The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, was an opportunity for the company to put developers back at the center of its conference. Previous sessions had sometimes tended to leave too much of a share to hardware than to software. iOS 16, macOS Ventura, an Apple M2 processor… A look back at Apple’s announcements during its WWDC opening conference.
iOS 16: further customization
The conference began with what also makes the success of the iPhone, Apple’s flagship product: its operating system, iOS. This sixteenth version is a continuation of iOS 15 with new customization options. After the widgets, it is the screen, when it is locked, which can change appearance.
iPadOS 16: the iPad is positioned as a hybrid collaborative support
Users can change text colors, add an animated live widget at the bottom of the screen, display information shortcuts, alternate wallpaper, etc. Image: Apple.
In a second step, the company also presented a simpler notification management, in particular to improve its Concentration feature, launched with iOS 15. Now, users can go further with a lock screen personalized by mode: work, concentration , video games, sleep, etc.
The Cards application, often called Wallet, will also extend certain functionalities. The one allowing to scan an identity document will also allow other applications to retrieve this information when necessary, for example to open an online bank account.
The most notable novelty will also be the possibility of paying in installments. It is surprising to see Apple embark on split payment, and the company has not specified whether this payment method will be reserved for the United States via the Apple Card, or if it will be accessible to everyone from Apple Pay. .
Users will be able to track upcoming payment deadlines directly on iOS. Picture: Apple.
Other announcements on parental control, the connected home, or even data security can be found in our complete article on iOS 16.
iPadOS 16: Apple hesitates between iOS and macOS
While initially iPadOS was designed to be an extension of iOS on the tablet, Apple is changing the game. Indeed, this new version now seems to be a tablet version of macOS, or a happy medium between macOS and iOS.
The apple brand integrates into iPadOS 16 a feature called Stage Manager. It allows you to easily group several application windows in a column on the left of the screen. On iPad, this option is supplemented by the possibility of adjusting the window of applications, as on a computer operating system.
iPad users will be able to have two or more windows to watch on the same screen. Picture: Apple.
Apple has also launched a virtual whiteboard for iPadOS through a new app called Freeform. It can be launched in collaboration with other users. What pass a visual course compared to the shared note.
This whiteboard can be activated at the same time as a conversation with several people on Facetime. Picture: Apple.
All the other announcements can be found on our complete article on iPadOS 16.
watchOS 9: better activity tracking
A true extension of the use of the iPhone, the Apple Watch has also become an everyday and nightly companion for many users. The new version of watchOS will however be lacking in new features, but will bring its share of small daily improvements.
In addition to more aesthetic dials, the sleep application, for those sleeping with their watch, will be able to better identify the different phases of sleep. Users will then be able to find more detailed data on the quality of their sleep in their Health application.
Time in bed, time in sleep, and sleep stages will be easily readable. Picture: Apple.
Other health-related contributions are also appearing, in particular a section dedicated to taking medication. Users will be able to enter their treatments and receive reminders.
For sports, the native app for workouts has improved swim tracking. She can also follow a session mixing several sports at the same time.
A new M2 chip for Apple products
Apple took advantage of WWDC to present a new generation of processors. The M2 chip is engraved in 5nm, and has 20 billion transistors. No M2 Pro or M1 Max on the horizon, Apple following the logic of integrating this new technology into consumer products, which however will not have to be ashamed.
The Apple M2 is 18% faster on the CPU side, and 35% faster on the GPU side. Picture: Apple.
A new MacBook Air to accommodate the M2
It is the MacBook Air which will benefit first from the new chip. Inspired by the new design of the MacBook Pro, it will be less bulky, 11.3 mm for 1.2 kg, it will have a battery life of 20 hours. For charging MagSafe is back, with the promise of regenerating 50% of its battery in 30 minutes. The Liquid Retina display and camera will also be enhanced with the performance of the M2 chip. The new MacBook Air will be released next month, for 1499 euros in Europe.
A new MacBook Air designed around the M2 chip will be released next month. Credit: Apple.
macOS Ventura: no revolution on the horizon at Apple
The new version of macOS, called Ventura, will not be revolutionary. However, it reveals functions that can be found in iPadOS 16, and in iOS 16.
This is particularly the case of Stage Manager, which will allow a better organization of the applications used. A user can thus create a stage, with Pages and Notes for example, then choose to hide for the rest in other stages to see only these applications.
A column will appear on the left to administer the different app groups on macOS Ventura. Picture: Apple.
The Spotlight search tool benefits from a slight overhaul, to present information that is more readable, but also more complete.
Safari’s improvements, in addition to security, are geared towards collaboration. A new function allows browsing on shared tabs.
A few options also make life easier for users, in particular to use the powerful iPhone camera for FaceTime, or even move a videoconference from their computer on macOS to their phone.
A new product will appear in Apple Stores, for a success that has yet to be demonstrated. Picture: Apple.
Finally, this WWDC 2022 will have been under the sign of greater interoperability between the various Apple systems. These notable design efforts should delight aficionados of the brand’s ecosystem. On the other hand, many were those who were waiting to see realityOS, or augmented reality glasses stamped Apple. No announcement or clue has been made about it.