Latest from Apple
June 13, 2024 – Earlier this week, Apple showcased their latest software at their Worldwide Developers Conference. This event showcases what consumers can expect when it comes to new software features that Apple will release in fall. Keep reading to find out what's new and what we are excited about! You can watch the entire Apple event here.
As expected, Apple is diving into the world of artificial intelligence with their version of AI, Apple Intelligence. Coming this fall in beta (you can sign up for Apple Beta here), Apple Intelligence will be built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac to help enhance your experience while drawing on personal context. AI is compatible with iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad Pro & iPad Air with M1 or later.
Writing Tools will be available on any Apple Intelligence compatible device. This new feature will help you find the right words almost anywhere you write. Easily proofread text or rewrite it until you have the perfect version. This tool will update your message to be more friendly, professional, or concise. You can even summarize large amounts of copy and verbiage quickly - whether it is a large email, group text, or audio recording from the Notes or Phone app, Writing Tools will give you the key takeaways in a matter of seconds.
With Image Playground you will be able to create fun, original images based on your descriptions or an already existing photo. Choose from different styles, make little changes based on additional context, and even create your own Genmoji - a new type of emoji built for the conversation. To build the perfect Genmoji, all you have to do is provide a description or pick a photo to help provide some inspiration.
With Image Wand, you will have the capabilities to transform a rough sketch from the Notes app into a related image just by circling the sketch. No drawing? No worries. You can circle an empty space, and Apple Intelligence will use the surrounding context and copy to create an image for you.
Perhaps one of the most exciting features of Apple Intelligence for photos, Clean Up. Clean Up allows you to remove distractions or unwanted pieces of any image in the Photos app. Simply identify the background object you would like removed and you'll have a distraction-free photo in an instant. You can also create your very own Memory Movie. Simply ask Photos to create a movie about anything in your camera roll. Apple AI will craft a story based on your input and arrange your photos into a movie!
Apple and ChatGPT will be working together to integrate ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools. However, you are able to control when ChatGPT is used and you will be asked before any of your information is shared back to ChatGPT.
Siri is getting an upgrade with Apple AI. Now with Natural Language, Siri will understand you even if you stumble on your words. Type to Siri will allow you to look things up, even when you don’t want to speak out loud.
iOS 18 will be Apple's latest version of software for iPhone, coming this fall, allowing you to customize iPhone in more ways than ever before.
If you're tired of being limited on how you can arrange your apps, the wait is over! With iOS 18 you will be able to rearrange your home screen to place apps and widgets where you want them. Line apps up along the bottom of the home screen for easy access or stack them along the sides to frame your favorite image wallpaper. You can also customize the icon colors or update them all to dark mode. Apps are not the only thing you can customize, you can now also customer the Control Center.
Also relating to apps, you will now be able to lock and hide apps, and the folders they live in. Come fall, you'll be able to require Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access certain apps or app folders – a major enhancement to security.
Another one of the most exciting announcements from the conference is the ability to schedule a text message with Send Later. This has long been a complaint of iPhone users, and the wait is almost over to have this feature. Within the Message app, users will be able to determine when they want to send a text.
Speaking of the Message app, Apple is creating new ways to play with text. Tapbacks are now limitless. Reply with ANY emoji, sticker, or Live Sticker. Or add emphasis to a text message with brand new animated effects.
If you're an avid walker or hiker, you'll love the new Maps feature. Soon, you'll be able to create custom walking and hiking routes in the Maps app. Maps will also feature topographic maps with trail networks and hikes, including routes for all 63 U.S. National Parks. Plus, you'll be able to save existing hikes for offline access and voice navigation.
Gamers can look forward to Game Mode. This feature will minimize background activity to help sustain high frame rates so you can enjoy hours of maximized game play.
Another feature that we touched on a little bit with Apple Intelligence is the ability to create a live audio transcription in the Notes app. Simply record the audio and your iPhone will generate a transcript for you. This same feature is also available in the Phone app, for you to record any important phone calls and have a transcript later to remember the key points.
Tap to Cash allows for secure in-person payments quickly and easy by touching devices together to send Apple Cash.
Finally, this feature will be great for kids, or anyone who needs a little extra help with math. In the Notes app, you'll now be able to do math problems with ease. All you have to do is enter in the math problem you'd like solved, and Apple Intelligence and iOS 18 will work together to have it solved when you are done typing.
iPadOS 18 will offer new ways to use Apple Pencil, more responsive apps, and a multitude of ways to make the most out of your iPad. Coming this fall, many features from iOS 18 will also be available in iPadOS 18. This includes the ability to rearrange apps on the home screen, lock and hide apps and app folders, scheduling messages, Game Mode, Image Wand, and audio transcription from the Notes or Phone apps.
Specific to iPad is the Smart Script feature that will be available in the Notes app. Write things down or scribble away and iPad will take what you wrote and make it legible, straighten the text out, or smooth out the writing.
Another great feature for students is Math Notes. Math Notes with Apple Pencil can help you perform basic math, as well as problems that you would normally do on a scientific calculator. Write down the problem you'd like to solve and get an answer in seconds. You can even assign variables to be able to use in equations and graphs.
watchOS 11, also coming in fall, helps give you a better understanding of your health and wellness. You can also customize your watch face in more ways than ever. You'll now be able to customize the time size and layout, plus choose your favorite font or colors.
Smart Stack is also being enhanced and will now show Live Activities at the top, so you don't have to worry about missing out. Widgets will also show based on time, location, and other factors to let you know pertinent information quickly - like if it's going to rain soon at your current location.
Activity Rings have been a long-standing feature of Apple Watch. However, you'll now be able to pause your Activity Rings (for days, weeks, months, etc.) if you need a break. You will also be able to adjust your ring goals based on days of the week, so you get a little extra boost of motivation on days you know you'll need it the most.
The new Vitals feature will help you get a more holistic understanding of your daily health. Simply wear your watch to sleep to gain new insights and monitor your health status on a day-to-day basis.
Additionally, you'll now be able to track your effort after a cardio-focused workout to gauge how hard you exercised. You can use this data, along with the new training load data, to help you understand if you're undertraining or overdoing it. Also with training load, you can see the potential impact the training will have on your body long-term.
The Check In feature will also be coming to Apple Watch. You can notify a friend or loved one when you've arrived safely at your destination from your Apple Watch. You'll even be able to send a notification mid-workout, so if you're on a run after dark or solo hiking, your loved ones will have peace of mind knowing you're safe.
Perhaps one of the coolest features that will be coming with watchOS 11 is Translate. With this, you can translate 20 different languages right from your wrist by typing or dictating a phrase. You can even play the translation out loud to help you communicate if needed.
These are just a few features that were announced as part of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this week. We are super excited about a few of these, what are you most looking forward to?