At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple made major strides into the AI landscape with the announcement of “Apple Intelligence.” This suite of AI features is set to enhance user experiences across iPhones, Macs, and other Apple devices, marking a pivotal moment in the tech giant’s evolution.
Stay tuned to our website for live updates and detailed coverage of Apple’s WWDC 2024.
The event began with Apple CEO Tim Cook taking the stage, where he warmly appreciated the developers who form the backbone of Apple’s ecosystem. Cook emphasized the importance of developers in driving innovation and shaping the future of technology.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key features and updates unveiled during the event.
Apple Intelligence: Personal AI Unveiled for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
(Source: MacRumors)
Apple announced Apple Intelligence, a new personalized AI feature, at WWDC 2024. Integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, it enhances user experiences using generative AI.
Apple Intelligence combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver highly relevant and useful user experiences.
Integrated into the upcoming iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, this AI aims to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
With a strong emphasis on privacy, Apple Intelligence leverages both on-device processing and server-based models through Private Cloud Compute to ensure scalability and data security.
For a closer look at how artificial intelligence is integrated into daily life, read AI for the everyday. This article highlights the various ways AI for the everyday enhances productivity and convenience.
Writing Tools:
Apple Intelligence introduces advanced writing tools that enhance users’ ability to communicate effectively.
- Rewrite: Allows users to adjust the tone and style of their text to suit different audiences.
- Proofread: Checks grammar, word choice, and sentence structure, offering detailed suggestions for improvement.
- Summarize: Recaps selected text in various formats, including paragraphs, bullet points, tables, and lists, making it easier to digest information quickly.
Mail and Notifications:
New features in Mail and Notifications prioritize important communications and reduce interruptions.
- Priority Messages: Surfaces urgent emails at the top of the inbox with concise summaries.
- Smart Reply: Suggests quick responses while ensuring all questions in an email are addressed.
- Priority Notifications: Highlight critical alerts and provide summaries of long or stacked notifications.
- Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode: Ensures only urgent notifications reach the user, helping maintain focus on important tasks.
Notes and Phone Apps:
Apple Intelligence enhances the Notes and Phone apps with real-time audio features and creative tools.
- Audio Features: Users can record, transcribe, and summarize audio directly within the apps.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Image Playground: Allows for the creation of images using themes, costumes, and accessories, which can be shared across various apps.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Genmoji: Users can create personalized Genmoji based on descriptions or photos, adding a unique touch to their communications.
Photos App:
The Photos app now supports natural language search and advanced editing tools.
- Natural Language Search: Enables users to find specific photos and moments in videos with simple queries.
- Clean Up Tool: Helps remove distracting objects from photos without altering the main subject, ensuring cleaner and more focused images.
Memories:
Creating personalized stories from photos and videos is now easier with the Memories feature.
- Narrative Creation: By typing a description, users can generate narratives with chapters and song suggestions from Apple Music.
- Smart Selection: Apple Intelligence identifies the best photos and videos to match the description, crafting a cohesive storyline.
Siri Enhancements:
Siri has been significantly improved to provide more natural, contextually relevant, and personal responses.
- Text and Voice Switching: Users can switch seamlessly between text and voice communication.
- New Design: Siri now features a new design with a glowing light around the screen edge.
- On-screen Awareness: Siri can understand and act upon content within apps, making it a more integrated and helpful assistant.
I hope it doesn’t take siri 15 seconds to find that message and reply
— Bob Mute (@BobMute2) June 10, 2024
Privacy and Security:
Apple Intelligence ensures user data remains private and secure.
- Personal Data Awareness: AI features are designed to be aware of personal data without collecting it.
- Private Cloud Compute: Provides a secure environment for processing, with independent code inspection and cryptographic security measures to protect communication with servers.
Integration with ChatGPT:
Apple Intelligence integrates ChatGPT into its systemwide Writing Tools and Siri, allowing users to generate content and images seamlessly.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Powered by GPT-4o: ChatGPT can be accessed for free, with additional paid features available for subscribers.
- User Permission: Required before any data is shared with ChatGPT, ensuring privacy is maintained.
- Task Assistance: Enables users to request help with tasks such as creating custom bedtime stories, finding recipe ideas, or decorating a room.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating on X, formerly known as Twitter.
very happy to be partnering with apple to integrate chatgpt into their devices later this year!
think you will really like it.
— Sam Altman (@sama) June 10, 2024
Availability:
Apple Intelligence will be available in beta this summer, with a public release in the fall. The features are limited to devices with the A17 Pro chip or any M-series chip. Initial access will be managed through a waitlist, referred to as “Graymatter.”
iOS 18 and iPad OS 18 Key Features:
(Source: MacRumors)
Customization:
iOS 18 introduces new tools to personalize the Home Screen.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Dark Mode for App Icons: Users can now apply Dark Mode to app icons and tint them with various colors, creating a unique look.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Freely Placed Icons: App icons can be freely placed anywhere on the Home Screen, allowing for more customization and personalization.
