At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple previewed significant updates across its software platforms, including iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, visionOS 2, and watchOS 11. These updates introduce features designed to enhance productivity, personalization, and connectivity for users across all Apple devices.
iPadOS 18 Apple previewed iPadOS 18, enhancing the iPad experience with features like Apple Intelligence, Calculator with Math Notes, and new handwriting tools in Notes. Key updates include:
Apple Intelligence: Deeply integrated, offering generative models with personal context for enhanced productivity.
Calculator with Math Notes: Solve mathematical expressions and graph equations with Apple Pencil.
Smart Script in Notes: Fluid, flexible handwriting with real-time smoothing and editing.
Customisation: New ways to personalise the Home Screen, app icons, and Control Center.
Photos App: Major redesign for better organisation and enjoyment of memories.
Messages: New text formatting, animated effects, and scheduling messages.
Safari: Highlights and redesigned Reader for distraction-free browsing.
Privacy Controls: Lock and hide apps, manage contact access, and seamless Bluetooth pairing.
Additional Updates: Passwords app, enhanced SharePlay, Freeform updates, immersive gaming, Calendar and Reminders integration, and new Maps features.
Availability: Developer beta is available now; public beta is next month. Free update this fall for supported iPads. For more information, visit [apple.com/in/ipados/ipados-18-preview](https://apple.com/in/ipados/ipados-18-preview) and [apple.com/apple-intelligence](https://apple.com/apple-intelligence).
macOS Sequoia Apple previewed macOS Sequoia, introducing new features that enhance productivity and intelligence. Key updates include:
- iPhone Mirroring: Full access and control of iPhone from Mac.
- Safari: New Highlights feature for effortless information discovery and redesigned Reader.
- Gaming: Immersive experiences with new titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Frostpunk 2.
- Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system for Mac, iPhone, and iPad that integrates generative models with personal context.
- Passwords App: Easy access to passwords and credentials in one place.
- Window Tiling: Improved window arrangement and new shortcuts.
- Video Conferencing: Presenter preview, built-in backgrounds, and background replacements.
- Additional Features: Enhanced Messages, Apple Maps, Photos, Notes, Calculator, and Calendar.
Availability: The developer beta is available now, and the public beta will follow next month. A free update will be available this fall for Macs with M-series chips.
visionOS 2 With visionOS 2, available as a free update later this year, Apple Vision Pro users will enjoy enhanced spatial computing features, including 3D photo memories, intuitive hand gestures, new Mac Virtual Display capabilities, and more. The App Store offers over 2,000 apps for Vision Pro, 1.5 million compatible iOS and iPadOS apps, and additional Mac apps via Mac Virtual Display. Leading business and productivity apps, like Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zoom, support enhanced collaboration and productivity. Users can further boost efficiency with utility apps and Bluetooth accessories, including Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse.
watchOS 11 Apple previewed watchOS 11 at WWDC 2024, introducing features that enhance health and fitness tracking, personalisation, and connectivity. Key updates include:
- Vitals App: Provides key health metrics and context for better day-to-day decisions.
- Training Load: Measures workout intensity and duration impacts over time.
- Customisable Activity Rings: Pause rings without affecting streaks and set daily goals.
- Smart Stack and Photos Face: Enhanced personalisation with intelligent widgets and dynamic photo recommendations.
- New Connectivity Features: Check-In, Translate app, and expanded double tap gesture functionality.
watchOS 11 also offers additional support for pregnant users, introduces new workout types, and offers offline navigation for hikes in US national parks. Developers also gain new APIs for Smart Stack and double-tap gesture integration.
Availability: Developer beta is available now; public beta next month—free update this fall for Apple Watch Series 6 or later paired with iPhone XS or later.
Also read: WWDC 2024: Apple Intelligence is the new AI in town