Today's Apple Announcements: A Comprehensive Overview
Apple's annual developer conference kickstarted with a buzz, as Tim Cook and his team unveiled notable announcements including the demise of a renowned app and the birth of a fresh Mac Pro. The event was filled with intriguing updates across all platforms, punctuated by features that Apple's competitors have offered for years. Here's a rundown of what was announced at the 2019 World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC):
Mac Pro
The Mac Pro scene shifted once again with the introduction of a dazzling, extraordinarily powerful machine. This creation boasts 8th-Gen Intel Xeon processors with up to 28 cores, a whopping 1.5TB of RAM, and an astounding 1,400 Watt power supply. The modular design features an updated mesh design, allowing for easy component swaps on its eight PCIe slots. This high-end beast will set buyers back a pretty penny, starting at $6,000.
Pro Display XDR
Accompanying the powerful new Mac Pro is the Pro Display XDR, designed to deliver professional cinematic color and contrast. This 32-inch, 6K Retina display can outperform a $40,000 reference monitor by handling 1,000 nits of brightness, thanks to its winter-inspired heat sink. If you're planning to invest, the Pro Display XDR retails at $5,000, while the stand will cost an extra $1,000.
iTunes Replacements
The 2019 WWDC also marked the end of an era for iTunes as Apple unveiled three new standalone apps; Music, Podcasts, and TV. These apps split the multimedia responsibilities, with iOS device management now opting for a Finder app section.
macOS Catalina
Apple's new operating system, macOS Catalina, is more than just a farewell to iTunes. The OS features Sidecar, which turns an iPad into a second display or drawing tablet. Find My, a unified locator app, is a prominent addition, able to find devices even when they're powered off. Screen Time is crossing over to the Mac, and Project Catalyst, a universal framework, will help iOS and tvOS developers port apps to macOS.
iOS 13
Apple took notes from Android by launching iOS 13, featuring a dark mode that transitions apps to a darker palette. Apple's native apps like Safari, Mail, and Notes received notable upgrades and fresh features. Maps gained a sleek new look and a Look Around feature, allowing users to navigate streets virtually. Enhanced data protection is another highlight of iOS 13, enabling users to manage access to their data by third-party apps.
iPadOS
iPadOS is the new face of iPad operating systems, designed to create an experience closer to that of a laptop. The new OS enables multitasking with greater efficiency, supporting multiple windows within a single app, and the addition of multiple view modes. The Files app is also getting a makeover, with features like column view and metadata access.
watchOS
The Apple Watch saw some highly anticipated improvements, including the Watch App Store, allowing users to directly install apps to their watches without relying on their phones. The Health app will now grant real-time tracking, while Apple introduced Noise, an app to monitor hearing health, and Cycles, a menstrual tracking app.
HomeKit
In an effort to expand its smart home presence, Apple is upgrading HomeKit with an increased focus on privacy and security. In the near future, users can expect a secure video service, where all footage will be encrypted and stored on iCloud, and support for wifi routers from partners like Eero and Linksys.
Sign In With Apple
Apple has introduced a new service called Sign In With Apple, which provides users with a quick and secure login option. Users can opt to allow their Apple ID to authenticate, with the option to share minimal contact information with the third-party site.
AirPods
AirPod users received some exciting news with new iOS 13 features, as Siri will now be able to read your text messages orbit while you receive them and allow you to respond instantly. Additionally, Apple introduced a handy function called Audio Sharing, enabling multiple AirPods users to share audio simultaneously.
Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts made its debut last year, allowing users to automate workflows on their iPhones. Apple has now brought Siri Shortcuts to the macOS ecosystem, providing users with new possibilities to automate tasks with their desktops.
Memoji
As a continuation of its commitment to personalization, Apple has expanded its Memoji customization features. Users can now adjust hairstyles, makeup, accessories, and even clothing to create their own unique avatars. Memoji also gained new sticker-style emojis, allowing users to replace generic emojis with their unique avatars.
- The future of technology at Apple looks promising with the announcement of new features and products at the WWDC, such as the introduction of Sign In With Apple for more secure logins.
- Prospective buyers of the new Mac Pro might be interested to know that its modular design allows for easy component swaps, rounding out its high-tech features.
- In the tech world, Apple's announcement of iOS 13, which includes a dark mode and enhanced data protection, is probably a game-changer for users looking for improved security and customization options.
- As Apple continues to innovate, tech enthusiasts are probably excited about the potential upgrades to HomeKit, focusing on privacy and security, and the introduction of Siri Shortcuts to the macOS ecosystem.