Control Center:
The Control Center has been redesigned for greater customization.
- New Gallery: Includes a new gallery for adding tools from developers.
- Continuous Swiping: Users can swipe continuously to access multiple Control Center screens.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Customizable Lock Screen Controls: Allows for greater personalization and functionality.
Messages:
Messages have been updated with several new features.
- Redesigned Tapbacks: Allowing reactions with any emoji.
- Message Scheduling: Users can schedule messages to send later.
(Source: MacRumors)
- Text Formatting: Format text with bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough.
- New Text Effects: Provides ways to emphasize words and phrases.
even more opportunity for them to scan your txts, and emails, listen to your conversations and use your data to…..
— rob delicato (@morgdel) June 10, 2024
- Satellite Connectivity: Enables sending and receiving messages without Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
Mail:
Emails are automatically sorted into categories to help prioritize messages.
Maps:
New topographical maps with trail networks and hiking routes are available.
Wallet:
The new Tap to Cash feature allows users to send cash by holding iPhones together.
Photos App:
The Photos app has been completely redesigned.
- Unified View: Features a unified view with a photo grid at the top and collections organized by theme below.
- Browsing by Topics: Users can browse by topics like Time, People, Memories, and Trips.
- Recent Days Filter: Shows photos from the past few days, filtering out irrelevant items like receipts.
- Featured Photos Carousel: A new carousel with Featured Photos refreshes automatically to highlight new images.
Lock Apps:
(Source: MacRumors)
Users can lock apps with authentication, hiding them from Search and Siri. Locked apps require Face ID or Touch ID for access.
RCS Messaging:
(Source: MacRumors)
iOS 18 brings RCS support, improving texting with Android users by adding higher resolution media, larger files, audio messages, real-time typing indicators, read receipts, and more.
Game Mode:
Game Mode minimizes background activity to maintain high frame rates and enhances connections to AirPods and wireless game controllers.
Developer Beta:
The first developer beta of iOS 18 is available today, with a public beta following in July and an official release in the fall.
Additional Updates:
AirPods Pro:
(Source: MacRumors)
New head gestures allow users to control calls and Siri by shaking or nodding their heads.
(Source: MacRumors)
Voice Isolation removes background noise during calls, and Personalized Spatial Audio enhances gaming experiences.
Mat Notes for iPad:
(Source: MacRumors)
The new Calculator app features Math Notes, allowing users to type or write mathematical expressions and see instant solutions. It includes a graphing feature and integration with the Notes app.
Journal App Enhancements:
(Source: MacRumors)
The Journal app now includes an insights view, advanced search and sort functionalities, Health app integration, widgets, and automatic transcription for audio recordings.
Phone Call Transcription:
(Source: MacRumors)
iOS 18 enables automatic recording and transcription of phone calls, with participants notified of the recording. Summaries of key points from calls are also generated.
HomeKit:
(Source: MacRumors)
New features include guest access management, Express Mode for automatic door unlocking, and electricity usage integration for select users.
Passwords App:
(Source: MacRumors)
The new standalone Passwords app replaces iCloud Keychain, providing easier access to credentials.
Charging Limits:
New options in iOS 18 prevent iPhones from charging beyond 85%, 90%, or 95% to improve battery lifespan.
macOS Sequoia
(Source: MacRumors)
Apple at WWDC also announced macOS 15 Sequoia, the next version of its Mac operating system, featuring several new AI capabilities similar to those announced for iPhone with iOS 18.
The update includes a new Passwords app, a major Safari update, and a new Continuity feature called iPhone Mirroring.
Apple Intelligence Integration:
At the core of the new AI features is “Apple Intelligence,” which enhances user experiences across iPhone, iPad, and Mac by understanding and creating language and images, taking action across apps, and drawing from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks.
So it basically keeps track of everything you talk about, always (:
— Austin Gossett 💫 (@G0ss3tt) June 11, 2024
iPhone Mirroring:
This new Continuity feature allows users to view and control their iPhone directly from their Mac.
- Custom Wallpaper and Icons: Users can see their iPhone’s custom wallpaper and icons.
- Home Screen Navigation: Swipe between Home Screen pages and launch apps using the Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, and mouse.
- Seamless Audio and Item Transfer: Audio from the iPhone is played through the Mac, and items can be seamlessly dragged and dropped between devices.
Safari Updates:
The Safari browser now includes several new features.
