Apple’s big software event of the year is upon us, so here are the new goodies that have just been unveiled at the flagship developer conference.
WWDC is an Apple event that takes place every year, and mainly functions as a showcase for new software developments – though there’s always the chance that shiny new hardware will be unveiled too. Just like last year, this one will be held virtually; it kicks off on June 7 at 10am PDT (that’s 6pm in the UK), and it will last until June 11.
You can follow the live event as it happens, via the video link below:
iOS 15 has been launched for iPhone. The big new differences as as follows:
- Updates to FaceTime, including spatial audio, grid view to see the faces of everyone on the call, and portrait mode for a video bokeh effect. Share: Play will allow you to share music or movies through a FaceTime call.
- Notifications can be scheduled from certain apps at precise times of day, and a new summary mode will give you a quick catch-up from your apps
- Live text can detect words in an image, even allowing you to copy and paste the texts between apps
- Weather and Maps are both getting significant upgrades – the most exciting of which is an AR mode for the letter that allows you to judge your precise location by scanning nearby buildings
New software is also coming to Apple’s range of headphones, including the AirPods Max:
- AirPods can read out important notifications to you
- AirPods Pro will be locatable on the Find My network
Not to be outdone, there are even more features heading to Apple’s tablet range, thanks to iPadOS 15:
- Widgets on the home screen will become more customisable, and App Library will also be made available
- Translate will receive Apple Pencil support
Onto wearables, and an operating system update is heading in the direction of the Apple Watch, known as WatchOS 8, which will feature:
- Updates to the Breathe app, which has unsurprisingly proven popular during lockdown
- The Sleep app will track your respiratory rate
- The Fitness app will get a few new workout options, including Tai Chi
Pre-Launch Rumours
There haven’t been official pre-announcements made before the event gets underway, but it’s a very safe bet that we will see the latest version of Apple’s operating systems, including iOS 15 and iPad OS 15.
According to MacRumors, all sorts of new tricks could be arriving to your devices courtesy of this update, including advanced notifications settings, iMessage upgrades, privacy enhancements, and a food tracking feature. There’s nothing expected here that will completely revolutionise your life, but plenty of incremental upgrades that should make everyday living just that little bit easier.
Aside from that, there is still strong speculation around new products that could also be shown off at the event, including potentially a new MacBook Pro, according to insider Jon Prosser:
i can confirm macbook pro is coming https://t.co/p2Hzh5TVSm
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) May 24, 2021
While not all sources seem to be confident of this launch, there’s still widespread speculation that we could see an upgrade to the M1 silicon chip that now powers Apple’s computers.
Stay tuned this evening to see the latest and greatest new stuff from Apple, as this page will be continuously updated with all the big announcements as they come in.
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