Apple just revealed what's next for the iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
Today at its Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple detailed the
latest versions of its operating systems: iOS 12, macOS Mojave, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12.
The updates included new ways to use Siri, revamps of old apps, and long-awaited features, like Dark Mode for Mac and group calling on FaceTime. Here's what you need to know:
iOS 12
As predicted, the next version of iOS is all about performance and stability, which means we aren't getting as many major new features as in years past. Apple did announce a new set of features meant to curb device addiction, as well as revamped notifications.
New Animoji are also on the way, as is a new Bitmoji-like feature called Memoji. FaceTime's also finally getting support for group video calls. Augmented reality's also getting an upgrade, with ARKit 2, which will support multiplayer games.
There weren't any major updates to Siri, but Apple is deepening its integration with third-party apps, thanks to a new feature called Siri Shortcuts, which lets you set app-specific shortcuts to use with the assistant.
Another important change: if you have an old phone and upgrade to iOS 12, it shouldn't slow down your phone anymore.
macOS Mojave
With the newest version of macOS, Apple's ditching its mountain-themed names and moving to the desert with macOS Mojave. The update includes a new system-wide "dark mode" (your eyes are going to thank you), as well as a redesigned Mac App Store.
On the Safari side, Apple announced new privacy-centric features meant to reduce websites' ability to track you. In a moment of not-so-subtle shade at Facebook, Apple's Craig Federighi detailed how the new version of Safari will prevent comment and like buttons, like those used by Facebook, from tracing users.
IMAGE: APPLE
There are also new screenshot tools, which makes working with screenshots more similar to iOS with screenshot thumbnails appearing immediately in the corner of the screen after you take them. Screen recording and Markup tools will also be built into screenshots.
And, once you take your screenshots, they don't have to clutter up your desktop anymore, with a new feature called "Stacks," which can automatically organize cluttered desktops by grouping like files together.
We also got a look at something called "Continuity Camera" which lets you seamlessly snap photos on your iPhone and add them to the apps you're working in on your Mac.
Finally, Apple teased a plan that lets developers bring iOS apps to the Mac, beginning with a handful of Apple apps: News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home.
watchOS 5
The Apple Watch is getting a ton of new workout-focused features with the next version of watchOS. Among them: automatic workout detection, so the watch will still track your workouts when you forget to start it yourself, as well as new modes for hiking and yoga tracking.
Additionally, new run-tracking features helps you keep better track of stats from your runs, including the ability to track your step cadence and rolling mile pace. Apple Watch owners can also compete in Fitbit-style activity competitions, which rewards whoever is able to close their Activity Rings first.
If you have friends who also have an Apple Watch, you'll soon have a new way to communicate. Apple's adding a "walkie talkie" feature that lets you, well, use your Apple Watch to chat with friends like a walkie talkie (provided you have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, that is).
tvOS 12
Apple didn't have too much to say about the Apple TV and tvOS (likely because it got a major update last year), but the platform is getting a couple of updates. Notably, a new feature will automatically detect your cable provider so you'll no longer need to manually sign-in to streaming apps — something Apple calls "zero sign-on."
IMAGE: APPLE
The Apple TV will also now feature a screensaver featuring imagery shot by astronauts in the International Space Station.
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