WWDC 2021 followed in the footsteps of last year’s conference as for the second year in a row, the conference is entirely virtual and runs from June 7 to June 11. Normally the event would have drawn thousands of people to Silicon Valley if it was held in person. Apple revealed updates to many of its operating systems, including iOS 15, during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday. Here are the Day 1 announcements of WWDC 2021:
MacOS Monterey, formerly known as MacOS 12, as well as WatchOS 8 and iPadOS 15 were also announced by Apple. Apple also announced iOS 15, a substantial upgrade that includes a slew of new features that improve the iPhone experience.
With new methods to manage alerts, iOS 15 is claimed to make FaceTime calls more natural, offers SharePlay for shared experiences, helps users focus and be in the moment, and adds more intelligence to images and search to rapidly access information. Moreover, users will be able to add widgets to their tablet’s Home Screen in the next version of Apple’s tablet OS. It will also let users employ widgets to replace the whole app grid. Apple is also revamping Safari to make it more streamlined and include more device sync features, according to the company. Safari’s desktop software extensions will also be available on the iPhone and iPad. Extensions may share code across an iPhone, iPad, and PC, making them easier to build.
“Swift and all of these other technologies and frameworks were designed with one goal in mind: to enable you to develop the greatest possible apps and to provide the greatest location to find them.”
–Susan Prescott, Apple’s head of Developer Relations
Apple’s Macs will also get a new “Universal Operate” tool to assist control its iPads. It’ll function in a straightforward manner; simply move the mouse pointer to the side of the screen, and it’ll begin operating the other device.
Also Read: Apple Expands its Independent Repair Provider Program
More highlights from the WWDC 2021
On Day 1 of WWDC 2021, Apple also unveiled watchOS 8, a new wearable operating system with significant new capabilities that make the world’s most advanced wearable operating system even more important for people to be healthy, active, and connected. Apple demonstrated new privacy features that allow users to better control and manage access to their data. With features like App Tracking Transparency and Privacy Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Apple has continued to broaden its commitment to privacy and promoted change throughout the industry, and these features reflect the newest developments in Apple’s tradition of privacy leadership.
Apple also revealed new tools and technologies aimed at assisting developers in creating more engaging app experiences and making the development of high-quality apps even easier. Using sophisticated cloud services, Xcode Cloud pulls together the many processes and tools necessary to build, test, and deploy apps, allowing individual developers and teams to be more productive and give outstanding products to their consumers.
In Short
- Apple previews new iPad productivity features with iPadOS 15
- iOS 15 brings new ways to stay connected and powerful features that help users focus, explore, and do more with on-device intelligence
- Apple advances personal health by introducing secure sharing and new insights
- watchOS 8 brings new access, connectivity, and mindfulness features to Apple Watch
- Apple advances its privacy leadership with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, and watchOS 8
- Apple introduces new developer tools and technologies to create even better apps
