WWDC Apple event - as it happened : iOS 15, AirPods, Maps and privacy features announced
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Apple has held one of its biggest events of the year: the Worldwide Developers Conference.
The WWDC21 conference – and the keynote that kicked it off – serves as its annual reveal of all of the software updates it has been working on.
As such, there was a new iOS 15 for the iPhone introduced, updates for the Mac, and new features on the Watch. WWDC is unusual among Apple events in that every one of its software platforms gets an update of some kind, and that they are available to download for free – though most users will have to wait until later this year to get access to them.
Rumours that new versions of the MacBook Pro could be on their way, including a more powerful version of the company’s already powerful M1 chip, did not prove to be true.
As with every Apple event held over the last year, it was held entirely virtually.
You can view the live stream of the WWDC keynote right here, and view all the major updates as they happened below.
iOS 15 wrap up
You can read all about iOS 15 and the updates coming along with it right here:
Apple just revealed iOS 15, the future of iPhone
Apple has revealed iOS 15, the next major software update for its iPhone.
iOS 15 Focus and Notification Summary
A couple of new features in iOS 15 will make it easier to take mini digital detoxes from their devices.
The Focus feature will stop unnecessary notifications from flooding your screen, while Notification Summary will allow users to schedule all the notifications for certain times of the day, allowing them to get a break from being constantly pinged by their phone.
“It’s about drawing boundaries for yourself,” Federighi says.
iOS 15 Live Text
A new feature called Live Text means letters and numbers within photos are recognised by a deep neural network, which can then allow them to be transcribed, translated or even linked to.
It understands seven languages and works across iPad, iPhone and Mac.
Note taking in lectures has never been easier.
Wallet App update
Apple’s Wallet app is getting an update, starting with keys.
They already support keys for certain cars, such as the latest BMW, but now it will work with some buildings and hotel rooms.
ID cards are also coming to Apple Wallet, with ID information stored directly to your device. Apple is working with the TSA in the US to allow users to leave their physical ID at home when taking flights.
Here are some of the partners that will support these digital keys:
Apple Maps offer ‘incredible new details'
An update with Apple Maps will offer “incredible new details” for users that make navigating easier on the eye.
Elevation has been added, as well as custom-designed landmarks for places like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
A feature that uses the iPhone’s camera to scan the local environment also positions a person and overlays augmented reality directions to help them get to their destination.
London is the only city outside of the US that will get these 3D and augmented reality updates for Apple Maps.
Apple AirPods updates
AirPods have now been added to the FindMy network, making it easier to find any earphones that have gone astray.
Spatial audio has also been added to TVOS, with dynamic head tracking following users around the room as they watch shows and movies.
iPad OS gets a load of new widgets
Craig is back telling us about the updated iPad OS. The Apple exec seems quite excited by the support of new widgets, which apparently make it much easier to navigate around your device.
“We think this is going to change how you get information and access all your apps on the iPad,” he says.
iPadOS multi-tasking
A new multi-tasking feature with iPadOS is another feature that makes navigation easier, mostly thanks to a new area called “the Shelf”.
This allows lists and other apps to be put to one side while another task is underway. All of this is designed to improve user productivity and increase their focus without losing track of what they have to do.
Apple AirPods update
You can read more about the updates to AirPods right here:
Apple just added a load of new features to the AirPods
Apple has revealed a host of new updates for the AirPods, as part of its WWDC event.
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