Apple kicked off WWDC24 with its annual keynote speech, where the latest development in software (and occasionally hardware) is announced. The Tim Cook led company announced new software updates: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, tvOS 18 and visionOS 2.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Other notable announcement include the company’s first notable venture into artificial Intelligence with Apple Intelligence and the availability of the Vision Pro has been extended to more countries and regions from late June 2024. The major takeaway from the keynote will be the introduction of AI across all Apple platforms going forward.
iOS 18: Home & Lock Screen Customisation, Apple Intelligence
At WWDC24, Apple previewed all the key features to expect from iOS 18. The software update will deliver a new level of Home Screen, Lock Screen and Control Centre customisation; redesigned Photos app, Messages over Satellites, new text effects in iMessage, and enhancement to Mail.
Users will also get a new Passwords app, app lock with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode; and of course, Apple Intelligence to enhance writing and communication experience as well as ChatGPT integration in Siri. Safari will also get an updated reading experience and new highlights feature.
iPadOS 18: Math Notes Calculator, New Handwriting Tools in Notes
The next major iPad software – iPadOS 18 will deliver some features available in iOS 18 such as Apple Intelligence (supported only on models with M-Series chips), redesigned Photos app, new Passwords app and Home Screen/Control Centre Customisation.
In addition, iPad users will also get new handwriting tools in Notes (Smart Script) backed by the Apple Pencil, all-new Math Notes calculator and redesigned tab bar.
macOS Sequoia: iPhone Mirroring, Windows Tiling
The next major macOS update – macOS Sequoia, will get features such as the new Password app and Apple Intelligence which will also be available to iPhone (iOS 18) and iPad Users (iPadOS 18). One of the features to expect from the upcoming update to Mac is iPhone Mirroring.
iPhone Mirroring, an expansion to Continuity, will grant users full access to their iPhone on their Mac. This interaction between the iPhone and Mac will allow seamless transfer of files, media and more as well as direct access to notifications from the Mac. Other notable features include a new highlights and new reading experience in Safari, faster and easier Windows Tiling, and new lineup of games coming to Mac.
WatchOS 11: New Vitals App, Pregnancy Log, Tao To Cash
Apple Watch users can expect features such as a new Vitals app for in-depth health metrics and insights on sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, respiration rate and wrist temperature. Pregnant users will be able to monitor and track changes in physical and mental health with the Cycle Tracking app (paired with the Health app on iOS 18 and iPadOS 18)
Other notable features include Training Load, Customisable Activity Rings, more customisation in Smart Stack, new Translate app with 20 supported languages and Tap to Cash.
tVOS 18 and HomePod OS 18: Insight, Enhanced Dialogue, Guest Access
Apple also previewed tvOS 18 and HomePod OS 18 updates expected to arrive for its Home products. The upcoming tvOS update is expected to deliver a redesigned Fitness+ app, updates to FaceTime with Continuity Camera, Enhanced Dialogue for vocal clarity, support for 21:9 aspect ratio for projectors and a new Intelligent feature called, InSight to the Apple TV app. With InSight, users will be able to access real time information on actors, characters, and music from scenes in Apple TV+ movies/shows.
As for the HomePod update, HomePod and HomePod mini users will be able to share control in Apple Music using SharePlay while the Home App will get features such as Guest access and hands-free home unlock when within about 1.82m (6ft) from the door. Other notable addition include new compatibility with Robot vacuum cleaners and AirPlay gets Spatial Audio support.
visionOS 2: Reliving Spatial Memories, New Hand Gestures
Lastly, Apple’s AR/VR product, the Vision Pro will also get a major software update. visionOS 2 is the second ever major update to come to the relatively new product, which has just been made available in other countries and regions apart from the US.
Read More: Meta and LG Working On Apple Vision Pro Competitor
visionOS 2 will deliver a new way to relive past memories by creating spatial photos from images in the Photos app. These Spatial Photos can be shared with other Vision Pro users or viewed using the SharePlay in the Photos app with the Spatial Persona. Other notable features include new intuitive hand gestures, Home View personalisation, new Passwords app and new productivity tools such as Mac Virtual Display and Travel Mode.
