Amidst the digital din of the tech world, Apple once again commanded the spotlight at this year’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. With an air of expectation hanging heavy, the Cupertino giant didn’t disappoint, delivering a series of groundbreaking announcements that left enthusiasts and industry insiders alike buzzing with excitement.
Apple unveiled a slew of updates and enhancements across its ecosystem, promising to redefine the way we interact with our devices. From the much-awaited iOS 18 update to a new Passwords app, the WWDC stage was ablaze with revelations aimed at enhancing user experience. As the dust settles on another momentous event in the tech calendar, here are the top five announcements that stole the show and are sure to shape the future of Apple’s ecosystem.
iOS 18: Redefining personalisation
The iOS 18 promises iPhone users a more personalised, capable, and intelligent experience. From revamped app icons to customisable widgets, users can tailor their devices to suit their unique preferences. But the real game-changer is the Messages via satellite that ensures connectivity even in the most remote locations. Apple is also finally getting the RCS for iMessage.
Passwords App: Simplifying security
Apple introduced new Passwords app, offering a centralised hub for all your passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. The app will also notify users about potential vulnerabilities in their passwords. For example, if a password is easily guessable or if it’s being used for multiple accounts, the app will alert the user to change it to something more secure.
Apple OpenAI partnership: Apple joins AI race
Apple has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT and similar other AI systems across its various platforms. The suite of these features has been named Apple Intelligence by the company. Apple CEO Tim Cook referred to it as a “new personal intelligence system,” powered by Apple’s proprietary generative AI models, tailored specifically to each user.
watchOS 11: Health comes first
Apple at WWDC 2024 announced watchOS 11 for Apple watch, introducing a slew of new features. Among the highlights is the Vitals app, offering insights into health metrics like heart rate and sleep duration. The update also includes support for pregnant users, training load tracking, and enhanced personalisation with the Smart Stack and Photos face. Additional features such as Check In for connectivity and the Translate app for language translation further enhance the user experience.
iPadOS 18: Calculator App with Apple Pencil Support
After over a decade since its initial release, the iPad is set to receive its own Calculator app. This new addition comes with a feature known as Math Notes, allowing users to write equations using the Apple Pencil and have the app solve them instantly.
