Apple held its annual developer conference (WWDC) earlier tonight. Apple made a slew of announcements where it revealed new updates for the iPhone, iPad, TV and Watch. The iPhone maker also announced its new Apple Silicon chipset which will power Macs.
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from WWDC 2020.
Apple software updates timeline
Developer beta for the latest software updates release today. Public beta will be available this July, and stable versions will release this fall.
Apple Silicon powered Macs
Apple will release the first Macs powered by Apple Silicon by the end of this year
iPhone and iPad apps on Macs
With Apple Silicon, Macs will be able to run iPhone and iPad apps directly on Macs.
Microsoft, Adobe apps on Apple Silicon
Apple is working with Microsoft and Adobe to improve apps and introduce native support on Apple Silicon-powered Macs.
A12Z processor based MacOS
Apple Silicon chipset for Macs
Apple Silicon chipset for Macs come with advanced power management, hihg-performance GPU, low-power video playback and more. New family of SoCs announced for Macs with features and performance-focused features.
Safari finally gets translation
Extensions on Safari
You can choose how long the extension will stay active on websites on Safari.
Safari gets new customisations
New features for Safari
Apple says that Safari loads pages 50% faster than Google Chrome. Users can now get more info on privacy of websites that they visit on Chrome. The App Store on macOS is also getting a tab for Safari extensions.
New version of Maps on macOS
Favourites are coming to Apple Maps along with Guides. You can also see your friends' ETA updates that they've shared on the Maps app on macOS. Also, all Maps features announced for iOS 14 are coming to macOS Big Sur.
New features coming to the Messages app on Mac.
Control panel comes to macOS.
macOS Big Sur announced
The Mail app and Photos app on macOS get a new sidebar. iWork is also getting a visual revamp. Apple is also bringing the control center on macOS. You can also access the notification center from the time icon on top. It's also easier to clear notifications at once.
Apple TV
Multi-user support for gaming is coming to the Apple TV. You can now start off your game where you left off. tvOS 14 is also adding PiP mode for the Apple TV. This can be used for AirPlay as well. A new Apple TV+ original was also announced and it's called “Foundation”.
Home app on iOS 14.
It's easier to add new devices to the Home app. You can simply scan these smart home devices. Apple has also updated the Home app with accessories that are of priority. Apple is also adding adaptive lighting for smart bulbs that can be controlled on the Home app. You'll be able to define activity zones for important areas. Face recognition is also coming to the Home app.
Privacy updates
Apple is improving security with options for users to know their past recordings. It will even indicate if apps are actively using your location. Apple will also share more details on third-party apps using your location and how much they've used.
Hand washing mode on watchOS 7
Apple Watch will now detect when you're washing your hands and guide on doing it the right way.
Wind Down on watchOS 7
Wind Down will help you get ready for bed starting with a dimmed down lock screen. Your Apple Watch will also go to sleep. You can also choose slow and soft alarm tones. The sleep section is also getting updated on the Health app.
Workout app gets dances
The workout app on watchOS now has a new dance mode. Users can try out different dance styles like Bollywood. There's also a new functional strength training coming to watchOS.
watchOS 7 announced
Apple is introducing face sharing on watchOS. You can easily add watch faces now on watchOS 7, and share them to your contacts and on social media. Apple Watch users will also get cycling directions on watchOS 7.
Spatial audio comes to AirPods Pro
New features for AirPods
AirPods will now seamlessly move between devices without having to manually change them. Apple is also introducing spatial audio on AirPods Pro.
iPadOS 14: Apple Pencil improved
Apple Pencil gets a new ‘Scribble’ feature on iPadOS 14. Apple Pencil will now improve drawings well scribbles into more refined ones. You can also double tap to select words, change colours and move it around on the notes app. Apple Pencil will also recognise phone numbers and prompt the call option.
Search tool improved on iPadOS 14
iPadOS 14: New app experiences
An incoming call will now appear as a small notification on top and not take over the whole screen. This feature is coming to iOS as well. Apple has also updated its Search tool with a more compact design. Users can search from the home screen or any app on iPadOS 14.
iPadOS 14 announced
iPadOS 14 gets a new sidebar for users to easily access different features for different apps. Sidebar is coming to the Photos app, Notes app, Calendar app and the Apple Music app.
App Clips codes
iOS 14: App Store
Apple introduces ‘App Clips' which are basically shortcuts to apps on iOS 14. You can also launch App Clips from the newly launched App Library. You can also launch it from the web and users can share it with others. It even works with NFC and QR codes.
iOS 14: Car Play, iPhone car key
On iOS 14, Car Play gets new wallpaper options and new categories for apps. Apple also announced its digital car key. You can now use your iPhone to unlock your car. Apple car key is first coming to the 2021 BMW 5 series next month. It also comes with privacy features. Apple car key will be enabled on iOS 13 too.
