Apple tackles Zoom with IOS 15; improves iPad and Mac integration

Apple Inc. previewed its nextgeneration iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Watch operating systems, adding a slew of new privacy, health, smarthome, messaging, maps and digital wallet features.

At its Worldwide Developer Conference held virtually on Monday, the company focused heavily on how it has made FaceTime a better experience, clearly with an eye to taking the fight to pandemic teleconferencing darling Zoom. The Cupertino, Calif.-based technology giant also added even more privacy controls, long a selling point it has used to stand out from rivals.

In a message to developers who have accused Apple of inconsistent app review guidelines and an unfair playing field, the company took pains to say it has paid them $230 billion since the

App Store launched in 2008 and that 600 million people visit it weekly.

As part of the iOS 15 update for the iPhone, FaceTime is getting higher video and audio quality, the ability to schedule calls and for the first time will let people invite Android and Windows users to chat.

FaceTimers will also be able to watch video, listen to music, access apps together and share screens — thanks to a new SharePlay feature. The enhancements will also be offered on iPadOS 15 and the new macOS Monterey update.

To further enhance privacy, Apple is giving users of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 a new menu showing them in detail what data third-party apps are collecting. The company is making Siri more private, too, keeping the processing of such key tasks as launching apps, setting alarms and changing settings on the device itself rather than sending it to the less-secure web. That also will speed up Siri response times, a frequent complaint.

Apple announced its biggest revamp to the iPad Home screen — the ability to pin widgets anywhere on the display — since the device’s 2010 debut. The iPad is also getting an improved multitasking system, a new Translate app and an upgrated Notes app.

As part of Apple’s continuing effort to integrate its Mac personal computer line and mobile devices, macOS Monterey lets people use the Mac keyboard and trackpad to control an iPad and drag and drop files between multiple devices. It will now be possible to beam video, presentations and music from an iPhone to the Mac using AirPlay. The Mac is also getting the revamped web browser and new Notes, Maps and Messages apps. Ditto the new notifications and privacy features.