Apple recently held their annual WWDC event last night and unveiled many new products including the new M2 processor, MacBook Air, iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura and many more.

iOS 16

Last night, Apple gave everyone a taste of what’s to come with the upcoming iOS 16 with an exclusive preview of some of its features. Some of the features touched by Apple during the event include iOS 16’s new Lock Screen features.

The new Lock Screen now comes with even more customisation options with new fonts, new colour options, new widgets, new gallery features and updated notifications. The widgets included in iOS 16’s new Lock Screen are inspired by the ones found on the Apple Watch, making it easier for users to see what’s what.

Users can also switch Focus modes straight from the Lock Screen by setting which Lock Screen activates which Focus mode. From there, users can simply swipe the Lock Screen to switch Focus.

iOS 16 also features updates to messages. Now users can edit their messages and even unsend any message they want. iOS 16 also allows users to retrieve recently deleted messages and mark messages as unread. Of course, this only works for messages sent between two iPhones. Moreover, the SharePlay feature will be making its way to Messages.

The CarPlay also gets a major upgrade in iOS 16 with features that double down on its integration with the car’s hardware. Through the new CarPlay, users will have access to many features through multiple screens displayed across the car’s dashboard.

Some of the controls that users will have access to through CarPlay include radio controls, air-conditioning temperatures and other car features. CarPlay can also use the car’s data to display the car’s speed, temperature, fuel levels and more. CarPlay also displays Weather and Music straight from the dashboard.

Other than these, iOS 16 also includes updates to Safari, Apple Maps, Siri, Home, Fitness and Health apps, Apple News, Game Center as well as privacy and accessibility tools. For more information on what’s new on iOS 16, click here.

macOS Ventura

The new macOS Ventura brings new features to the table including Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, Handoff as well as updates to existing features such as Mail, Messages and Safari.

First main addition to macOS Ventura is Stage Manager that helps users with multitask easier with their Macs. Stage Manager organises open apps and windows automatically to the left-hand side of the screen fro easier switching. This also helps users concentrate more on their work at hand. Stage Manager also works with Mission Control and Spaces.

Another feature introduced in the new macOS Ventura (and the one I personally find most interesting) is Continuity Camera. This features allows users to use their iPhones as a webcam for this Macs. Through this feature, users will have access to the iPhone’s various camera modes such as Centre Stage, Portrait mode and Studio Light.

Moreover, the iPhone’s Ultra Wide camera can also be used with the Continuity Camera feature thus enabling Desk View.

Handoff will also be available on FaceTime. Users can FaceTime with a person on one Apple device like their iPhone or iPad and then transfer that call to a nearby Apple device ie their Mac PCs or Macbooks.

Safari has also been updated for a safer surfing experience with the introduction of Passkeys. Passkeys replace traditional passwords and can be accessed through Touch ID or Face ID. It can also be synced across multiple Apple device through iCloud Keychain. Passkeys aren’t stored on web servers so it can’t be leaked through hackers.

More info on macOS Ventura can be found here.

watchOS 9

The new watchOS 9 adds more customisation options, additional health and fitness features as well as the new Medications app.

Watch faces have been given an update on watchOS 9 with four new watch faces to choose from:

  • The Lunar watch face supports lunar calendars for cultures that use it, mainly the Muslim and Chinese calendars.
  • Playtime watch face depicts an exclusive piece of art in collaboration with artist Joi Fulton.
  • Metropolitan, a classic-looking type-faced watch face that changes when the Digital Crown is turned.
  • Astronomy, an Apple Watch classic that has been remastered and includes a new star map and current cloud data.

The Workout app has been updated to provide better and more detailed numbers when measuring performances of one’s exercises as well as new training experiences to help users reach fitness goals. Users can monitor the intensity of a workout via Heart Rate Zones calculated through personalised Health data.

The Workout app also features Custom Workouts that can be used to create a structured workout.

Another addition to the watchOS 9 is the Medications app. As the app name suggests, users can use the app to keep track of their medications and supplements. Users can also list out their medications and set up reminders or notifications to view in their Health app.

Read here for a more in-depth look at the new watchOS 9.

iPadOS 16

iPadOS 16 introduces a few new features to help with its multi-tasking functionalities. Messages has been updated whereby users can easily collaborate and manage shared content across Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, and Safari, as well as third-party apps.

The collaboration capabilities are further emphasized with the new FreeForm app. Users see, share, and collaborate all in one place using this app. What’s more, the FreeForm also comes with full support for Apple Pencil. Similar to macOS Ventura, iPadOS 16 also introduces Passkeys on Safari for a safer surfing experience.

You can check out in more detail about iPadOS 16 right here.

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