- Highlights: Provides easy access to directions, summaries, and quick links for learning more about people, music, movies, and TV shows.
- Reader Mode: The redesigned mode offers a streamlined view of articles, including a summary and table of contents for longer reads.
Window Management:
macOS Sequoia introduces automatic window sizing to maximize screen real estate.
- Automatic Tiling: Dragging a window to the edge of the screen suggests a tiled position.
- Keyboard and Menu Shortcuts: New shortcuts improve window organization.
Passwords App:
The new dedicated Passwords app allows users to manage Wi-Fi passwords, app and website passwords, verification codes, and more.
- Cross-Device Syncing: Syncs across devices and integrates with autofill.
- Windows Compatibility: The app is also available on Windows through iCloud for Windows.
Photos App Enhancements:
The Photos app includes several new features.
- Memories Feature: Allows users to create stories from photos and videos by typing descriptions. Apple Intelligence selects the best media, crafts storylines, and arranges them into movies with narrative arcs.
- Clean Up Tool: Identifies and removes distracting background objects without altering the subject.
Additional Features:
macOS Sequoia introduces several other updates and enhancements.
- Messages: Updates bring new text effects, emojis, and sticker tapbacks, as well as the ability to schedule messages.
- Maps: Now includes hike and trail routes.
- Notes and Calendar/Reminder Integration: Smarter Notes and better integration with Calendars and Reminders enhance productivity.
- Presenter Mode: Updates include new backgrounds and improved video call features.
Compatibility:
macOS Sequoia is compatible with several Intel-based Macs but drops support for 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air models.
- Apple Silicon Requirement: Apple Intelligence features require an Apple silicon Mac with an M1 chip or newer.
Availability:
macOS Sequoia and iPadOS 18 are available in beta for Apple Developer Program members, with a public release expected in September.
New Features Across Platforms:
Rotate Wi-Fi Address:
(Source: MacRumors)
iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia introduce the Rotate Wi-Fi Address option to minimize tracking by changing the Wi-Fi address at random times.
Passkey Upgrades:
(Source: MacRumors)
The new Passwords app allows websites and apps to automatically upgrade existing logins to passkeys, enhancing security by using Face ID or Touch ID instead of passwords.
watchOS 11
Apple also previewed watchOS 11, introducing several new health and workout features:
The update will be available with all other models, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and after released:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Activity Rings:
Now, it is adjustable by day of the week and can be paused for rest days, allowing users to maintain their award streaks.
Safety Alerts:
Workouts can alert a friend upon completion, providing safety during activities like late-night runs.
Training Load:
(Source: MacRumors)
A new feature that tracks workout intensity over time using heart rate, altitude, workout duration, age, and weight data to calculate estimated effort rating and training load.
Vitals App:
Offers an overview of daily health, comparing current statistics to historical data and highlighting out-of-range metrics with tailored messages.
Cycle Tracking:
Includes gestational age estimates and charts for pregnancy metrics like high heart rate notification thresholds.
Smart Stack Widgets:
Automatically adds relevant widgets, such as Translate when traveling or Weather when rain is imminent.
Live Activities:
Now available on Apple Watch, enhancing real-time tracking and updates.
Photos Watch Face:
Improved control and machine learning for automatic photo cropping.
Translate App:
Now available on Apple Watch for on-the-go translations.
Compatibility:
watchOS 11 drops support for Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and the first-generation Apple Watch SE. It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and later models.
Developer Beta:
The first developer beta of watchOS 11 is available today, with a public beta following in July and an official release in the fall.
Health and Workout Features:
watchOS 11 introduces valuable health and workout features, safety enhancements, and improved app functionality, making it a significant update for Apple Watch users.
tvOS 18
Apple announced several exciting new features in tvOS 18, significantly enhancing the Apple TV experience.
InSight
(Source: MacRumors)
A key highlight is the introduction of InSight, a feature designed to provide detailed information about actors and songs within Apple TV+ content. This feature is integrated with Apple Music, allowing users to identify songs they like in a show or movie and immediately add them to their Apple Music library.
Enhance Dialogue:
Another significant update is the Enhance Dialogue feature, which utilizes machine learning to improve vocal clarity for TV speakers, receivers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices. This ensures that dialogue in shows and movies is more distinct and easier to understand.
Additional Improvements:
- Auto Subtitles: Subtitles will now automatically appear if the volume is muted or when users rewind a few seconds, enhancing accessibility.
- 21:9 Format Support: The update adds support for the 21:9 format, catering to users with projectors.
- Redesigned Apple Fitness+: The Apple Fitness+ experience has been redesigned.
- New Screen Savers: Introduces new screen savers, including a Portraits category, a TV+ shows and movies category, and a new Snoopy screen saver.
