Just like last year’s WWDC keynote, this year’s event was held virtually due to the pandemic. This time, Apple is unveiling updates across its entire ecosystem.

iOS 15

The headliner of yesterday’s event was definitely iOS 15. One of the highlights is an improved FaceTime that will feature spatial audio, voice isolation plus a new grid view. There will also be FaceTime Links that can help you schedule calls even with people on Android and Windows 10 PCs. Other features include a SharePlay feature that will let you and others watch the same TV show and movie or listen to the same song at the same time.

The Messages app is getting several updates as well, such as the Shared With You feature that will track content shared within message threads. This will work with photos, stories in Apple’s News app as well as playlists and shows on Apple Music and Apple TV.

There’s a new Focus mode that lets you match your device with your current mindset, so when you’re at work, it will only show you work-related apps. Another feature is Focus suggestion, which will bring up certain modes based on your location. So, for example, you might get a fitness-focus mode suggestion at the gym.

Other improvements include a new notifications summary and a Live Text feature that can capture text in photos. Apple Maps will also feature custom-designed landmarks, detailed road lanes for drivers, a much-improved transit interface and 3D walking directions with AR.

Audio improvements

The AirPods Pro will now have a Conversation Boost feature that essentially acts as a hearing aid for those with mild hearing loss. On top of that, they will also get a new Announce Notifications option that syncs with the Focus settings in iOS 15. It will read priority notifications and broadcast things like a shopping list at the grocery store.

It has an improved sync with the Find My app, and will let you know if you’ve left your AirPods behind. Apple is also adding spatial audio support for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to the Apple TV, which is a major update to the over-ear headphones. Apple is also adding Dolby Atmos to Apple Music.

macOS Monterey

One of the biggest features on macOS Monterey is Universal Control, an evolved version of Apple’s Continuity that lets you use a keyboard and mouse across Macs and iPads. The unique thing here is that the devices have spatial awareness so that you can simply move your cursor across displays without having to tell the computer where they are. According to Apple, all of the configuration work happens within the OS. Other features include AirPlay to Mac, slimmer tabs and new tab groups in Safari.

watchOS 8

The upcoming watchOS 8 will feature new mindfulness features, including enhanced guided meditation and additional sleep tracking metrics like heart rate, bloody oxygen levels and respiratory rate. Apple is also adding new Tai Chi and Pilates workouts to its Workout app.

You can even now respond to a message with a gif. Other features include support for multiple timers, Assistive Touch for one-arm use of the Watch, updated Find My features and more.

iPadOS 15

The new iPad OS carries on the same themes from iOS 15, but in a much larger format. One of the biggest changes is that the app Library is now available for iPad. You can organize pages easily and there’s also a new multitasking menu that can let you display an app full-screen, split view or slide over.

You can also now swipe up from the bottom to see a new “shelf” that shows all the windows of an app. Other additions include the ability to @ message someone in a shared note and use hashtags to organize them. There’s also a tool called Quick Note, which lets you swipe from the corner of the screen with an Apple Pencil to jot down a note.

HomeKit updates

You could already use your iPhone and Apple Watch as a car key, but iOS 15 will now let you use them as your Home Key too. Apple is also opening up Siri to third-party HomeKit accessory makers for the first time.(SD-Agencies)