Every year, Apple gathers hundreds of developers, journalists, and fanboys (frothing at the mouth) for a sneak peek at its Mac, iPhone, iPad and Watch devices.
Its Worldwide Developers Conference generally revolves around software updates (albeit, this year saw a brand-new MacBook Air). WWDC teases updates that will give your tech a few nifty new skills, but also offers up a few clues on what future products Apple may have in store.
To that end, Apple just announced a load of fresh updates for its Mac, iPhone, iPad and Watch devices. Here’s the good, the bad, and the irrelevant:
Apple has a brand new bag lock screen
In October, Apple will roll-out iOS 16. That update will bring with it revamped and customizable lock screens. That means you can add custom wallpapers, change the date and time font and colour, as well as add widgets for things like weather, activity rings and calendar events. It also gives you new lock screen notifications – and things like live sports updates saving the need to swipe up.
Does Apple’s obsession with the lock screen have anything to do with rumours that the next iPhone will have an always-on lock screen? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
You can un-send messages
WhatsApp has had it for ages. Now Apple Messages will let you send a message, then un-send it. You can also edit messages after you’ve hit send (potentially fixing any autocorrect errors you may have).
Buy now, Apple Pay Later
Apple is getting in on the ”buy now, pay later” game. It will now let you pay for purchases over instalments, versus the full price in one go.
CarPlay: coming to a car near you (we hope?)
Apple has made some huge updates to its CarPlay platform, that can see it taking up your entire car console. It looks pretty hot, however it’s coming to a supported car near you ’sometime late next year’.
Track now, health later
Apple has shoved some new health tracking features into its Apple Watch; now it can track your medications and supplements. It will track your usage, provide you details on how certain drugs might interact with others, and send you reminders to continue to take your vitamins in the morning.
Apple Fitness for all
Apple Fitness is now coming to all iPhones great and small (previously, it was limited to those with an Apple Watch).
Pass the chips
There’s a new chip in the game, and this one is speedy as heck.
Apple pulled the wraps off its latest processor – the M2 chip. Predictably, it’s better and faster and more powerful and cooler-looking, and knows magic (probably).
Put the chips in these
There’s an all-new MacBook Air that sees a redesign and that new chip. Also, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is also getting the M2-treatment.
Exit, StageManager left
Apple is trying to make multitasking a tad easier to deal with, if you’re someone who has multiple tabs and windows up at any one time. StageManager will better arrange your open applications, making it easier to move between groups of apps.
Apple declares war on the password
Apple hates passwords, because they can be stolen. It’s new Passkey technology uses your device’s biometric data combine with third-party websites and apps, making logging in and out that much more secure.
It’s going to take time to roll-out a new privacy and password standard, but it should be significantly more secure.
One for all, and all for iPhone
You can now use your iPhone as your tablet or MacBook’s webcam. Just place it above the screen, and it will automagically swap the camera to use your iPhone’s better-equipped version.
Stop, collaborate (maybe listen)
Last but not least, Apple has new collaborative tools that let users play around in the same notes space – you can doodle with the Apple Pencil, write notes and share Safari tabs to those involved. Groovy.