WWDC 2024 was a spectacular event, full of exciting new features and updates that promise to improve our favourite devices even further. From smart AI integrations to long-awaited changes in user interfaces, Apple showed us just how much it can push the boundaries of technology.
Here’s a detailed look at all the announcements, covering everything from iOS 18 to macOS Sequoia and the latest in Apple Intelligence.
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Apple Intelligence Takes Center Stage
One of the main highlights of WWDC 2024 was the release of “Apple Intelligence.” This new set of AI features aims to provide a highly personalized experience on your Apple devices, making everyday interactions more intelligent and intuitive. Imagine having an assistant who understands not only your commands but also the context in which you deliver them, resulting in smarter and more relevant responses. Apple Intelligence is making this a reality.
Apple Intelligence is built around the goal of improving everyday interactions. Whether you ask Siri for assistance with a complex task or use new AI-powered tools to create unique images and emojis, Apple Intelligence is intended to make your life easier and more enjoyable. AI capabilities are integrated into all major Apple platforms, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
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Apple’s AI strategy emphasizes privacy and on-device processing to keep your personal information secure. Apple introduces Private Cloud Compute for tasks that require more computational power, allowing users to leverage the cloud without compromising their privacy.
Smart notifications that prioritize what matters to you, advanced writing tools that can proofread and suggest edits, and the ability to create personalized emojis (Genmojis) and images using the new Image Playground app are among the key features. Siri has also received a significant upgrade, with the ability to better understand context, handle compound requests, and even be used via text input.
iOS 18
One of my favorite features is the ability to move app icons and widgets around on the Home Screen. This versatility enables you to design a layout that suits your preferences and requirements. iOS 18 allows you to choose between a minimalist look and a busy, functional screen. Additionally, dark mode has been expanded to allow you to tint app icons, giving your Home Screen a consistent, personalized appearance.
The revamped Control Center is another standout. With multiple pages and the ability to add full-screen home and music widgets, accessing your most-used functions has never been easier. Developers can now create custom widgets for the Control Center, further enhancing its utility. Plus, a new secure Bluetooth pairing feature ensures that only authorized devices can connect, adding an extra layer of security to your interactions.
Messages in iOS 18 get a significant boost with features like scheduled messages, rich text formatting, and fun text effects. The new satellite-based messaging ensures you stay connected even in remote areas, with end-to-end encryption maintaining your privacy.
The Photos app has been completely redesigned, with new ways to organize and find your images. Filters for screenshots, pinning favorite photos, and organizing images by people or events make it easy to navigate your photo library.
iOS 18 also adds Tap to Cash to the Wallet app, making it easier than ever to send and receive money with a single tap between iPhones. The Maps app now includes topographic maps and downloadable hiking routes for offline use, making it more useful for outdoor enthusiasts.
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VisionOS 2 Brings a Apple Vision Pro Experience
Apple’s Vision Pro headset is about to get even better with the introduction of VisionOS 2.
One of VisionOS 2’s most exciting new features is the ability to create spatial photos from your existing 2D photo library using machine learning. This means that your treasured memories can now be brought to life with depth and dimension, offering a more immersive way to relive them. You can also share these spatial photos with others using a new live share mode, making FaceTime calls more interactive and engaging.
VisionOS 2 also provides more flexibility in how you use your Mac with the Vision Pro. The update supports a variety of display sizes, including ultrawide screens that simulate having two 4K monitors side by side. This is a game-changer in productivity, allowing you to multitask like never before.
For gamers, VisionOS 2 includes a tabletop API. This feature allows developers to create board games that project onto a table in your virtual space, eliminating the need for physical game pieces while improving the overall gaming experience.
International users will be pleased to learn that the Vision Pro is now available in eight more countries, bringing Apple’s innovative VR technology to a larger audience. Additionally, VisionOS 2 supports travel mode with train support, making it easier to use the headset while on the go.
VisionOS 2 also includes a new quick access hand gesture menu, which allows you to navigate the system using simple hand movements. This intuitive control method is complemented by other interface improvements, such as the ability to rearrange your home screen and enhanced mouse support.
In collaboration with Canon, Apple will also offer a spatial lens for cameras, providing even more ways to capture and experience immersive content.
watchOS 11 Focuses on Health and Fitness
The new Training Load feature is central to watchOS 11’s design. This shows you how the intensity of your workouts affects your body over time, allowing you to make more informed decisions about how to modify your exercise routine.
A new Vitals app is also making its debut, offering a view of your key health metrics right on your wrist. This app will alert you to any critical changes in your vitals, providing possible explanations and helping you stay on top of your health.
For those tracking menstrual cycles, watchOS 11 introduces enhanced cycle tracking features. The updated Cycle Tracking app now includes pregnancy and gestational metrics, making it a must-have tool for expecting parents.
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Interactions with your Apple Watch are becoming smarter and more context-aware. The new Smart Stack feature automatically sorts widgets based on your context, such as the weather or ongoing activities like an Uber ride.
