By
Godfrey Benjamin
March 22nd, 2024
There is a lot in new developments for the tech giant to be proud of. Let us take a look at the key announcements that Apple made during the WWDC 2020.
Today has been a great day for Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL). The company has started its annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2020 where a bunch of its new software is revealed. The conference has a totally new online format this year. All the users, the press, and developers have received a wide content choice. Besides, millions of developers got early access to new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Notably, among the participants, there are 350 Swift Student Challenge winners from 41 different countries and regions. In such a way, Apple supports and nurtures the next generation of developers.
There is a lot in new developments for the tech giant to be proud of. Let us see what were the key announcements Apple made during the WWDC 2020.
iOS 14 to Reimagine the iPhone Experience
According to Apple, iOS 14 represents the biggest update ever to Home Screen pages with beautifully redesigned widgets and the App Library. It is a new way to tap into the App Store with App Clips, powerful updates to Messages, and more.
The new features of iOS 14 include a ‘list view’ option that allows users to organize and flick through all of their installed apps at once. It also has the App Library that automatically organizes all the apps into one simple, easy‑to‑navigate view. Apps are sorted by category, most often used apps are always just one tap away.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, commented:
“iOS 14 transforms the most iconic elements of the iPhone experience, starting with the biggest update we’ve ever made to the Home Screen. With beautifully redesigned widgets on the Home Screen, the App Library that automatically organizes all of your apps, and App Clips that are fast and easy to discover, iPhone becomes even more powerful and easier to use.”
On iOS 14, Siri is completely different. It provides quick access to information or does things while still focusing on what you’re doing.
Apple has also introduced powerful updates to Messages. New Memoji, pinned conversations, group photos, inline replies will help you have great communication experience.
Maps and App Clips have undergone upgrades as well. With new Maps, you can get cycling directions using bike lanes, paths, and roads. You can also see elevation, busy streets, stairs, and steep passages when planning your trip. App Clips, designed to be discovered when needed, load a small part of an app experience within seconds to complete a specific task, like renting a scooter, buying a coffee, or filling a parking meter.
macOS Big Sur and the Biggest-Ever Safari Update
Further, Apple introduced macOS Big Sur — a new version of the most advanced desktop operating system. With novel design, it makes navigation easier and delivers quick access to controls from the desktop.
Due to macOS Big Sur, Safari will provide more features for personification and convenience, as well as ensure more privacy.
Craig Federighi said:
“macOS Big Sur is a major update that advances the legendary combination of the power of UNIX with the ease of use of the Mac, and delivers our biggest update to design in more than a decade. With its modern and clean look, huge improvements to key apps including Safari, Messages, and Maps, and new privacy features, we think everyone is going to love the breakthrough experience that macOS Big Sur offers.”
Refined AirPods
Apple has also made a point of its new version of wireless AirPods. Now, they will automatically switch from your iPhone to your computer if necessary. As for AirPods Pro, they will support virtual surround sound, like at a cinema, by measuring whether your head or device is moving.
Apple WatchOS 7
The latest version of Apple Watch automatically detects handwashing to initiate a 20-second countdown timer. If the wearer finishes early, they’ll be prompted to keep washing. Besides, it has such a future as sleep tracking to collect and analyze your sleep data.
Updated App Store
For the first time in two years, Apple has improved its App Store. New apps include paying for parking, finding a coffee shop, buying an ice-cream, purchasing a book, or flowers. Now you don’t have to open apps to rent a car. Just open NFC or scan the QR-code. Then, you’ll see a small version of the app (with the major one not opening), which will save power and resources of your iPhone.
HomeKit with Refined Functions
Finally, Apple added new features to its HomeKit. HomeKit allows users to communicate with and control connected accessories in their homes using the app. With the HomeKit framework, you can provide a way to configure accessories and create actions to control them. Users can even group actions together and trigger them using Siri.
With an updated version of HomeKit, you can keep control of climate, light, TV, and other “smart” devices. You can also check zones of activity, adapt the light to the house conditions, and identify those standing outdoors.
To conclude, Apple WWDC 2020 started great. Till June 26, WWDC20 will feature more than 100 technical and design-focused sessions led by Apple engineers. Videos will be posted each day at 10 a.m. PT and will be available in the Apple Developer app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, as well as on the Apple Developer website.