At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference for 2016, the iPhone maker announced iOS 10, Siri for Mac and a new iMessage, among other developments.
We are all excited about Apple’s exciting new software update; iOS 10 which is due for release in September 2016. This version includes a softer aesthetic, personalised home screen widgets and an interactive lock screen. The iOS 10 software update also includes a revamp of Apple Music, Maps, News and HomeKit.
Below, we have included a summary of what you missed at the Apple WWDC 2016:
With iOS 10:
- Apple Music is much simpler and more intuitive. It has brought back useful iTunes features, including Recently Added and Recently Played sections. And it has added information in Browse and For You that include daily playlists, top charts and radio.
- The Apple Maps redesign makes Maps more proactive so it can check your calendar for places you’re meant to be going, and has a better search function for amenities close to you.
- Apple News is launching a new subscriptions feature so users can read all their subscription media within Apple News.
- The HomeKit app can now be used to control a range of smart home gadgets, from the garage door to a bedroom light to a thermostat.
iMessage updates:
Apple announced a range of new playful features for iMessage. The additions include the trebling in size of emoji and a quick search function for “emojifiable” words, which highlights words and brings up relevant emoji in case you were unsure about which emoji to use.
“Typing a message and realizing at the end that you’re total lacking in emojification.” 😂 #WWDC2016 This demo, omg.
— Krista Kauppinen (@kristajessica) June 13, 2016
Siri finally launched on Mac:
She was given a massive makeover, becoming much smarter. This includes writing your messages, doing image searches and transcribing voice mails so you don’t have to listen to a caller’s rambling soliloquy.
watchOS and tvOS has been redesigned:
With the Apple Watch becoming faster and more health-focused, while TV is gaining enhanced search.
OS X was rebranded as macOS:
The next generation of which will be called Sierra. It will come complete with Siri, Apple Pay and auto-unlock. A host of new features also make it easier to work across Apple devices.
What to expect from macOS Sierra:
- Full Siri integration, including file and internet search and the ability to play music and make calls.
- Greater integration with other Apple devices through an iCloud Drive update and new Universal Clipboard feature.
- Apple Pay for the web brings a button to Safari that allows you to authenticate payments with the TouchID on your iPhone or through your Apple Watch.
- Picture-in-picture means you can have a video play in a separate box while browsing other sites.
- Unlock your computer using your Watch with new Auto Unlock.
- Optimised storage to automatically shift old files from your computer to iCloud and remove unecessary duplicates, caches and logs.
Artificial intelligence to enhance messages and photos
Siri now has more contextual awareness. She makes intelligent suggestions based on your current location, calendar availability, contact information, recent addresses, and more. She can also read messages to complete your calendar.
Apple also announced advanced computer vision which will be used in the Photos app to help search for images and group relevant photos into albums. It also has a feature called Memories that gathers photos, videos and locations into mini snapshots.
You’ll finally be able to delete the stock apps
While this wasn’t actually mentioned in the keynote, it does look like iOS 10 is going to let you delete some of your unused apps like Stocks and Compass that clog up your home screen.
Compatible devices:
iPhone 7, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPod touch sixth-generation onwards.
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