Yesterday was Apple’s big software developer conference w/ WWDC 2021. Not as exciting as many would have hoped for but nonetheless, it is the future of Apple’s software endeavors. We didn’t get things many hoped for like a good notification system, a calculator app for the iPad, or new M1 hardware. Let’s go over all of the things that they did unveil for us, shall we?
iOS 15
Apple unveiled iOS 15 which isn’t a massive visual overhaul but brings some interesting new features to the table.
- Their new ‘SharePlay’ feature that will allow you to share media (music + streaming shows) w/ FaceTime callers.
- A redesigned Weather app that takes advantage & integrates Apple’s purchase of the Dark Sky weather app that shows off a lot more details in the upcoming weather forecast.
- You do a get a new look for their overall notifications but still doesn’t appear to be on Android’s level yet.
- Next up, is their new Live Text feature which is a Google Lens ripoff more or less. However, this will only digitize text in your photos which will allow you to copy/paste text from a photo or make a call.
- Apple Wallet will soon allow you to store your ID in digital form for use at airports and other places that check for ID.
- Other than that, you got a new Focus feature to set timed updates to work on things to boost your daily productivity, updates to the Memories section in Photos, & a lot more little things.
iPadOS 15
Apple’s iPad software doesn’t get a whole of things this year either – unless you’re a big split-screen user. So you can now make your homescreen more customizable & more flexible for widgets by placing them anywhere.
- iPadOS now gets the App Library for iOS to reduce the clutter on your homepage.
- Also from iOS, it will get the Translate app as well as LiveText.
- There’s a new QuickNote feature that lets you attach notes to sites & other places so you can get back to them a lot easier.
- You’ll get Memories in Photos synced w/ music/filters/effects.
- Outside of that, you’ll get the new FaceTime features like portrait mode, SharePlay, & support for spatial audio.
watchOS 8
Moving onto the Apple Watch software, watchOS 8 brings a few new things as well. Mainly, more extensions/expansions to what was already there.
- There’s a new Mindfulness app which is part of the Breathe app to help you relax.
- The Fitness app adds more workouts like tai chi & pilates.
- The Health app will now track your respiratory rate while sleeping as well as alert you to any issues.
- Photos app gets a new layout to make it easier to share pics via Messages or Apple Mail app.
- You can control smarthome products via the Home app w/more shortcuts and the option to view your video feed from your security camera.
- New watchfaces, more options to reply to text messages, car key support, the ability to find your AirTags, and the ability to make multiple timers.
macOS Monterey
Apple continues to blur the line between MacOS, iPadOS, & iOS over the years and the newest update continues the move forward.
- You’ll be able to share a keyboard/mouse between a Mac & iPad as well as your cursor & files.
- A new AirPlay-like feature that allows you to use your Mac screen/speakers to play content from your iPhone/iPad.
- Macs is getting the Shortcuts app for automation that will work w/ Automator workflows.
- Safari gets a new look w/ the tabs & address bar on the same space a la Firefox. You got tab groups as well as being synced across Mac & iOS devices.
- Along w/ that, you got the new FaceTime features, Quick Note, & more from iOS 15.
Siri
Siri will soon be available offline as well as coming to 3rd-party devices like Ecobee & more coming soon.
AirPods
Apple’s top-selling earbuds gets some cool new features as well. You’ll get better Find my features which will offer a proximity view of your AirPods as well as notify you if you about to leave them behind. There’s even a Conversation Boost feature that will boost your volume for those of you who’re talking in crowded/noisy areas. You’ll even be able to have notifications like food/package deliveries being made.
