iOS 10, macOS, watchOS Updates: WWDC Up Close
Apple debuted iOS 10, macOS Sierra, watchOS 3, and the latest update to tvOS at WWDC 2016. We discuss the many new capabilities in these software updates.
Apple kicked off its 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Monday with a series of announcements on updated software for the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.
After a disappointing earnings report for Q2 2016, Apple has been under pressure to prove itself an innovator. Prior to the developer event, tech watchers speculated about the new hardware, software, and services Cupertino would unveil.
Updated products aside, Apple was expected to demonstrate a new attitude to improve its relationships with developers, customers, and partners. It has been suggested that Apple's insistence on control has been detrimental, especially for new platforms like HomeKit, and that the company should let developers work with Apple apps.
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Fortunately, Monday's keynote set the stage for several product updates and a more open approach to development in Cupertino. We learned about the new iOS 10, macOS Sierra, tvOS, and watchOS 3, and about Apple's plan to open apps Siri and Maps to developers. There was no hardware news, but we're expecting that to arrive later this year.
It's worth noting that most software updates unveiled today weren't exactly groundbreaking. Many of the new capabilities in Apple services are similar to advancements made by competitors in recent months. For example, the availability of Siri on the desktop is reminiscent of Cortana on Windows 10.
That said, the new features will be welcomed by developers and customers who rely on Apple products and services for personal and professional use. Developer previews are available starting after the announcements. Apple plans to launch public betas in July and release these updates to the public in the fall.
Here we take a closer look at the myriad updates coming to Apple software and services. What did you think of the announcements? Which of these new features are you looking forward to most? We welcome your thoughts in the comments.
(All images via Apple.com)
Apple has dropped the "OS X" moniker and renamed its desktop operating system to more closely align with the branding for its other software platforms. MacOS Sierra puts the focus on continuity, cloud, and revamping other core features of the desktop OS.
The new macOS Sierra brings auto-unlock to the desktop so you can enter your Mac without using a password. Apple Watch will unlock the device for instant log-in.
Keeping with the continuity theme, Apple announced Universal Clipboard, which works across Mac and iOS. You can copy and paste content from your Mac to your iPhone, or vice versa, without any extra steps.
Apple is also making files located in Desktop and Documents automatically stored and updated in iCloud Drive so that they are accessible across devices. If you have two Macs -- one for personal use and one professional use, for example -- documents stored on one device will be available on the other.
Now macOS Sierra automatically makes room on your Mac by saving rarely used files to the cloud, where they're available on demand. It also helps find and remove old files you're no longer using, so there's space for new and recently used files.
Apple Pay arrives on the web in macOS Sierra. When you shop online, you'll have the option to complete transactions using a "Pay with Apple Pay" button in Safari. You can authenticate purchases with TouchID on your iPhone or by double-clicking the side button on Apple Watch.
Apple notes it does not share credit card details when you use Apple Pay, and transactions are safeguarded with "industry-leading security."
Siri is another addition to macOS Sierra. Apple's personal digital assistant will live in the menu bar to help answer questions and perform tasks.
You'll be able to ask Siri to search images and information, which you can drag into a desktop window. For example, you can drag an image straight from the web into a Pages document you're working on.
Siri can also be used to search files on your device. You can opt to save search results, like sports schedules and Twitter feeds, by pinning them into the Notification Center for easy access.
The assistant can also be used for messaging and booking events. Ask Siri to send a message to your colleague or look up nearby restaurants with open reservations.
Apple announced it's opening up Siri to developers so it can be integrated with third-party apps. For example, if you want to send a WeChat message, you can tell Siri to "send a WeChat message" to launch the app interface.
Apple is calling iOS 10 its biggest release of the mobile operating system to date. The latest version of iOS brings design changes and updates to a range of apps, including Messages, Phone, Apple News, Apple Music, Photos, and Maps.
Apple revamped the lock screen to improve app interaction without unlocking the device. Picking up the iPhone will automatically wake it up and display richer notifications. You can swipe sideways to view calendar events, news updates, and widgets.
