There were a ton of major announcements at WWDC 2019 Monday. I’ll be watching the full keynote coming up and providing additional information, but here is the “bottom line” of each announcement AskWoody members need to know:
First off, here’s another good “bottom line” summary from Macworld.
iOS 13: iOS 13 brings systemwide Dark Mode, Portrait Lightning Control and High-Key Mono on Camera, a new Photos tab, additional photo editing tools including video editing, the ability to sign into apps using one’s Apple ID, support for streaming HomeKit secure video over iCloud, additional privacy enhancements, 3D maps experiences with more detailed maps, and maps favorites, and a new Siri voice. Siri Shortcuts is now a built-in app, plus there are additional HomePod and AirPods enhancements. Enhancements to MeMoji, a universal profile for Messages, swipe-style typing, a re-designed Reminders app, enhancements to CarPlay, performance, accessibility, font management, and ARKit, round out the update. All new features available here. iOS 13 may also be supporting a forthcoming tracker similar to Tile, and will support a new volume indicator. ARKit 3 will be limited to the latest hardware. iOS 13 will also include some basic spam call filtering, smart battery optimization, and large app downloads over cellular.
iPadOS: The variant of iOS that runs on the iPad has been renamed iPadOS. Multiple apps now are supported in slide over, apps now work in multiple spaces, widgets can now be pinned to the home screen, Apple Pencil support has improved, including the ability to use an iPad as a second display with a Mac. Text editing, keyboard, font management, and keyboard shortcut support has improved, and the Files app can now access external servers and drives. Safari defaults to desktop-class browsing and a download manager. iPadOS also includes Dark Mode, signing into apps with Apple ID, the additional privacy features including HomeKit Secure Video over iCloud, the enhancements to Photos, performance, accessibility, ARKit, Reminders, Maps, etc. Support for external mice is also included. All new features are available here.
macOS Catalina: macOS Catalina was also announced, replacing the iTunes app as a standalone app with Music, TV, and Podcasts apps, with iPhone and iPad syncing/restoring handled through the Finder (iTunes for Windows will still remain a single app for n0w). Project Catalyst will allow iPad apps to be ported to the Mac, including the return of Twitter. Photos, Notes, Reminders, ans Safari get ehancements, and the iPad can now be used as a second display for Mac, including Apple Pencil support. Screen Time comes to the Mac, as well as additional privacy, accessibility, and Apple Watch authentication support. Dashboard is also going away in Catalina. All new features are available here. Here is more information on preparing a media library for Catalina.
watchOS 6: watchOS 6 brings new watch faces and complications, enhancements to Siri, on-watch App Store and software updates, an updated Reminders app and Calculator and Voice Memos now on the watch, MeMoji support and activity trends, cycle tracking for women’s health, and hearing health support.
tvOS 13: tvOS 13 supports a redesigned home screen, multi-user support, new screensavers, and Control Center.
Mac Pro and Pro Display: Apple also unveiled a new modular Mac Pro and 6K Pro Display. It’s a great option for professionals needing a modular tower, although it is super pricey and makes my iMac Pro look “affordable”. I’m still glad I use an iMac Pro, as I prefer the all-in-one form factor of the iMac, but I’m glad to see Apple offering both (although a space gray option would have been nice). The Mac Pro includes support for an Afterburner video card.
Also to come from WWDC 2019: Swift UI framework for developers, Bug Reporter replaced with Feedback Assistant, easing up on third-party parental control apps while beefing up third-party ads on children’s apps.
Nathan Parker