Compatibility:
(Source: MacRumors)
Compatibility remains strong, with tvOS 18 supporting all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models.
Availability:
The first developer beta is available today, with a public beta following in July. The official release is expected in September.
visionOS 2
Apple announced visionOS 2, the first major update to the Vision Pro’s operating system, introducing several new features and improvements.
Ultra-Wide Mac Virtual Display:
(Source: MacRumors)
One of the standout additions is the Ultra-Wide Mac Virtual Display, offering an expanded view equivalent to two 4K monitors side by side and support for a physical mouse.
Photos App Redesign:
The Photos App has been redesigned to include SharePlay support, allowing users to share photos during FaceTime calls. Additionally, users can convert existing 2D photos into spatial photos using machine learning.
New Hand Gestures:
New hand gestures have been introduced for frequently used features such as Home View and Control Center, enhancing user interaction.
Travel Mode and Guest User:
The Travel Mode now supports use on trains, and the Guest User option can save a guest’s eye and hand data for 30 days, providing a more personalized experience.
Developer Tools:
Developers also have new tools at their disposal, including new APIs and frameworks such as HealthKit for health data and TabletopKit for tabletop games.
Additional features include an AirPlay Receiving Mode, allowing content streaming from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Vision Pro, and Systemwide Live Captions that provide captions for spoken dialogue in live conversations and app audio.
Safari Enhancements:
The Safari browser in visionOS 2 has been enhanced, allowing users to watch videos in an immersive environment and tap on panoramic photos.
Apple TV App Multiview:
The Apple TV app now supports multiview for watching up to five simultaneous sports streams, providing the ultimate sports-viewing experience.
Mindfulness App Update:
The Mindfulness app has also been updated with a new feature called Follow Your Breathing, which presents dynamic visual animations and sounds that respond to the user’s breathing patterns.
Availability:
In terms of availability, visionOS 2 is set to launch in eight additional countries by mid-July, including China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK.
Pre-orders start on June 13 for the first wave and June 28 for the second wave, with launch dates on June 28 and July 12, respectively. The first developer beta of visionOS 2 is available today, with a public release expected later this year.
Other Important Announcements
Here are some other important announcements that happened at the Apple WWDC Event.
Public Beta Releases in July
Apple announced that public betas for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and HomePod software version 18 will be available in July. While Apple did not specify the exact release date, it was noted that visionOS 2 will not initially be available as a public beta.
Anyone can join Apple’s public beta testing program for free, allowing them to test these updates without needing an Apple Developer Program membership. Starting today, developers can begin testing all new updates, including visionOS 2.
First Developer Betas Released
Following the WWDC keynote, Apple released the first betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2 to developers for testing. Registered developers can opt into these betas through the Settings app on their devices.
Apple recommends using secondary devices to test these early betas due to potential bugs and stability issues. Over the next few months, Apple will refine these features through several beta versions before the public release in September.
Apple and Canon Collaboration
(Source: MacRumors)
Apple and Canon have announced the development of a new mirrorless camera lens, the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed for capturing spatial video for the Vision Pro headset. This lens, tailored for the Canon EOS R7 camera, features dual optics mimicking the human field of view and a high-speed autofocus mechanism.
The recorded footage can be processed using Canon’s EOS VR Utility app to create optimized spatial content for Vision Pro. The lens will be available later this fall, with pricing details to be announced.
Next-Generation CarPlay
(Source: MacRumors)
Apple provided an updated look at its next-generation CarPlay system during WWDC 2024. This new system is highly customizable, allowing automakers to tailor the design to match their vehicles uniquely.
New images reveal the Vehicle, Media, and Climate apps in action, showcasing various design options and layouts. Next-generation CarPlay will support custom alerts for EV charging status, software updates, rear-camera integration, and more.
The first vehicles featuring this new CarPlay system are expected to arrive in 2024, with Aston Martin and Porsche among the early adopters.
Market Reaction and Strategic Implications
Despite the ambitious AI announcements, Apple’s stock saw a slight decline of 1.5% during the event, reflecting typical market behavior where investors often “buy the rumor and sell the news.”
Analysts noted that the announcements, while significant, were largely anticipated and already factored into Apple’s stock price.
I dont trust Altman. I will be switching to different phone.
— HansKloss777 (@HansKloss777) June 10, 2024
Apple’s WWDC 2024 showcased the company’s strategic pivot towards AI, strongly emphasizing privacy and personalization. The integration of generative AI across its devices positions Apple to compete more aggressively with tech giants like Google and Microsoft in the AI space.
These new features, set to roll out later this year, are expected to enhance the functionality and user experience of Apple’s ecosystem, driving future growth and innovation.
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