iOS16, Watch OS and Other Big Announcements from Apple WWDC 2022

Including the new MacBook Air with the all-new M2 chip

On Monday morning PST, Apple hosted its 33rd annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The key attractions of the event were several updates to its iOS, WatchOS, macOS, and iPadOS. It also featured new hardware releases like a revamped MacBook Air and the release of macOS Ventura. If you missed it, read on to know the biggest announcements from the memorable event.

iOS 16 and Its Features

The iOS 16 will offer major updates to the Messages, Lock Screen, Apple Pay, etc. Thanks to iOS16, the iPhone lock screen will provide greater customization tools like new depth effects and photo editing.

Users will soon be able to customize the widgets on the lock screen and quickly glance at calendar events, weather, alarms, and other frequently-used apps. Users will also be able to customize different lock screens for different Focus settings.

iOS 16 will also allow users to upload photos to a shared iCloud photo gallery. Edits and changes will be easily synchronised across devices.

Apple Messages will also get useful updates, like the users will be able to edit the messages they just sent or delete them for both parties. Users could also mark the messages as unread if they don’t have the time to respond immediately. Also, the SharePlay tool could be used right on the text screen.

With iOS 16, the new dictation tools will easily allow a user to move between dictation and text. Also, Live Text in the video could be paused and automatically translated or converted.

Safari will also introduce Passkeys that will negate the need for password sign-ons. Even Maps will offer new transit cards to Wallet, low balance notifications, and disclosure of total trip cost.

With iOS 16, Apple Pay will allow a user to Pay Later. This new feature will split payments into four instalments with zero fees or interest. The Keys stored in the Apple Wallet can be shared with friends and family with 100% security.

The Home App will also be reimagined and could be linked to Amazon, Google, and other home devices. Even the Health and Fitness apps will have greater data tracking tools. CarPlay will also work across multiple screens across a variety of vehicles.

Victims of domestic violence would be able to reset privacy settings granted to other people with Safety Check. Also, new accessibility services will help those with disabilities navigate the world around them better.

WatchOS 9 Adds New Features

WatchOS has added new custom watch faces, an updated workout app, better training experiences, advanced metrics, etc. The new watch faces include an Astronomy map which features a new star map and current cloud data. They also include a lunar calendar.

The Workout app will provide greater metrics for measuring performance. It will also allow new users to build custom workouts through the app to ensure they can reach a target heart rate, pace, or cadence. The watch will offer better sleep insights and will track irregular sleep and track the sleep stages of a user.

Even medications can be tracked through the app, and medication reminders can be set up.

The MacBook Air to Have M2 chip

The new MacBook Air that will be available next month will have an all-new M2 chip. It is the latest iteration of Apple silicon. It is also an update to the features of the M1 chip. The M2 will allow the computer to operate without a fan. It is about 40 percent faster than the M1.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro will also be updated with the M2 chip. It offers up to 24GB of memory. The new M2 MacBook Air starts at US$ 1,199, and the MacBook Pro starts at US$ 1,299.

iPad OS 16 to Have a Stage Manager

iPad OS will also add Stage Manager to its roster of features. A new Freeform app will create a flexible canvas for collaboration with other users across iPads. Shared photo galleries and enhanced security controls have also been added.

The Weather app will also be there for the iPad. Thanks to the full external display support, users will be able to connect up to four apps on the iPad and four apps on the external display.

macOS Ventura to Get New Features

macOS will get a Stage Manager that automatically organizes open apps and windows to declutter the digital workspace and groups specific windows and apps together for certain tasks. It will also have a Continuity Camera that lets users use their iPhone as a webcam. The users can also Handoff the FaceTime calls between devices.

Safari has also been enhanced with shared Tab Groups. It will help friends and family collaborate on in real-time.