EV routing on Apple Maps
iOS 14: Apple Maps
Apple is improving its Maps app with easier ways to find places. Apple Maps is getting Guides for users to easily explore interesting places. Apple Maps is also getting cycling routes with real-time updates on traffic and more. This is coming first to cities in the US and China. Apple is also adding features for EVs on Maps. It will show features like places to get your EV charged.
iOS 14: Messages app
Messages app gets new updates on iOS 14. Users can now pin important chats on top of the app. Memoji gets new hairstyles, age options and face masks! Group messages are also getting inline replies and mentions. Users can also opt to get notified only when they're notified in group chats. Users can also create a customised group icon for group chats.
iOS 14: New Translate app
iOS 14 is getting a new app called ‘Translate’ that can work even offline. It uses machine learning and neural engine to translate languages during conversations. Users can converse in two different languages.
iOS 14: Siri gets a major makeover
Siri gets a major makeover on iOS 14. Now instead of Siri taking over the entire display, it will instead open the app completely and show updates on top of the page.
iOS 14: Picture-in-Picture
Apple is finally bringing Picture-in-Picture mode on iPhones with iOS 14. You can drag the video screen around the phone and pinch to zoom.
iOS 14: Widgets
Apple is improving widgets with a better layout and more details. You can also move the widget from the Today screen to the home screen. You can do this by simply dragging and dropping the app. You can also select different sizes of the widget.
iOS 14: Homescreen
Apple is updating the iPhone's homescreen with ‘App Library'. It will automatically categorise apps on your iPhone. It creates different pages along with a search tool. It also has recommended apps and recently added apps.
iOS 14 announced
Craig Federighi announces iOS 14. iPhones are set for a major visual revamp with iOS 14.
Most unique WWDC: Cook
Cook says that this will be the most unique WWDC Apple has ever hosted. Apple is also making its developer sessions free for everyone.
Cook thanks healthcare workers
Cook talks about the pandemic and thanks healthcare workers around the world. He talks about how people are more dependent on Apple products now with the ongoing situation.
Tim Cook keynote
Apple CEO Tim Cook starts WWDC 2020 with his keynote address. Cook talks about the ongoing protests in the US due to the death of George Floyd. Apple announced $100 million as its commitment to the Black community.
WWDC 2020 kicks off
WWDC 2020 has officially started.
First virtual Apple event
WWDC 2020 is Apple's first virtual event. This year we won't be seeing a physical event which would otherwise have taken place at the Apple Park. Many companies have already adopted virtual events as the new norm and this will be Apple's first online-only event. It's interesting to see how Apple pulls it off.
iPad OS: What to expect
What we know about iPadOS 14 so far is that it will bring a new PencilKit feature that will add more functionalities for the stylus, also known as Apple Pencil. One feature that's widely expected is the ability to convert handwritten texts into text. Apple could also improve mouse support for iPads with the latest OS update.
iOS 14: What to expect
iOS 14 is going to be the most popular announcement, no doubt. And the latest iOS version is expected to come with a new way to view apps in a list like the Apple Watch. There could be a fitness app for not just the iPhone but Watch and TV too.
An AR app codenamed Gobi is also expected to make its debut on iOS 14. More features expected include Slack-like mention system and retractable texts, while Safari may get the ability to read out text on the webpage.
Apple could rename iOS, iPhone
There have been rumours flouting around Apple possibly renaming iOS and iPhone. The new names are supposedly iPhone OS for iOS and Apple Phone for the iPhone. Now it's not clear why Apple would rename these or if it will even go ahead with it.
Major announcement expected
Other than the routine announcements, Apple is also expected to make one major announcement. Apple could announce its move to ARM-based chips for its desktops and laptops. This will also mark the end of Apple and Intel's partnership after 15 long years.
New hardware?
It's rare to see new hardware at WWDC but rumours and leaks suggest there could be one this year. And it's speculated that Apple will launch a new iMac. The new Apple iMac is expected to come with upgraded specifications and features such as T2 security chip and AMD Navi GPU. Apple could redesign the iMac too with slimmer bezels.
New software updates
Apple will unveil the latest software updates for its devices. iOS 14 including new versions of watchOS, iPadOS, and tvOS will be unveiled today. Apple will also release the public beta versions of these OS upgrades. The stable versions are expected to roll out sometime this September.
Tim Cook's keynote address
WWDC will start with Apple CEO Tim Cook's keynote address. Cook is expected to announce some major developments in Apple's software ecosystem. Earlier today, Cook tweeted an Apple Animoji saying, “Hello developers! I am really excited for an incredible WWDC. See you all online very soon.”
How to watch the event
Like every year, Apple will livestream its WWDC event. Interested users can head to Apple's Events page to catch the event live. iOS users can also watch it from the Apple Events app. WWDC is scheduled to start at 10:00 am PDT which is 10:30 pm IST for viewers in India.