3D Touch is an important part of the new lock screen, where you can use it to interact with notifications and check on updates from third-party apps. For example, using 3D touch can give you info on sports teams or let you know whose emails you've been ignoring. You can also stay within a conversation from the lock screen.
From an aesthetic perspective, both the lock screen and control center have been refreshed for an overall simpler look and feel.
The Phone app has been updated to include voicemail transcription and VoIP API that lets incoming phone calls look like regular phone calls. The contact card that appears has also been improved with different means for contacting each person -- WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messages, etc.
Messages in iOS 10 has rich links in-line, so web links appear with images. In-line video also plays within the conversation. Apple Music is integrated into messages, so you can play music from the chat. The camera icon opens straight to the camera app.
Apple added some fun new features for personalizing messages and adding emojis. For example, words in each message are highlighted if they are "emojifiable" and tapping them will turn them into emojis. "Bubble effects" let messages appear in different ways. Tapbacks are similar to Facebook emoticons. Digital Touch lets you scribble a response instead of typing it.
Siri's intelligence has been integrated into the keyboard. The assistant, powered by deep learning, will make intelligent suggestions based on the conversation. For example, it will automatically suggest contact information if you are asked, or pre-populate a calendar event with restaurant information if you're discussing dinner plans.
Messages is also available to developers.
Apple is also updating several of its native apps in iOS 10.
Apple News has a new design, breaking news notifications on the lock screen, and a Subscriptions feature you can use to read your regular subscriptions from inside the app.
Apple Music also got an interface overhaul. It's easier to find music via curated playlists, access downloaded music, and read lyrics. The result is a cleaner and easier-to-navigate interface.
The Photos app has been updated with facial, object, and scene recognition. AI groups photos locally on the device for privacy protection. A new Memories tab displays highlights, people, and locations.
Maps, now with a simpler UI, has been updated to display upcoming traffic and let you book a ride if needed. It's also available to developers.
Apple's watchOS 3 has been redesigned for faster, more intuitive navigation. Apps launch faster and clicking the side button launches an "app dock," where all apps are live, so you can access updated information.
Responding to messages is easier with smart replies and an option to write responses without typing by using a new feature called Scribble. In an emergency, hold the side button to call for help, a feature that also alerts emergency contacts.
Health is a big focus of watchOS 3. Activity rings can be displayed on the watch face for daylong tracking, friends' and family members' health data can be viewed, and you can access guided breathing and meditation exercises through a new app called Breathe.
A new app called Home gives you a one-stop place to adjust lights, lock doors, and perform other tasks on connected home devices. You can also use it to adjust devices from the lock screen.
You can also use Home to set certain scenes. For example, you can tap Good Night when it's time for bed, and connected devices to go to preconfigured settings.
Updates to tvOS include a new remote app with features similar to those on the hardware remote. You can use it for touch navigation, chatting with Siri via voice commands, and playing games. Text can be entered via keyboard.
Siri can be used to search for specific criteria. You can say, for example, "Show me horror movies from the 1960s." You can also use the assistant to search for video content on YouTube.
Apple TV has been updated with single sign-on. You can enter your cable or satellite info on Apple TV for access to apps in your package that support single sign-on.
Apple CEO Tim Cook closed out the day's keynotes with a few comments on the Swift programming language. He emphasized the importance of teaching people to code, leading to the final announcement of the day: Swift Playgrounds.
Swift Playgrounds is an iPad app designed to make learning Swift interactive and enjoyable. It was clearly designed with kids in mind, though it can be used by anyone hoping to master the basics of Swift.
Students use the app to play their way through activities in which they use real code to guide characters through a 3D world before moving on to more advanced coding. Along the way, they complete tasks to build on what they've learned.
Apple CEO Tim Cook closed out the day's keynotes with a few comments on the Swift programming language. He emphasized the importance of teaching people to code, leading to the final announcement of the day: Swift Playgrounds.
Swift Playgrounds is an iPad app designed to make learning Swift interactive and enjoyable. It was clearly designed with kids in mind, though it can be used by anyone hoping to master the basics of Swift.
Students use the app to play their way through activities in which they use real code to guide characters through a 3D world before moving on to more advanced coding. Along the way, they complete tasks to build on what they've learned.
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