Alongside iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, Apple also previewed the macOS Ventura and watchOS 9 at the WWDC 2022. The former will deliver features such as Stage Manager, Handoff on FaceTime and Continuity Camera to Macs while the latter will bring new watch faces, advanced metrics, and sleep insights to the wearable. The updates will be available for free to compatible devices later this year.
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Stage Manager, New Continuity Features and More
Ventura will succeed Monterey when it arrives later in the year. The new macOS Ventura will enhance both creativity and productivity as well as focus on connecting the Mac to other devices with Continuity. The highlight feature is Stage Manager, a new way to organize apps and windows whilst focusing on the current app in use without distractions. It arranges the unused apps and windows to the left-hand side which allows easy access and seamless switching between tasks.
Users can also group overlapping apps and multiple windows when working on specific tasks and projects. Handoff, a Continuity feature is now available on FaceTime. It allows users seamlessly move FaceTime calls across multiple Apple devices nearby. Users can start a FaceTime call on the iPhone, iPad or Mac and move them to any of these devices available nearby.
Another Continuity-based feature announced is the Continuity Camera, which allows users use the iPhone as a webcam on the Mac. The feature itself has Center Stage, Studio Light, Desk view, and Portrait Mode. Continuity Camera also work with video conferencing apps such as Webex and Zoom, and Apple is working with Belkin to provide stands to hold the iPhone at the right height and angle.
Others include:
- Updates to Spotlight reveal a new design, richer result from search and a Quick Look feature which previews files before opening.
- Undo-send, scheduled send, follow-up suggestions, improved Mail search and ‘Remind Me’ are all coming to the Mail app.
- Safari now includes Shared Tab Groups and Passkeys, which creates digital keys to access websites.
watchOS 9
New Watch Faces, Updated Workout App, and More
To ensure Apple Watch users stay connected, be more active, and remain healthy, watchOS 9 will deliver new experiences and features. To stay connected, users will get four new watch faces – Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan and, Astronomy; refreshed Siri UI, updated and kids-friendly Podcast app, and redesigned notifications. Users will also be able to link a particular Apple Watch face to different Focus option selected on the iPhone.
To stay active, the Workout app has been updated to include advanced metrics and newer training experience. Three new running metrics – Stride Length, Ground Contact Time, and Vertical Oscillation – can now be added to Workout Views. These metrics also appear in the Fitness app summary and Health app. Custom workouts, Multisport workout type for triathletes, and Heart Rate zones has also been introduced into the Workout app.
The Fitness app is now available on iPhone via IOS 16. To remain healthy, the new watchOS update will add a new feature that provides users with the insight to the different stages of their sleep (REM, core and deep). Apple has also introduced a Medications app to help users track, manage, and understand the medications as well as vitamins and supplements required for different health conditions.