Apple commenced its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference today, unveiling new technologies and features during a keynote live-streamed from Apple Park to a global audience. Throughout the weeklong event, developers and students will have access to Apple experts and insights into new tools, frameworks, and features designed to enhance their apps and games.
This year's keynote introduced Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system integrating generative models with users' personal context across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Major updates were also announced for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11. These updates include a comprehensive redesign of the Photos app, productivity tools, and customization options for devices. visionOS 2 introduces new ways to interact with Apple Vision Pro, including spatial photos and Mac Virtual Display enhancements. tvOS 18 adds informative features to Apple TV+ content on home screens.
Starting this month, Apple Vision Pro will be available in more regions including China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore; next month it will reach Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K.
Apple Intelligence leverages Apple silicon to understand and create language and images while taking action across apps based on users' context. On-device processing ensures privacy by avoiding data collection. Private Cloud Compute balances computational capacity between on-device processing and server-based models on dedicated Apple silicon servers.
iOS 18 allows users to arrange apps and widgets freely on the Home Screen and customize Lock Screen buttons. The redesigned Photos app organizes photo libraries in a single view with accessible collections. New text effects in iMessage animate conversations dynamically. Users can now communicate via satellite in the Messages app without cellular or Wi-Fi connections.
iPadOS 18 enhances versatility with new features for Apple Pencil. The Calculator app includes Math Notes for solving mathematical expressions handwritten by users. New handwriting tools in Notes improve fluidity and readability of handwritten notes.
macOS Sequoia improves Continuity between iPhone and Mac through iPhone Mirroring for full control of iPhones from Macs. Safari's Highlights feature simplifies information discovery during browsing. Personalized Spatial Audio offers an immersive gaming experience. Apple Intelligence enables enhanced writing capabilities on Mac using the power of Apple silicon's Neural Engine.
watchOS 11 provides advanced health insights with the Vitals app highlighting key metrics and training load measurement for workouts. Customizable Activity rings offer more personalization options. Smart Stack and Photos face use intelligence for individualization while additional support is provided for pregnant users through the Health app on iPhone and iPad.
visionOS 2 enhances spatial computing experiences on Apple Vision Pro with intuitive hand gestures for accessing information quickly. New features include Follow Your Breathing in the Mindfulness app, SharePlay for Photos, multiview in the TV app along with Travel Mode and Guest User functionalities.
tvOS 18 introduces intelligent features like InSight along with Enhanced Dialogue updates enhancing cinematic experiences on large screens at home. Updates to Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, FaceTime capabilities further improve user experience on larger displays. The Home app gains guest access features with hands-free unlock using home keys in conjunction with iOS 18 updates.
AirPods software updates introduce new gestures for interacting with Siri while improving call handling and gaming immersion.
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