Latest Unveiling by Apple Today
At the 2019 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple made several significant announcements across hardware and software, showcasing a focus on professional hardware enhancements, privacy, and improving the user experience across their ecosystem with new software tailored to device categories and developer-friendly tools.
New Hardware
Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR
Apple introduced a completely redesigned Mac Pro with a stainless steel frame, powerful 8th-Gen Intel Xeon processors, up to 1.5TB of RAM, multiple PCIe slots, and a new cooling system designed for professional workflows. The Pro Display XDR, a 32-inch Retina 6K display targeted at professionals, was also unveiled, featuring extreme brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The Mac Pro's base model will cost $6,000, while the Pro Display XDR retails for $5,000 for the display itself and an additional $1,000 for the stand.
Software and Features
macOS Catalina
macOS Catalina, the new operating system for Mac computers, was introduced with new features like the replacement of iTunes with separate Music, Podcasts, and TV apps, enhanced security, Sidecar (using an iPad as a second display), and new accessibility options.
iOS 13, iPadOS, and watchOS 6
iOS 13, iOS 13 for iPads (now known as iPadOS), and watchOS 6 were also announced. iPadOS brings a system-wide Dark Mode, faster performance, enhanced photo and video editing tools, improved privacy features, and a revamped Maps app. watchOS 6, on the other hand, adds independent apps for Apple Watch with the App Store on the device, new health and fitness features, including menstrual cycle tracking and hearing health.
Developer Tools
SwiftUI and Mac Catalyst
Apple also introduced SwiftUI, a new UI framework to simplify building user interfaces across all Apple platforms with declarative syntax, and Mac Catalyst, tooling to help developers port iPad apps to the Mac seamlessly.
Other Key Features
Sign In with Apple, HomeKit, AirPods, and Siri Shortcuts
Sign In with Apple, a privacy-focused single sign-on feature, allows users to sign in to apps and websites using their Apple ID without revealing personal data. HomeKit updates include HomeKit Secure Video for encrypted video from security cameras and improved automation and control. AirPods received new capabilities like audio sharing, automatic device switching, and improved Siri integration. Siri Shortcuts were expanded to allow more complex automation and integrations, enhancing voice control.
Memoji
Memoji, Apple's customizable digital avatars, received more customization options and Memoji stickers integrated into Messages and the keyboard.
These announcements mark a significant step forward for Apple, aiming to provide a more seamless and powerful experience across their ecosystem while maintaining a strong focus on privacy and professional user needs.
Additional Features
watchOS App Store, File Management, and Other Improvements
watchOS now includes the Watch App Store, allowing users to browse and download apps directly on their Watch without needing a phone. iPadOS allows users to plug a thumb drive, external hard drive, or camera into an iPad, bringing macOS-like features like column view and metadata access to iPads.
Privacy and Control
iOS 13 gives users more control over how third parties use location data and provides new ways to see which apps are accessing data and how.
tvOS Upgrades
tvOS receives a new look and support for multiple users, making it quicker to jump into watching and providing personalized recommendations. The Health app in watchOS now tracks activity trends over time, and tvOS adds support for Xbox One and PS4 Dual Shock controllers for games.
These updates demonstrate Apple's commitment to offering a comprehensive and user-friendly experience across all their devices, catering to the needs of professionals, casual users, and everyone in between.
[1] Source: Apple Newsroom
[3] Source: TechCrunch
[4] Source: The Verge
- Gizmodo might write about how the new Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, announced at the 2019 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), are designed for professional workflows, boasting powerful hardware and advanced technology.
- With the introduction of SwiftUI and Mac Catalyst, developers now have tools to create wide-ranging user interfaces across multiple Apple platforms using declarative syntax, making it easier to port iPad apps to the Mac. This technological advancement, along with other key software features, is expected to further improve the user experience across Apple's ecosystem.
