It’s that time of the year when Apple hosts the Worldwide Developers Conference to announce new features and software updates for its iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod and the rest of its hardware line. This year too Apple has announced key software updates like macOS Mojave, iOS 12, tvOS, watchOS 5, and updated Siri.
The Developer beta for the OS’ are now available for download. The public version of all the announcements will be rolled out in this fall.
macOS Mojave
- As expected, the new Mac OS introduces Dark Mode.
- The new OS update introduces ‘Dynamic desktop backgrounds’ where it automatically changes wallpaper according to the time of the day/night.
- Apple has also introduced a ‘Desktop Stack’ a new feature which keeps your desktop screen organized.
- The Finder feature also gets updated with new ‘Gallery View’ which will offer a big preview on the top and thumbnails at the bottom.
- The macOS also gets new sidebar which now can showcase full metadata including camera make and last edited and what not.
- Apple has also made improvements to its screenshots in Mojave. Now, it gives quick access and also lets you including screen capture for video which can now do screen record.
- Apple News and Apple Stock apps are also making their way to the new macOS.
- The macOS Mojave enhances security aspect by making its sites harder to track your usage and browser tracking.
- Apple is also revamping the Mac App Store.
- With new macOS, the MAC PCs will support eGPU.
iOS12 For iPhones, iPads and iPods
- The iOS 12 will support all iOS 11 supported devices.
- With iOS 12 the Apps will launch 40 percent faster, Keyboard opens up 50 percent faster. Also, the camera opens 70 percent faster on older devices, Apple claims.
AR Kit 2.0
- Apple is taking AR to next level. It has collaborated with Pixar to develop new AR format called USDZ. The new format comes with Universal Scene Description, Optimized sharing, compact file and open file format.
- The new USDZ format is already supported by a number of companies including Adobe, Autodesk, Sketchfab, and, Quixel.
- ARKit 2 is also here. It will offer better face tracking, 3d Rendering and 3D object detection.
- With AK Kit 2.0 you will able to share experiences with friends.
Apple Photos
- Photos also get a new update with iOS 12. With this latest update, you can search for places by business names, concerts, sporting events, multiple search terms like surfing + vacation to look for images in your album.
- The Photos App also gets ‘For You’ tab that will feature photos, or highlight a photo from the past years on the same day.
Siri
- With new Siri update, it finally gets integrated with apps.
- Siri now can give you updates about your meetings, when you are running late and even suggest dropping a text to say you’re late. It can also remind you your daily routine.
- Siri Shortcuts another new feature that will let you create customized commands for Siri. It will also support various apps.It works similar to Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
- Apple News, Stock and Apple Books also is getting updated with new UI, and few features.
Animojis and Memojis
- The Animoji can now detect you tongue. There are new characters to choose from.
- Memojis scan your face to create your own avatars of yourself. You can create and save multiple Memojis.
FaceTime
- The Apple’s preparatory service now lets you do group Facetime with up to 32 people.
- Now you can do a FaceTime right from iMessages.
- It also supports Animojis and Memojis.
- Group Facetime will work in iPhone, iPad, Mac. Audio works on Apple Watch.
Apple Watch OS 5
- Apple watch is number one in customer satisfaction. It grew 60 percent in last year- Apple claims.
- The Watch OS 5 adds a ton of workout types including Yoga and hiking.
- In watchOS 5, you will be able to challenge friends for a 7-day competition.
- Apple also takes que fro Samsung Health for automatic workout detection.
- There are new watch faces too.
- Apple Watch OS 5 also introduce an App called Walkie-Talkie where you can connect with your friends using voice memo. It requires your friends approve though. The Walkie-Talkie works over cellular or Wi-Fi.
- Siri also gets better with Watch OS 5 including new Siri Shortcuts.
