Apple used its annual Worldwide Developer Conference to debut iOS 13 — the next version of its iPhone operating system, as well as updates coming to its Apple TV and Apple Watch operating systems.
Details: The keynote is still going on. The updates to macOS have yet to be shared and, still possible, is a look at a long-in-the-works new desktop for pros. Check back here for live updates. In the mean time, you can also read our preview of what we'll be watching for.
iOS
- Nope, unlike some elevators, Apple isn't skipping 13. iOS 13 features performance updates including 30% faster FaceID unlocking and apps launch up to twice as fast.
- A widely rumored "Dark Mode" with black backgrounds.
- Updates to reminders app, Safari browser and Apple Maps, where Apple expects it will have re-mapped the entire US by end of 2019.
- New image editing abilities, portrait lighting controls and the ability to more deeply edit videos (even rotating them).
- Siri will be able to read your incoming messages (Apple and third-party messaging apps) to your AirPods
- Two AirPods users will also be able to share audio coming from a single device.
- In CarPlay-equipped cars, Siri will work with third-party apps, including Pandora and Waze.
iPad
- iPad is getting its own flavor of iOS — iPadOS — recognizing its difference from the phone operating system.
- iPad apps will be able to have more than one window, allowing, for example, two Notes or two Word documents to be open at once.
- New controls make it easier to switch between apps when multitasking.
- Support for getting data from thumb drives, SD cards and cameras.
Apple Watch
- Apple is bringing App Store to the watch; previously apps had to be installed using an iPhone.
- Apps can run independently on the watch, no longer requiring a companion app on the phone.
- More Apple apps coming, including voice memo, calculator and audiobooks.
- New health features, including tracking menstrual cycles (also coming to iPhone) and monitoring environmental noise levels.
TV
- Apple showed a preview of "For All Mankind" one of the original shows coming to its Apple TV+ video service later this year. It's from Ron Moore, the executive producer of Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek.
- Apple is adding Multiuser support in tvOS, so everyone in the home can get their own recommendations.
- Apple TV will support the Arcade subscription gaming service and gain support for Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation game controllers.
Privacy
- Location tracking can be very useful, but "we don't expect to have that privilege used to track us," iOS chief Craig Federighi said. New options include the ability to share location just once with an app, requiring it to ask again when it wants the info.
- Apple is adding its own sign-in technology to compete against social media sign-ins from Facebook, Google and others that typically come with strings attached. Apple's sign in will simply authenticate users, Federighi said. If apps want an e-mail address, users will be able to either share theirs or Apple will create a random relay address for each app. Apple sign-in will work on all of Apple's devices and the Web.
- Apple is bringing HomeKit to routers, so if one device gets compromised it won't have access from traffic from other devices. Linksys, Eero and ISPs like Charter's spectrum plan to support it.
