and easier to read.
• Messages: Users will see big updates to the ways they can express themselves and stay connected, including all-new text effects, emoji and sticker tapbacks, and the ability to schedule messages.
• Safari: Safari offers an even easier way to discover information with Highlights and a redesigned Reader experience.
• Passwords: The Passwords app makes it easy to access credentials and have them securely stored in one place.
• Freeform: Freeform makes it even easier for users to bring ideas to life.
• Gaming: Gaming becomes even more immersive with Game Mode and Personalized Spatial Audio.

tvOS 18

Apple announced software updates across its home products, including tvOS 18. The new updates will supercharge entertainment and deliver more everyday convenience.

Key tvOS 18 updates include:

• InSight: The Apple TV app introduces InSight, a feature that displays timely information about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ movies and shows onscreen in real time.

Other Notable Announcements

• Apple unveiled a suite of tools and resources designed to enable developers to create more powerful and efficient apps across all Apple platforms.
• Swift 6 will introduce new capabilities to enhance developer productivity and code clarity.
• TestFlight will offer an improved invitation and enrollment experience for developers.
• The App Store is adding new ways for developers to get their apps discovered and new features for monetizing with subscriptions.
• The App Store Connect app features an updated user interface and introduces a new way for developers to promote their apps.
• Robot vacuum cleaners will be compatible with the Home app.
• AirPlay adds Spatial Audio, including support for Dolby Atmos, when using AirPlay to stream audio from iPhone and iPad to HomePod and other compatible third-party audio equipment.