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Apple is back. It’s not as if they went away. No. But maybe they had us thinking they’d gone into hibernation and ‘what-do-we-do-next’ mode.
From dumping a decade-long effort in building an EV vehicle to seemingly playing catchup in the artificial intelligence game to the likes of OpenAI and every company heading down the generative AI route, many thought the company once known for setting the pace for innovative products was on the edge of a precipice.
But Apple has responded in style at the ongoing Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 by making some great announcements.
Techopedia is covering this event live, but in case you missed Tim Cook and co’s biggest mic drops, we’ve rounded up the 10 most notable announcements so far.
Key Takeaways
- watchOS 11 introduces contextual widgets, a Vitals app, and enhanced safety features.
- Passwords App centralizes login credentials across Apple and Windows devices.
- Genmoji allows users to create custom emojis using AI-generated text descriptions.
- iOS 18 brings customizable Control Center and more home screen flexibility (at last!).
- Math Notes on iPads will give real-time handwritten equation solving with the Apple Pencil.
10 Biggest Reveals at Apple WWDC 2024
10: watchOS 11 Brings Contextual Widgets, Vitals App, and Safety Features
watchOS 11 is bringing several new features, including the ability to automatically surface relevant widgets based on the user’s context and needs. Apple is introducing a new Vitals app to provide quick access to important health metrics. Additionally, there will be new cycle tracking features, support for Live Activities, and Check-In functionality.
9: A Standalone Passwords App to Centralize Your Logins
Apple introduced a new Passwords App to manage login credentials across devices. The app will allow users to generate and store passwords, similar to existing password managers like LastPass and 1Password. The Passwords app will be able to sync accross iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS and Windows.
While many Apple users will love this move, the app’s integration into Apple’s ecosystem could pose a challenge to third-party password managers, as users may find convenience in utilizing a native solution deeply embedded within the company’s operating systems and services.
8: Apple Genmoji
If you get tired of repeating pre-loaded emojis on your Apple device, you can generate them yourself. Apple’s Genmoji is a new feature that utilizes Apple’s AI technology to create custom emojis via text descriptions. Say you want a cat emoji that appears kingly, you can use prompts such as a “cat wearing a top hat” These AI-generated emojis can be used in messages, shared as stickers, or employed as reactions.
7. macOS Sequoia Will Allow You to Mirror iPhone 15 on Mac
Apple at WWDC 2024 unveiled macOS Sequoia which will feature an “iPhone Mirroring” capability. This new feature will let you mirror your iPhone’s screen onto your Mac, allowing you to access and control your iPhone apps directly from your Mac.
With iPhone Mirroring, users can interact with iPhone apps using their Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, and larger display. Apple emphasizes that the iPhone remains securely locked during mirroring to ensure privacy.
6: RCS Support on iPhones
Apple is finally embracing Rich Communication Services (RCS) with the upcoming iOS 18 update, confirming its integration after announcing support last year.
While details are scarce, iMessage is also getting upgrades, including the ability to schedule texts and support for SMS messaging via satellite. Apple is rolling out Tapback options which will allow users to bold, underline, and italicize text within messages. These additions enhance messaging capabilities, with RCS promising modern features like read receipts, typing indicators, and improved media sharing. However, Apple hasn’t revealed specifics on RCS implementation or limitations, leaving room for speculation until the iOS 18 release.
5. Tap to Cash
There were rumors months ago that Apple users would be able to pay each other without exchanging phone numbers or emails. Well, this is no longer a rumor as Apple unveiled a Tap to Cash feature at the WWDC 2024.
Simply bump iPhones together to send or receive money through Apple Cash, similar to sharing photos with AirDrop. This will probably be a good feature for splitting a bill with friends or paying a seller at a garage sale, all without handing over your personal info.
4. iOS 18 will allow for more customizability
Apple’s WWDC 2024 keynote wasn’t just about AI. The iPhone is getting a makeover in iOS 18. Control Center will be customizable with new layouts and features. This means app placement is finally freed from the grid, letting you design your own home screen. You will also be able to lock specific apps for added security.
3. ChatGPT Comes to Apple Devices
If there is any news generating the most controversy in this year’s Apple WWDC, it’s the announcement that Apple will partner with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS. With this move, users can access ChatGPT through Siri and writing tools for tasks like answering queries, composing text, and generating images.
Meanwhile, this integration of ChatGPT into Apple devices has generated some backlash from some quarters. Elon Musk has been vocal about the privacy concerns surrounding the move, threatening on X to ban his workers from using Apple devices if Apple proceeds with this arrangement. The Tesla CEO added that even visitors will be made to keep their Apple devices outside the company premises to gain entrance into his company offices.
2. Apple Intelligence on Apple Devices
If, like me, you’ve been asking questions about Apple’s custom-built AI system, Apple has given an answer: Apple Intelligence.
Apple said this AI system will be built into its devices at the OS level to bring artificial intelligence to its users. This means that when iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia all go live, many Apple users will have a new feel to their devices.
1. Math Notes Capability on iPads
Apple’s announcement of the ‘Math Notes’ capability on iPads may well be the most innovative at WWDC 2024.
The new iPad Calculator will recognize handwritten equations, measurements, and more scribbled with the Apple Pencil. As you write, it will solve the problems and display the results in real-time, eliminating the need to switch between apps or enter calculations manually.
This feature is designed to make the iPad an even more versatile tool for students, engineers, and anyone who needs to perform calculations on the go. While the exact release date is yet to be announced, it’s expected to be available with iPadOS 18 later this year.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s latest round of products and AI announcements are timely. While it’s safe to say that not all of them will sit well with many Apple users, they will put Apple in the mouths of many for several weeks, if not months, and perhaps position them for huge sales when their new devices like iPhone 16 Pro and new Apple Watch series launch.
However, the partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to Apple devices has generated controversy, with concerns raised about privacy and data security. Apple will need to address these concerns transparently and reassure users about the safeguards in place to protect their personal information.
