Apple has previewed all the upcoming software updates for all its products at the opening keynote of the WWDC 2021 virtual event. The company highlighted the upcoming iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12 Monterey, watchOS 8 and tvOS 15. There were other privacy and developer focused announcements, which can be watched in full on Youtube. All the software updates will be available on compatible devices by Fall 2021 (late September) as a free download.
iOS 15
The next iOS update will focus majorly on ‘Staying Connected’, ‘Finding Focus’, ‘Banking on Intelligence’ and ‘Exploring the World’. To stay connected, Apple is bringing several changes to FaceTime. It will now support Spatial Audio and during video or voice calls, users can activate either ‘Voice Isolation’ – to kill background noise and focus only on the user’s voice – or ‘Wide Spectrum’ – to pick all the sound in the background clearly. The app will also gain support for Grid View and Potrait Mode during calls.
Just like apps such as Zoom and Webex, FaceTime will now allow users schedule calls and share links to allow other people join in (Android, iOS, and Windows). The SharePlay feature will allow users share experiences such as sharing screen, listening together, and watching together. The Message app will gain the ‘Shared With You’ feature while notifications will have a refreshed design with larger app icons and new Focus feature which uses on-device intelligence to prioritise notifications.
The Photos app will add features such as Live Text, Search in Spotlight, Photos Memories and Visual Lookup. Apple Wallet app will now be able to unlock cars, home and hotels using the iPhone or Apple Watch. The Wallet app will eventually add State ID and driving license (US) later in the year. See the full changes coming here (external link).
iPadOS 15
The next major iPadOS update is expected to make iPads excel at multitasking and general productivity. It will allow users add widgets to the home screen and place them amidst apps. App Library introduced in iOS 14 will also make its way to iPads with the coming update and a new onscreen multitasking menu at the top of every app, allows the user chose the option of ‘Split View’ and ‘Slide Over View’. Apple has also added a new Shelf feature at the bottom of the screen which shows a preview of opened apps and apps from there can be dragged up to form a split view.
iPadOS will also bring the ability to allow users learn to code and build apps on iPhone and iPad using Swift Playgrounds. Other notable features include the system-wide translation and new Notes app update which will capture mentions and users can tag one another. The Quick Notes feature (only on iPads with Apple Pencil) allows user capture quick information by swiping from a corner of the screen and hiding it back the same way.
macOS Monterey
The next major update to macOS will deliver new features such as Universal Control, a new way for users to connect to three Apple devices (iPad, Mac laptop and desktop) using a single trackpad or mouse. There is no special setup required, all the user needs to do is put the device next to one another. AirPlay to Mac will allow users stream content from their iPad and iPad to Mac while M1-Powered Mac will receive Spatial Audio support.
Other include Focus notifications (same as iOS 15 and iPadoS 15), SharePlay and ‘Shared with You’, Live Text, new Notes app features and changes to Safari Browser.
WatchOS 8
watchOS 8 will arrive with features such as the ability to unlock cars, homes and hotels using Apple Wallet, new Mindfulness app (replaces the Breathe app), new workout types (Pilates and Tai Chi), respiration rate tracking during sleep, redesigned Home app, Focus feature (requires iOS 15) and new Photos app. More apps, including Maps, Podcasts, Mindfulness now support Always-On display.
tvOS 15
Last on the list, tvOS 15 will deliver Spatial Audio support, SharePlay and ‘Shared with You, Siri Voice command for media and ability to select HomePod mini as the default speaker.
Source: Apple
