So many rumors and little reality. It was again that time of the year- The Apple WWDC 2021. Well it was packed with new features and upgrades coming to its various devices but little did we hope that the new hardware expectations would be crushed. The overall Keynote by Apple CEO Tim Cook was great and here are few things he mentioned.
The New iOS 15
The new iOS 15 is set to roll into public beta in July, with a full release “this fall.” This release, according to Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior VP, focuses on 4 important points: staying connected, finding focus, using intelligence, and exploring the world.
FaceTime Updates
The new updates include Spatial audio, Voice Isolation, Portrait Mode, FaceTime Links, SharePlay. SharePlay helps share audio/video streams in sync with friends and watch it together. We can push the shared videos to our AppleTV and keep it all synced.
The “Focus” Mode
Now we’ll be able to shift into different, customizable modes — like “work” or “personal”. This could either make only work-related apps show up or tuck all work apps and widgets to the background. iOS can also batch less important notifications together and deliver them all at a specific time.
OS Updates
All three operating systems, macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, will be getting considerable updates. There will also be a huge load of Privacy and Security updates in Apple’s current endeavours to focus more on user security. Although it is called the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple tends to focus more on consumer issues. This time though, they did make some they did touch on a few developer highlights.
Other Updates
The camera will now be able to recognize text in photos. Apple is also incorporating home, office, or any keys into the Apple Wallet. Maps will be getting a details-focused upgrade, with the addition of 3D elevation maps and much more. There will be a “Trends” summary in the health app which will highlight patterns in step counts, heart rate, etc. Apple also said it’s opening up Siri to third-party manufacturers and their devices. AirPods will also be getting updates including Conversational Mode, Spatial Audio and Find My.
The Release that Never Came!
Much to the viewers’ disappointment, Apple didn’t release any hardware. Although plenty of new devices were rumored, none of them were announced on Monday. There were no new MacBook Pros, Mac Pros with an M1X or M2 chip.
Rumours about a larger M1-powered iMac and a higher-end Mac Mini also were seen. There was no news about the AirPods 3 or the new Beats earbuds that we saw NBA superstar LeBron James donning lately. We also saw rumours of a more affordable Apple Display but I guess we will have to wait longer.
Although we didn’t get any new hardware, there are loads of software updates in motion. As far as new devices are concerned, we’ll have to wait.
