WWDC 2023 Key Updates: iOS and iPadOS
Check out the exciting iOS and iPadOS updates unveiled at this year’s WWDC!
WWDC has consistently been an exciting event for iOS developers and the community, and this year is no different. It brings a new iteration of operating systems, and Apple has also introduced some intriguing hardware updates. The event showcased the unveiling of refreshed versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS, which are set to be released in the upcoming fall season.
iOS 17
iOS 17 brings significant system-wide changes, including innovative interaction methods and new Apple applications.
1. Phone
In iOS 17, the Phone app introduces a feature called Contacts Poster. This feature lets you attach emojis or images to express yourself to specific contacts. When you call someone, your personalized contact poster will appear full-screen on the recipient’s iPhone. This feature follows the design style of the iOS 16 Lock Screen, enabling customization with colors, fonts, and other options. Additionally, Contacts Poster will be compatible with third-party VoIP apps.
2. Live Voice Mail
Live Voicemail provides a real-time transcription of incoming voicemail messages, allowing you to read the message as it is being recorded. This gives you immediate context and the option to answer the call while the caller is still on the line. If you have Silence Unknown Callers enabled, unknown numbers will bypass ringing and go directly to Live Voicemail. Calls identified as spam by carriers will be instantly declined instead of appearing as Live Voicemail.
3. Journal App
Journal is an innovative tool for reflecting on and revisiting memorable experiences. It allows you to document your thoughts about significant events or daily routines. You can also enhance your entries with photos, music, audio recordings, and other details. Plus, you can mark important moments and revisit them in the future to gain fresh insights or establish new goals.
4. StandBy
StandBy provides easily visible information designed to be viewed from a distance. It allows you to transform your iPhone into a bedside clock, display memorable photos, and access relevant information through widget Smart Stacks.
5. NameDrop
To use NameDrop, simply bring your iPhone close to another iPhone or Apple Watch. Turn on AirDrop for everyone. Then select the contacts that you wish to share with the other device, and voila! The other device will receive those contacts along with the contact posters.
If you and the recipient are both signed in to iCloud, the content shared over AirDrop will remain secure and maintain its original quality even if you move out of the AirDrop range. It will continue to be transmitted securely over the internet.
6. Maps
You can save a specific map area on your iPhone and access it without an internet connection. This lets you explore the saved area offline and view details such as hours and ratings for places. Additionally, you can get turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling, or using public transit.
iOS 17 Supported Devices
iOS 17 will be supported on the following devices:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
iPadOS 17
iPadOS 17 elevates the iPad experience to new heights. It offers enhanced personalization options, visually appealing and useful custom Lock Screens, and productivity-focused features to boost efficiency. The iPad is now more capable than ever!
1. Lock Screen
In iPadOS 17, there are extensive options for customizing the Lock Screen of your iPhone. You can completely change its appearance by showcasing your favorite photos, altering the font styles, and adding a variety of widgets for quick access to information.
Widgets on the Lock Screen provide convenient access to data from your preferred apps, including weather, calendar events, date, time zones, alarms, battery level, activity ring progress, and other information.
2. Health App
The Health app is now available on the iPad, designed specifically for the larger display. It enables you to view detailed information in your favorites, review trends and highlights, and interact with charts. Additionally, you can create medication reminders, track your menstrual cycle, and log symptoms directly from your iPad.
3. PDFs and Notes
With Apple Pencil, you can directly annotate or sketch on PDFs and scanned documents within your note. The PDFs and document scans are displayed at full width, ensuring convenient editing. You can easily navigate to a specific page in a paper you’re reviewing or preview multiple PDFs within the same note.
You will also receive live updates in real-time when sharing a note with others. As you annotate a document, create a diagram, or include a sticker, the changes you make will instantly appear on your collaborator’s device.
4. Stage Manager
Stage Manager enhances your ability to arrange and adjust windows according to your preferences, allowing you greater freedom and control in configuring your workspace to suit your needs.
iPadOS 17 Supported Devices
iPadOS 17 will be supported on the following devices:
- iPad Pro (2nd generation and later )
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Upcoming Features for all Operating Systems
1. FaceTime
In FaceTime, you can now leave video messages if someone doesn’t pick up your video call. They’ll get a notification about the message and can watch it whenever they have time, like a voicemail.
2. Safari and Passwords
Maintain distinct browsing experiences for work and personal matters by using separate profiles in Safari. Profiles enable the separation of your browsing history, extensions, tab groups, cookies, and favorites. You can easily switch between profiles while browsing.
3. Siri
Siri now works when you say “Siri” as well as “Hey Siri.”
4. Health App
The Health app on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, along with the Mindfulness app on watchOS 10, provide users with an interactive and user-friendly platform to contemplate their mental state. By navigating through captivating and multifaceted shapes, users can select their emotions from a spectrum ranging from highly enjoyable to extremely unpleasant.
Wrapping Up
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 bring many unique features to iPhone and iPad. Apple has also released watchOS 10, macOS 14 Sonoma, and some hardware. We’ve published a series of blogs covering the updates announced at the WWDC 2023; please find the links below:
Hardware introduced at WWDC 2023
For more updates on the latest tools and technologies, follow the Simform Engineering blog.
