Today, Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, to announce brand new operating systems from Macs, iPhones and iPads, and the Apple Watch. With this keynote speech, we got a look at its shiny new features, and how Apple is trying to make its users lives a little bit easier (whether or not it succeeds, we'll know with time).
Didn't watch the conference? We recapped the biggest highlights for you here:
- New Mac OS X: The new operating system for Macs is called OS X 10.11 El Capitan. The name refers to a mountain inside of Yosemite, indictating that this update will be a refinement on the already popular OS X Yosemite. (According to CEO Tim Cook, more than half of Mac users are now using OS X Yosemite.) El Capitan will have an improved spotlight search, more built-in apps, and better window management—meaning you can finally snap windows to any edge of your screen. Genius. Note: the update will be available in beta in July, and as a free update to all in the fall.
- New iOS: For iPhones and iPads, iOS 9 will focus on "intelligences, apps, iPads, and foundation." Foundation means the basics: "We wanted to elevate the foundations of the platform; things like extending your battery life, performance, and security." Like with the new OS X, you can use natural language to search on your phone or iPad, like "Show me photos from last July," and the device will understand. You'll also be able to search third-party data, like "Show me my reservation for AirBnB."
- Apple Pay can do more: Apple Pay will now work with third-party loyalty cards and rewards programs, so you don't have to feel bad about using it to pay for Dunkin Donuts. Square will also release an update later on that will allow small business owners to accept Apple Pay on their Square consoles. (This part of the presentation was also the first time a woman has ever presented at a WWDC—holla.)
- You can sketch in Notes now: That's cool.
- Maps will be less crappy: The app will focus on public transit, and give you better directions.
- Apple is tackling your news-reading problem: Apple announced News, a brand new app similar to Flipboard or Facebook's Instant Articles feature. It's basically a feed of news stories from your favorite sites or on your favorite topics—but it's unclear if this still replace straight-up browsing Facebook and Twitter for what's happening that day.
- The iPad is basically a computer now: With the new iOS update, the iPad will let you have multiple windows open—with the same snap-to-edge technology—and use your keyboard as a track pad. The future is now.
- The Apple Watch can do anything: With the watchOS update, the Apple Watch will let you send emails, make FaceTime calls, use Siri, track calories burned on your run, control the settings in your car, calculate the speed of your golf swing (yeah, we know, super relevant to 20-something year-olds), and watch playback video. You can also set the wallpaper to show photos of the specific city that you're in, and install a number of third-party apps.
Apple also announced Apple Music, new music streaming service that rivals Spotify, internet radio, and Tidal. Read more about it here.
Did we miss something? Will you actually buy an Apple Watch now? Sound off in the comments.
