It’s time for Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), where Apple unveils significant updates for its devices. This year’s WWDC 2024 is packed with exciting new software announcements. Here’s everything Apple has announced so far.
visionOS 2
Apple introduced visionOS 2 for the Vision Pro, enhancing the Photos app with machine learning to transform old photos into spatial photos, adding depth and dimension. SharePlay now allows sharing and interacting with spatial media on FaceTime calls. New control gestures, spatial video editing in Final Cut Pro, and the Vimeo app were also highlighted. A new Home view provides quick access to frequently used features, and developers gain new frameworks and APIs.
iOS 18
iOS 18 brings notable updates to the iPhone Home Screen, allowing app icons to be placed anywhere and customizable dark mode and app tints. The redesigned Control Center offers customizable controls and a new gallery. Privacy features include locking apps with Face ID, Passcode, or Touch ID. The Messages app adds enhanced Tapbacks, message scheduling, and text effects. Satellite messaging and Mail categorization improve connectivity and organization. Maps now offer topographic maps and downloadable hiking routes, and Wallet introduces Tap to Cash. The Photos app gets a major redesign with Collections and a new Carousel feature.
Audio and Home
AirPods receive updates for voice-free Siri communication and improved call quality with voice isolation. Apple TV gains features to display details about on-screen content and music identification, which also appear on the iPhone Remote app. Apple TV supports 21:9 format, new screen savers, and refined voice dialog.
watchOS 11
watchOS 11 enhances workout tracking with Training Load and overnight vitals. The new Vitals app displays critical health metrics, and pregnancy tracking integrates with the Health app. Improved interactions include a customizable Photos watch face using machine learning.
iPadOS 18
iPadOS 18 includes features from iOS 18 plus a customizable floating tab bar and an updated Document Browser. SharePlay adds drawing capabilities, and the Calculator app pairs with Apple Pencil for Math Notes. Smart Scripts in Notes enhance handwriting clarity.
macOS 15 Sequoia
macOS 15 Sequoia brings iOS and iPadOS features to Mac, including iPhone Mirroring and interactive notifications. Window organization improves with side-by-side tiles and corners. Video conferencing adds a presenter preview tool, and a new Keychain app manages passwords. Safari introduces Highlights for relevant browsing information, and gaming capabilities improve with the Game Porting Toolkit 2.
Apple Intelligence
Apple unveiled new AI features across devices, focusing on robust, integrated experiences while prioritizing privacy. AI tools enhance writing and image creation, and actions aim to improve task efficiency. Siri and other devices benefit from improved natural language understanding and personalization.
What Wasn’t Announced
While the keynote focused on software, there were no new hardware announcements. Last year’s event featured new MacBooks, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, and Apple Vision Pro. The new software features will roll out first to developer betas, with public betas in the summer and general availability in the fall. Some features may arrive later in 2024.
