WWDC 2024 Highlights: iOS 18, Apple Intelligence, and More

Apple announced the features of the upcoming iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11 and visionOS 2 at WWDC 2024, its annual developer event. The Cupertino giant made several game-changing announcements this year including AI. It is bringing AI features across all Apple devices under ‘Apple Intelligence’. Other than AI, the tech giant has also overhauled their entire software lineup to take advantage of Apple Intelligence. Here's everything you need to know. 

Customisation in iOS18

Apple has finally changed its control center for the first time after iOS 17. The upcoming iOS 18 users features a new resdesigned and customisable control centre along with different slides. Users now have the freedom to place the app icons wherever they want on the home screen. It features an app lock that also allows users to hide apps using FaceID. The Photos app has been redesigned to make it user-friendly and appealing. iPhones are getting a game mode on iOS 18 that allow users to have uninterrupted gameplay by minimising background activities.

RCS on iPhones

After a lot of criticism by Google, Apple has officially announced that it is bringing RCS support for iPhone on iOS 18. Interesting that the brand didn't mention it during the event but revealed it on slide instead. Messages app is getting new features such as scheduling text and satellite-based SMS support.

AirPods Pro Update

Apple AirPods Pro will be getting the Siri Interactions feature with the next software update. It will allow users to interact with Siri just by shaking their head. To improve the voice quality of calls and reduce the background noise, the brand is bringing the Voice Isolation feature to the AirPods.

VisionOS 2

Apple has announced the VisionOS 2 for Vision Pro. The highlight of this update is its ability to support an ultrawide virtual Mac display which could be useful for several productivity tasks such as video editing, trading, etc. Vision Pro travel mode will now have support for train journeys. Apple also announced that the Vision Pro will soon be launching in Singapore, Australia, France, Canada, China and the UK.

watchOS 11

Apple is bringing several features to the Apple Watch via watchOS 11 update. This includes a brand new feature which automatically adds widgets on the home screen based on requirements. For easy tracking of the health matrix, Apple is also bringing a new health app.

iPhone Mirroring on macOS Sequoia 

iPhone users will be able to mirror their phones directly to Macs in macOS Sequoia. You can also choose to get your notification icon on Mac or play audio on the mobile device via the Mac. 

iPad is Getting a Calculator

One of the most requested apps for iPad has been confirmed by Apple. The iPadOS 18 brings a calculator app for iPad and it's not like your other calculator app. It has a feature called Math Notes that allows the users to use the Apple Pencil to write equations on the iPad that are solved automatically.

Password Manager

Apple has unveiled a new password manager app, named Passwords, that’ll keep track of all your login activities across devices. It will generate and store passwords just like other password-managing apps like LastPass. It will soon be available on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and Windows.

Apple TV Plus inSights 

Apple TV Plus is getting a new feature that show details of on-screen actors by just pressing the down arrow key on the remote control. Users can also identify songs playing currently and add them to the desired playlist just by pressing a button. The Apple TV Plus will now support a 21:9 aspect ratio for projectors.