The Photos watch face is getting a significant upgrade as well. Using machine learning, your watch can now search through thousands of your photos, intelligently selecting the best compositions and framing for your watch face. This means you can enjoy a rotating selection of your favorite memories every time you glance at your wrist.
macOS Sequoia Brings Powerful New Tools
One of the standout features of macOS Sequoia is iPhone Mirroring. This allows you to sync your iPhone with your Mac, giving you control over nearly everything on your handset directly from your Mac’s screen. Whether you need to make a call, work in apps, or interact with your phone’s home screen, iPhone Mirroring makes it all easy. Your phone remains locked in mirror mode, adding an extra layer of security.
Safari is also getting a makeover with Sequoia. The new Highlights feature can summarize the most pertinent information on a website or within search results, making it easier to find what you’re looking for quickly. This streamlined browsing experience helps you get to the content you need without unnecessary clicks.
macOS Sequoia introduces a full-fledged Passwords app, which expands the functionality of iCloud Keychain into a powerful password manager. This app allows you to create, store, and manage all of your passwords in one secure location. The Passwords app, available on all Apple devices as well as Windows, promises to be one of the best tools for keeping your credentials secure and easily accessible.
Continuity is another area where macOS Sequoia shines. iPhone notifications can now appear on your Mac, allowing you to interact with them directly from your computer. This seamless integration ensures you never miss an important alert, no matter which device you’re using. Additionally, the update brings new ways to organize your windows, with easy-to-use tiling and snapping features that help keep your desktop tidy and efficient.
Video conferencing on Mac gets a boost with the addition of a presenter preview tool. This feature lets you preview what you’re going to share during a video call before everyone else sees it. You can also personalize your background using pre-installed options or your own photos, adding a touch of creativity to your virtual meetings.
Gaming on macOS is set to improve as well, thanks to the Game Porting Toolkit 2. This update makes it easier for developers to bring their games to Mac platforms, ensuring better performance and broader compatibility. Games like Control and Frostpunk 2 are among the titles heading to Mac, promising an exciting future for gaming on the platform. The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows was shown running on Mac, and Ubisoft announced that the new Assassin’s Creed is also coming to iPad, demonstrating the cross-platform potential of Apple’s ecosystem.
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iPadOS 18
Many apps now feature a new floating tab bar in iPadOS 18, which is intended to improve navigation. This floating tab bar stays out of the way of your content, allowing you to focus on what you’re doing without being distracted by obscure menus. One of the most anticipated features is the Calculator app, which is finally available on the iPad. Apple did not stop with basic calculations; they also introduced Math Notes, a feature that allows users to perform complex math problems and graphs with the Apple Pencil. This is a game changer for both students and professionals, simplifying equation solving and data visualization.
SharePlay on iPadOS 18 gets a creative boost with new drawing capabilities that allow users to draw on or control another person’s iPad screen during a SharePlay session. This is especially useful for collaborative projects where you’re brainstorming ideas or providing technical support.
Smart Scripts, which improve the clarity and legibility of handwritten notes, are another significant upgrade to the Notes app. The app uses on-device machine learning to transform your handwriting into neatly organized text, making your notes appear polished and professional.
Furthermore, the new Document Browser in apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote makes it easier to access recent documents, which improves productivity and workflow.
Apple TV and Audio Updates
Apple TV’s new features include a useful update called InSight. This feature provides you with detailed information about the actors and music in whatever you’re watching. If you’ve ever paused a movie to look up an actor on IMDB, InSight is your new best friend. It seamlessly displays cast information and trivia directly on the screen. It also recognises music playing in the background, similar to the Shazam feature, and allows you to add songs directly to your Apple Music playlist.
The updates don’t stop at visuals. Apple TV will now support the 21:9 aspect ratio, perfect for those using ultrawide projectors. This means you can enjoy a true cinema-like experience right in your living room. Additionally, voice dialog clarity has been improved, making it easier to understand what characters are saying, even in noisy scenes.
AirPods are also getting smarter. With new gesture controls, you can now respond to Siri without speaking. Simply nodding your head for yes or shaking it for no will allow you to interact with the voice assistant discreetly. This is particularly useful in quiet or noisy environments where talking out loud isn’t ideal. AirPods will also feature improved voice isolation, ensuring clear audio quality in windy or loud settings.
HomePod isn’t left out either. The updates will allow HomePods to communicate more fluidly with other Apple devices, enhancing the overall smart home experience. These updates aim to make managing your smart home devices smoother and more intuitive.
AI Integration with OpenAI
Apple’s partnership with OpenAI is set to bring some exciting capabilities to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Siri and other Apple apps means users can expect a smarter, more responsive virtual assistant. Imagine asking Siri a complex question and getting a well-rounded answer powered by GPT-4o.
Apple emphasizes privacy with this integration. The AI models will primarily run on-device, ensuring your data stays secure. For tasks requiring more computing power, Apple will use its Private Cloud Compute, a secure system that processes data without storing it. This approach ensures that only the necessary information is sent to the cloud, maintaining user privacy while delivering powerful AI capabilities.
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