Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) is always an event to watch for Apple fans and developers alike. This year's edition did not disappoint, with new security and privacy developments announced for both Apple's mobile and desktop platforms.
Apple provided a preview of the highly anticipated iOS 16, M2 chip and macOS Ventura, plus much more!
Here's a quick rundown of the key highlights that were announced at last weeks WWDC 2022:
iOS 16 (Due out September)
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Customisable lock screen
The most significant change is a revamped, customisable lock screen that'll provide a choice of fonts, accent colours and layouts. You'll be able to add new widgets to view vital data without unlocking your smartphone. Apple will also be sending updates to notifications and its handy Focus feature, which allows you to filter push notifications and apps based on your status automatically.
Editable messages with unsend feature
Apple is introducing a new feature to its Messages app, giving you the ability to edit and undo any messages sent by mistake. You'll also be able to mark messages as unread, enabling you to easily come back to them later.
'Pay Later' - New Apple Pay feature
Following the "buy now, pay later" trend, Apple will be releasing 'Pay Later' feature to its Apple Pay which will allow you to make a purchase of up to a maximum of $1,000 and pay back in 2-week instalments over a 6-week with zero interest fees. Apple will reportedly use Apple ID as part of its soft credit checks and will only be available in the United States.
M2 Chip
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The next generation is finally here, with Apple stating that the new M2 chip provides an 18 percent performance upgrade compared to the M1 chip. The new MacBook Air will be the first product to feature the new M2 chip.
MacBook Air
Along with the new M2 chip, the new MacBook Air will have a larger 13.6-inch display and be available in four colours, including space grey, starlight, silver and midnight.
MacBook Pro
The new MacBook Pro will also come with the M2 chip and up to 2TB of storage, 24GB of RAM and up to 20 hours of battery life.
Privacy and Security Updates
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Apple will be adding a new 'Privacy Report' feature to Safari, which will allow users to see which trackers have been blocked on each website they visit. A new 'Do Not Track' feature will also be added to Safari, allowing users to opt out of being tracked by advertisers and other third parties online.
Apple is also introducing 'App Privacy Labels', which will provide users with information on how each app uses their data. There will be changes to iCloud, including end-to-end encryption for all user data and the ability to share iCloud storage with family members.
Another security feature being released is 'Safety Check', a new privacy tool aimed to help users who may be at risk from domestic violence. The tool enables users to quickly remove device access that others may have access too. It also has an emergency reset that allows users to sign out of iCloud on all devices as well as resetting privacy permissions and limiting messaging to the user's preferred device. Safety Check will help users better understand and easily manage other people and apps they've granted access to.
Apple demonstrated Private Access Tokens, a new technology that the tech firm is marketing as a "powerful alternative" to CAPTCHA challenges that assist with the identification of HTTP requests without compromising users' identity from legitimate devices.
macOS Ventura
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The highly anticipated macOS Ventura will come with an improved multitasking tool called 'Stage Manager' designed to help you organise your desktop more efficiently.
The new macOS will also see the introduction of a new 'Sign in with Apple' feature accessed via Apple Passkeys in Safari, which will allow users to sign in to third-party apps and websites without passwords using their Apple ID.
Other Announcements from Apple
- Changes to its Maps app, including the ability to see real-time traffic information and 3D maps of selected major cities.
- A new 'Dark Mode' for its Apple TV platform that will make it easier to watch shows and movies in low-light conditions.
- Additional support for AirPlay 2-enabled speakers to its HomePod smart speaker.
- A new 'HomeView' feature for its Home app, this will allow users to control all of their smart home devices from one place.
- New support for AirPrint 2 to its Apple TV platform will allow users to print documents and photos wirelessly from their Apple TV.
- Introducing a new 'Apple Arcade' subscription service, which will give users access to a library of more.