Key Highlights
- Move app icons anywhere, redesigned Control Centre, and lock apps with Face ID
- visionOS 2 adds 3D photos; iPadOS 18 gets a calculator; more
- New AI features create text and images, available on devices with A17 Pro or M-series chips
At WWDC 2024, Apple introduced several exciting updates for their software, enhancing the user experience across their devices. Here’s a roundup of the major announcements. Also Read | iOS Tips And Tricks: How To Download Offline Maps On Apple iPhones, iPads?
visionOS 2
Apple kicked off with visionOS 2 for the Vision Pro. This new version includes features like Spatial Photos, transforming regular pictures into 3D photos, and Spatial Personas, which allows you to see friends as 3D holograms. A new ‘Mac Virtual Display’ feature lets users expand their Mac display in virtual reality, making it ultra-wide. Additionally, new APIs for developers will help create more apps for visionOS, crucial for its growth.
iOS 18
iOS 18 brings significant customization options. Users can now place app icons and widgets anywhere on the grid and customize icon tints. The Control Centre redesign adds more pages for extra controls, and apps can be locked with Face ID or Touch ID for privacy.
In Messages, tap-backs now support all emojis, and text formatting options are available. Satellite connectivity for Messages is now supported on iPhone 14 and later models. The Mail app introduces on-device categorization, and the Maps app now includes detailed topographical maps that can be downloaded offline.
New features like Tap to Cash in Apple Wallet simplify payments, while a dedicated Game Mode enhances gaming performance. The Photos app redesign organizes photos better, allowing users to filter out screenshots and view photos in categorized folders.
tvOS and AirPods Updates
tvOS now provides more actor information and clearer dialogues. It supports 21:9 projectors for a cinematic experience. AirPods gain new gesture controls, like nodding to answer calls, and Voice Isolation for clearer calls. A personalized Spatial Audio API will enhance 3D sound effects in apps and games.
watchOS 11
Apple Watch introduces a new ‘effort’ tracking feature in the Fitness app, customizable to user preferences and supporting rest days. A new Vitals app consolidates health metrics, highlighting those out of range. Smart Stacks now intelligently add relevant widgets and support live activities with a new developer API.
iPadOS 18
iPadOS 18 includes most of iOS 18’s features and new animations for improved navigation. SharePlay now supports screen-sharing with tapping and drawing. The much-awaited calculator app, with a history page and Apple Pencil support, allows real-time equation solving with handwritten input. Notes now feature Smart Script for more intuitive note-taking.
macOS Sequoia
macOS Sequoia introduces iPhone mirroring, letting users view and control their iPhone from their Mac. New multi-tasking features include tiled app positions and app-specific screen sharing. A new Passwords app organizes all passwords, and Safari’s Highlights feature highlights important web page information. Gamers will enjoy new titles like Control and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Also Read | Major AI Announcements At WWDC 2024: Apple Intelligence, AI-Powered Siri, More
Apple Intelligence
Apple’s new suite, Apple Intelligence, brings generative AI features to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This includes system-wide writing tools and text-based image generation. Features work on-device for privacy, available on devices with A17 Pro or M-series chipsets. Private Cloud Compute ensures cloud-powered features remain secure.
