Apple recently held its annual World Developers Conference (WWDC) where it showcased major changes to its software for smartphones, tablets and computers. For Apple, developer conferences like WWDC are an opportunity for Cupertino to show how it will change its software later this year when it is officially distributed to consumers around the world. iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and WatchOS 9 brought significant changes, including high-end iPads to improve multitasking and allow iPhones to become webcams with their Macs. Of all the new software features coming to Apple’s most popular products, here are the top five touches that will transform your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch in a better way.
Send or edit messages
One of the significant but less talked about new features in iOS 16 is the ability to edit and send the iMessage you sent recently. That is correct. If you use the Messaging app heavily, you can edit a message after sending or canceling the message. Basically, users will have up to 15 minutes to unsubscribe or edit a message. What isn’t clear is whether it only works with users of the Messages app, or whether it works if you send a message to someone who has an Android device. According to Apple, you can recover deleted messages for up to 30 days in iOS 16.
(Image credit: Apple)
A new lock screen and widgets
The lock screen, the screen you open countless times a day to check notifications and time, is taking on a personality of its own. Android smartphones have had a customizable lock screen for years. But for iPhone users, customizable lock screens are a new concept. Finally, users will be able to apply different styles and fonts and other information at a glance. Think of mini-widgets that will show time, activity, alarms, and more. As with the Apple Watch, you need to press and hold the screen to navigate through different lock screen options and find the best setting for you. In addition, users can create custom lock screens depending on when they are at work or at home.
iPhone as a webcam on a Mac
Forget the Camo app to use your iPhone’s high-resolution camera as your Mac’s webcam. With iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Apple has made it easy to turn your iPhone into a Mac webcam. It’s called a continuity camera. Maybe the best part? Your Mac will automatically recognize when your iPhone is nearby. No need to wake it up or even unlock it. It only connects to your Mac automatically. The continuity camera works with FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, Webex and other popular video conferencing applications. Another feature called Desk View shows a bird’s eye view of your desktop using only the ultra-wide-angle camera and image processing of the iPhone. It’s a great way to make unboxing videos. The continuity camera will be rolled out as a feature when macOS Ventura and iOS 16 launch this fall. It will be available for any Mac capable of running macOS Ventura.
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Say hello to the new iPadOS
For a long time iPad user, the Apple tablet feels great and the new iPadOS 16 is exactly what the iPad needs right now. With iPadOS 16, the iPad behaves more like a Mac. A new feature called Collaboration makes it easy to communicate with people in office applications such as Pages, allowing them to log in and start editing the main document. Like Google Docs. Another feature called Freeform is an application that allows users to interact with a virtual whiteboard. It is redesigned to be collaborative and has support for Apple Pencil. Freeform is set to be released later this year. But this is not all. For iPads with the M1 chip, Apple is adding support for external displays. With a monitor connected, compatible iPads can run up to eight applications simultaneously.
(Image credit: Apple)
Keep track of your medications on your Apple Watch
One of the most useful features of watchOS 9 is the new medication app that will make it easy to keep track of which medications you take and when you should take them. You can add them manually or take a photo to quickly add them to the app.
(Image credit: Apple)
In addition, it is possible to set schedules to know when to take your medications. The app will provide alerts if your medications have critical or serious interactions, although for now this feature will be limited to the US.