WWDC 2021
This week Apple held a virtual WWDC conference, and here is what was announced:
iOS 15
- FaceTime got a grid view, blurred backgrounds, and weblink to schedule a FaceTime call that will work on PC or Android,
- SharePlay allows to play videos, movies, TV shows, music, and screen sharing during FaceTime calls,
- Spatial audio is now supported thought the system,
- Focus will manage notifications based on their importance and what we are doing at the moment,
- Live Text allows to search and copy a text from photos,
- Wallet will support virtual keys allowing opening cars or hotel room from the phone, also it will support virtual personal IDs and driving licenses,
- Weather app has been rewritten and now has deeper integration with Dark Sky service,
- Apple Maps got a new design with more detailed information about the roads, for example you can see the road signs, cross walks, and even 3d version od bridges and overpasses,
- Safari has been redesigned, but most importantly it supports 3rd party extensions,
- Siri can now work on the device, without internet connection and it's faster than ever.
iPadOS 15
- New Home screen is now working like on iOS - widgets are now always visible, we can hide apps or even entire pages, and there is App Library
- Multitasking got easier with new controls,
- Notes now has a system wide feature called Quick Note that allows to create a quick note from any place in the iOS or iPadOS. Also the collaboration features has been added to notes, including mentions and activity view,
- Translate support language auto detection and support handwriting.
watchOS 8
- Mindfulness - the Breathing app has been extended with meditation features,
- Sleep can track the respiratory rate and show the results in the Health app,
- Workout app now supports Pilates and Tai Chi,
- Photos got new tools to make a watch face with a photo look even better,
- Home app has been completely redesigned,
- Apps can now take an advantage from Always-On display.
macOS Montgomery
- Universal control allows to use the same keyboard and mouse to control multiple macs or iPad,
- Shortcuts from iOS have finally arrived on macOS,
- FaceTime, Safari, Photos got similar updates to iOS versions.
Image credits: Apple