Apple's WWDC 2024: The 13 Biggest Announcements
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) for 2024 was full of exciting updates and new releases that have the tech world buzzing.
Privacy-Centric Apple Intelligence AI Announced
Among the headlining announcements was the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a new AI platform that emphasizes privacy and works on-device for a variety of functions, including generative writing and image creation. It will also offer a Power Cloud Compute for more complex processing.
Compatibility Limitations for Apple Intelligence
However, the new AI-based enhancements will only be available to newer hardware including the iPhone 15 Pro series and iPad and Mac devices utilizing Apple's M1 chip or newer versions.
Siri Gets a ChatGPT-Integrated Upgrade
Apple's voice assistant Siri is receiving a much-needed overhaul with iOS 18. New visuals, better app integration, and connectivity to ChatGPT-4 for enhanced responses are key features of the update, exclusive to the latest Apple devices.
Introducing Custom Emojis and iOS 18 Upgrades
Apple is set to release a feature that will use generative AI to create custom emojis on demand. Along with this, iOS 18 will see major updates across key applications like Mail, Messages, Photos, and a revamped Home Screen and Control Center.
New macOS Named and Previewed
The new macOS has been named "Sequoia" and follows the tradition of California-themed names for the operating system. A developer preview is currently available, with the full release expected in Fall 2024.
Apple Vision Pro Going Global
Apple's mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, is set to become available in several countries outside the US, with pre-orders and release dates staggered based on the region.
VisionOS 2 Turns Your Photos 3D
Alongside the hardware, visionOS 2 will bring the capability to transform 2D images into spatial photos using machine learning, providing a more immersive view of your memories.
iPadOS Gains Built-in Calculator App
iPadOS 18 is finally introducing a Calculator app which incorporates a resizable window, a sidebar for recent calculations, and a Math Notes feature compatible with Apple Pencil.
watchOS and AirPods Pro 2 Get Improvements
The new watchOS 11 update brings smarter widget stacks, a Vitals app, and Training Load scores. AirPods Pro 2 users will soon enjoy a new Voice Isolation feature for clearer calls.
tvOS Updates Facilitate Enhanced Viewing Experience
Apple TV's operating system, tvOS, is set to see improvements with the introduction of InSight, an information overlay for content, and AI boosts to dialogue clarity and on-screen subtitles.
Apple Photos Introduces Object Removal Feature
Finally, the Photos app on Apple devices will feature a new Clean Up tool that allows users to remove objects or people intelligently from the background, addressing a long-envied feature of Google's Pixel.
From the introduction of groundbreaking AI technology to advancements across various operating systems and apps, Apple's WWDC 2024 certainly provided plenty of exciting updates for users and developers alike.
