Expect these features on Apple devices
Developers conference goes virtual for first time
Usually, news coming from Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is heavy on software and applause.
The keynote, which typically serves as a venue for Apple to highlight its latest iOS operating system, was done online only, due to crowd restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus. And on Monday, the tech giant used this year’s WWDC to get a bit socially-conscious and announced it will make its own silicon chips for its Macs and new operating software.
During a taped presentation from Apple Park, CEO Tim Cook didn’t mince words discussing why Black lives matter and addressing the challenges of the coronavirus during the company’s firstever all-virtual conference. Cook said this year’s WWDC allows Apple to be “more inclusive” and he wants Apple to be a force of change.
“This means taking action,” said Cook, reiterating Apple’s recent announcement of a $100-million racial justice and inequity initiative in the United States, and a new Black developer entrepreneurial camp to “foster the brightest lights,” and best ideas.
Cook & Co. unveiled new software updates for iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Mac computers – public betas will begin in July with final software versions available this fall, Cook said.
The Apple CEO also announced that Apple would begin making its own processors for Macs.
Apple expects to ship the first Mac with an Apple processor by the end of the year, with the transition to all Apple processor-based Macs to take about two years.
New Intel-based Macs are still in the works and software updates to support Intel-based Macs will continue for years to come.
Here are some key takeaways:
It’s simply called Apple Silicon
Apple announced its move from Intel processing chips to new custom, inhouse chips simply called Apple Silicon for its Mac computers.
“It’s a game-changer,” Cook said. “Integrating hardware and software is fundamental to everything we do. That’s what makes our products so great, and silicon is at the heart of our hardware.”
Cook said Apple Silicon is the desktop-sized equivalent of its processing chips made for iPhones and iPads that will make it easier to build apps to work across all Apple devices. The company is expected to release the first Mac with its new software by year’s end.
Here comes a new look to iOS 14
New software to power the iPhone may give the device’s fans a sense of what to come when the iPhone 12, which is rumored to have at least three versions and 5G connectivity when it arrives possibly this fall.
There a feature called Widgets, which will be to the left of the home screen and lets users glance at information. And a new picture-in-picture feature lets you can talk on the phone or use video while accessing apps.
And for Siri lovers, a voice line will appear at the bottom of the screen instead of the entire screen.
iOS14 will be available later this year.
Apple Watch will help you wash your hands
WatchOS 7 developers can make more personal watch faces. And even personalized watch faces.
Developers can build multiple complications on a Watch Face, that can be shared between Apple Watch users. And the WatchOS also offers directions for cyclists.
“The power of Apple Watches is not only its built-in features but how developers have personalized it for you,” said Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of Technology,
The Watch Activity app will now be named Fitness and will support new dance workouts for cardio, hip-hop, Bollywood, and Latin dance. The app will track upper body, lower body and heart rate data for accurate calorie burn.
A new sleep tracking app lets you set up a wind-down program for better sleep and tracks your sleep schedule.
And since there's a pandemic still ongoing, a new hand-washing feature will automatically detect how long you actually wash your hands – using motion detection and listening for the sound of running water. The watch will show a countdown and send haptic signals to make sure you wash long enough.
Your iPhone will be able to open the car
Your iPhone may soon contain digital car keys and so you will no longer always carry your car keys. Use your phone to unlock the car and then put the phone in the charging pad and push the start button on the car.
The first vehicle to have the option will be the BMW 5 series, but Apple is working on technology standards to make available for new cars next year.
Memojis & messaging
During the ongoing pandemic, Apple has seen users generate a 40% increase in messages. The iOS update will include new ways to stay connected with conversations with improved group conversations and new Memojis.
You can pin favorite messaging friends at the top of a message queue and, Groups can be customized with special group emojis.
When it comes to your own emojis, you have 20 new hair and headware styles to chose from including face coverings.