Apple made scores of new announcements at their annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) keynote in San Jose, California, with major updates due to arrive to all the tech giant’s operating systems. Here, we’ll be focussing on iOS 12 and macOS Mojave
The Worldwide Developer Conference, or WWDC, is Apple’s annual summer event for software developers, but crucially, it’s where it makes some of its biggest announcements. In recent years, it’s become something of a phenomenon, with CEO Tim Cook boasting millions of viewers worldwide thanks to the event being live-streamed. WWDC isn’t just reserved for software either; Apple have launched new Macs and iPhones in the past, and last year saw the new 12.9 and 10.5 iPad Pro models unveiled. This year, though, Apple stuck to unveiling new software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and their line of Macs. So what improvements can users of these devices expect?
The headline announcement, of course, was iOS 12. The flagship OS for iPhone and iPad was the star of the show, and opened the presentation. With this iteration of the mobile operating system, performance was the buzzword. Many users in the past have complained about lagging performance after updating the latest mobile operating system on their iPhones, with some even suggesting it’s a marketing ploy by Apple to force users to upgrade handsets. Well, this time, all devices that can run the previous operating system, iOS 11, can run iOS 12.
At last year’s WWDC, Apple introduced ARKit, allowing developers to build augmented-reality experiences, which is tipped to be huge in the future. For the uninitiated, AR allows users to see virtual images as if they were in the real wild, like Pokémon Go (come on, who hasn’t played it?). Snapchat also uses AR to great effect with its filters. Apple are hoping to make AR go mainstream with a new format, USDZ, that allows developers to create AR experiences and share them. As well as the new USDZ format, Apple also unveiled Measure, an app which can auto-detect the dimensions of objects and provide exact measurements. Augmented reality is definitely something to watch out for in the coming years.
Perhaps one of the most widely requested features that Apple have been bombarded with for years now is group FaceTime, and boy have they delivered – users will now be able to FaceTime with up to 32 participants. Yes, you read that right. FaceTime will now be integrated into the Messages app, allowing users to utilise stickers, Animoji, as well as the new Memoji feature, which can create digital avatars of the user.
macOS also got a big update, with the latest version of the desktop operating system, macOS Mojave. Users can now switch to a more easy-on-the-eye Dark Mode, making your desktop or laptop even more aesthetically pleasing. Stacks is another new feature which is sure to come in handy; with a click, your cluttered desktop is rearranged into file types. Think of it like throwing your dirty laundry under the bed when “tidying up”. Screenshotting is simplified, too, with a new countdown tool and the ability to hide the cursor in the shot. Quick Look allows you to view the contents of a file without actually going through the process of opening it fully. Finally, the Mac Store has had a revamp, with a more interactive feel, complete with videos playing and articles about popular apps available.
These updates to iOS and macOS really are just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll be sure to bring you full reviews once they’re released publically.
