The company began the event by focusing on iOS 14, the upcoming operating system for the iPhone. As part of his presentation, Apple launched a new feature called the Application Library, which automatically organizes applications on your homescreen so you don’t have to browse several pages.
Apple also launched a smoother way to find and access new applications. The feature, called the Application Clip, offers a small portion of the application to be used when needed, whether it is to order a scooter on demand or food from a restaurant. This application is small and integrated with Apple Pay. The user can then decide to download the full version of the application from the App Store.
The multi-day developer event is closely watched by consumers and developers for instructions on what to expect from the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This year, for the first time, the event was entirely virtual due to a pandemic.
The event featured several luxury camera works, which were enlarged from one executive to the next presentation from various locations including an empty auditorium on Apple’s sleek campus, a gym, a parking lot and a lab in an “undisclosed location.”
Say hello to iOS 14
Some technology companies have the power to change the way we communicate, like Apple. But this year, Apple shows how much it has been influenced by one of the leading workplace messaging services.
At the event, Apple introduced a new update to group chat on iMessage, including the option to embed the most important conversations and mention other people in group chats, similar to
Slack (WORK).
Apple is also taking steps to eliminate some of the potential headaches for users. Incoming calls will no longer take over your screen on iOS devices, including iPad and iPhone. They will appear as banners above the screen instead.
Picture in Picture allows users to continue watching videos while switching to other applications, such as iMessage. Users can also move videos around the screen, or hide them but continue listening to audio.
Apple moved away from Intel chips on Mac
Apple announced a long transition to its own chip for its Mac computer line, a move that is expected to improve performance and battery life.
Nicknamed “Apple Silicon,” the new chip will give Apple more control over updates and user experience, and allow applications to work more smoothly between the iPhone, iPad and Mac. The company’s original application already works with new platforms, as well as large programs including Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop.
Apple announced several tools that will allow third-party application developers to reunite their offerings from Intel-based chip systems used by the Mac lineup. The company also said it would still support and release a new version of macOS with Intel chips for “the coming years.”
Apple plans to launch its first computer with a new chip by the end of this year and expects the entire transition to be completed in two years, CEO Tim Cook said on Monday.
AirPods Update
AirPods have proven to be one of the biggest escape products for Apple in recent years. Now, there are more updates coming.
Apple announced that AirPods would more smoothly switch between devices and audio. For example, users can complete a podcast and then pick up their iPad to watch a movie. When a telephone call comes in, the audio will automatically switch to the call. The Pro version will now have a new feature called “spatial audio” which aims to replicate surround sound or the cinema experience.
Pandemic products
The current health crisis not only shapes how the event is conducted, but also affects some Apple products.
With WatchOS 7, Apple Watch offers a hand washing training function. You will feel that you are near the sink by the sound of water and the way your hands move, giving you a countdown. If you stop early, it will ask you to continue washing.
At the same time, Apple is giving users new ways to communicate the reality of this moment to friends and family. Apple users can now add face masks to their Memoji.
Privacy “nutrition label”
In recent years, Apple has sought to regulate itself from some of its technology peers by touting its commitment to digital privacy. WWDC this year is no different.
Apple announced that users will be able to choose to only share their approximate location with the application. And in the App Store, users will be able to see the privacy information highlights of the application before downloading it.
The application will also have a privacy “nutrition label” that shows how much or how little data they collect, such as financial information, browsing history, or contacts. Each developer will report their own privacy practices.