Apple announced many new features for devices running its various operating systems during its annual product presentation at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, as well as three new versions of the MacBook that were announced today. powered by the company’s M2 chip.
While some are raising hopes of Apple’s foray into supermarkets through an announcement about headphone During the keynote, the company focused on upgrading its existing applications and hardware for better performance and user experience.
iOS 16 gets a big boost for iPhone users
Update lock screen
On the mobile side, Apple has revealed its plans for iOS 16 to come to the iPhone, including a new type of lock screen that can be animated and customized to fit the needs of the user. Through this lock screen, various filters can be applied to selected photos, and everything from the gradient used in the photo to the font of the screen can be customized. Additionally, users can now apply widgets to their lock screen, offering the ability to track workouts or sports scores without having to unlock or scroll through their iPhone. This lock screen customization is very similar to what users can do on an Apple watch face, further tying the company’s ecosystem together.
Messages App
The Messages app for iOS 16 also shows some improvements, one being the ability to edit or cancel messages as needed, a long-awaited feature for devices with messaging capabilities. Another major improvement is improved dictation for users with automatic punctuation being another major focus. SharePlay is also announced for messages watching a show or movie, listening to music, and using the Fitness+ app with friends remotely.
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Apple Wallet Updates
The Apple Wallet is also given a number of new enhancements, including digital driver’s licenses for some states, the ability to share hotel keys with others, and a new Pay Later feature that allows users to split payments. calculation in installments.
Privacy Improvements
An additional feature introduced by Apple is a new tool called Safety Check, which aims to protect users’ privacy and personal safety. Examples given by Apple during the presentation were concerns about user safety in abusive relationships and the problems that sharing passwords and location could cause. To work around this, individuals can now turn off these sharing settings along with messaging and FaceTime features for their devices.
iOS 16 is expected to come to iPhones in September 2022.
Apple unveils new hardware, powered by M2 . chip
In the hardware space, Apple has announced two new MacBook devices, powered by its new M2 processor. A new version of the MacBook Air has been revealed that has been specifically designed for the purpose of working on the M2 chip. The new MacBook Air is said to be 20% less massive than its predecessors, measuring 11.3mm thin and weighing 2.7 pounds.
As far as the Air’s display goes, the laptop will have a billion colors at 500 nits and be 25% brighter than previous models. The new Air will also come with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with twice the resolution and better low-light performance than previous versions. The Air will come with MagSafe and two Thunderbolt ports on the left side of the body, with the audio jack on the right side.
The M2 chip will also help power another MacBook, like the 13-inch MacBook Pro. This Pro version will include a Touch Bar and up to 20 hours of video playback battery life and 24 GB of unified memory.
The MacBook Air starts at $1,199, while the MacBook Pro 13″ starts at $1,299, with both becoming available next month.
macOS Ventura is coming to Apple devices soon
Stage manager
For those invested in new MacBook models or working on existing devices, macOS Ventura has been announced with a number of new features. The Stage Manager feature allows users to focus on a single task by moving unused apps to the side of the screen, helping to avoid distractions. The improved version of Spotlight will give consumers more control through the app. Users will now be able to perform actions through the Spotlight app, such as photos and LiveText.
Letters
An update to the Mail app improves search functionality, allowing users to locate messages instantly with faster and more accurate results. As with iOS 16, Apple has included an undo sent feature, allowing users to undo messages as needed. Additionally, the ability to schedule when emails are sent and reminders to track received emails will be provided through the app.
Safari is getting several updates as part of macOS Ventura, with the ability to share groups of tabs with other users if needed.
A new continuous camera will allow users to wirelessly use their iPhone as a webcam on their Mac, with a stand that attaches the mobile device to the monitor. The iPhone will be able to connect to the Mac, on every keynote presentation.
Ventura is expected to be available for Mac devices later this year.
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iPad is not left behind
Not to be forgotten is the iPad, which is getting a ton of app upgrades, such as an updated weather app, the ability to collaborate with others through the messaging app, and the new Freeform app. This collaboration will allow users to connect via FaceTime and work together on a shared digital whiteboard to multitask on projects. The whiteboard will be shared in real time, allowing all members of the call to edit the space as needed, with the ability to add anything from sticky notes to the entire PDF.
Several desktop-level features announced iPad as part of the event, with a major update to the files app expected to roll out, and the Stage Manager feature also expected on iPad.
Apple Watch updates to improve user health
As part of Apple’s WatchOS 9 update, the health of users is clearly a priority. The workout app is being refined through various metrics such as vertical oscillation, which measures the user’s up-and-down movement, along with a training experience inspired by top-performing athletes high. For those looking into more in-depth metrics, items like stride length and ground contact time can now be tracked via Apple Watch.
Sleep is another important factor in an individual’s health, and more comprehensive ways of tracking items such as sleep cycles and atrial fibrillation history will provide users with the ability to share information. this if needed for a sleep study.
For those who take their medication regularly, reminders can assist the user in when to prescribe and what dose to take. This information may be extended to other users, to allow family members to clearly understand when an individual’s medication has been taken.
WatchOS 9, like the iOS 16 release, is expected this fall.
