Highlights: Apple's WWDC 2022 isn't just about iOS 16 and the new M2 MacBook, but...

In the early morning of June 7th, Beijing time, WWDC 2022 (Apple 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference) arrived as scheduled. At this event, Apple brought a series of new software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch - iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13 "Ventura", Apple Watch OS9, and also released a new generation of self-developed The silicon M2 chip and new hardware in the MacBook lineup that uses it. In addition, of course, there are many exciting surprises and highlights, let's take a look together!

What's New in iOS 16 Preview: Fresher, More Modern

As the operating system for Apple's next-generation iPhone devices, iOS 16 has been highly anticipated by users. At the just-held WWDC 2022, Apple finally brought a preview of iOS 16.

The new iOS 16 preview version is upgraded with several updates and new sharing, communication and intelligence features, users will be able to edit messages already sent in the Messages app, and can use new tools to personalize iPhone settings, such as customizing the lock screen Features for appearances, as well as new privacy features for those in "abusive relationships." All of these new features make iOS fresher and more modern.

At the event, Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi said:
"iOS 16 is a major release for us, bringing updates that will change the way people experience iPhone." "We've reimagined the look and function of the lock screen, making it even more exciting with exciting new features. It’s more personal and more useful. We’ve also introduced iCloud Shared Gallery for home users, simplified communications with new features in the Messages and Mail apps, and smart technology enhancements that bring live text updates.”

It is reported that the new iOS 16 may be released in September this year with the much-rumored iPhone 14, and will be used on later devices including the iPhone 8.

iPadOS 16: 'Epic' multitasking features

At this WWDC 2022, Apple also released a new generation of iPadOS 16 system based on the iPad.

The new iPadOS 16 system can support the multitasking function of foreground scheduling, which has greatly improved the processing capacity and unlocked full support for external displays. In addition, the iPadOS 16 system also adds support for virtual memory swapping, providing up to 16GB of memory for the most demanding apps.

At present, the updated iPadOS 16 upgrade list includes all iPad Pro, third-generation and later iPad Air models, as well as iPad, mini fifth-generation and later models.

macOS 13 "Ventura": Continuous Interoperability Unlocks New Ways to Play

At this WWDC2022, Apple brought some features of the macOS 13 "Ventura" system and announced the launch of the Continuity Camera feature, which allows Mac users to use the iPhone camera as a webcam.

That is, Mac users running macOS 13 can automatically recognize and use the camera near the iPhone without waking up or selecting (by using the ultra-wide camera on the iPhone to enable a desktop view to show the user's face and desktop , which supports features including FaceTime), and the iPhone can also connect to the Mac wirelessly.

Continuity Camera is available on iPhone XR or later. Using the Continuity Camera wirelessly requires a Mac and iPhone or iPad, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and both devices must be signed into the same Apple using two-factor authentication ID.

Currently, the system's "Continuous Camera" feature is available for iPhone 11 or later devices running iOS 16. According to Apple, the new macOS 13 Ventura system will be launched "this fall", and the public beta version will land in July.

Apple Watch OS9: All-round upgrade for a more refined experience

The newly upgraded watch OS9 has more dial choices. The four new dial packs are: a "moon phase" dial that depicts the relationship between the solar and lunar calendars that can be used in Greater China, Islam, Hebrew and other cultural environments. , a unique “Happy Hour” dial created by Apple Watch in collaboration with artist Joi Fulton, an elegant “Metropolis” dial that changes style when the user turns the Digital Crown, and a new The fully reworked "astronomical" dial of the star map function and cloud data function enhances the user's personalized experience as a whole.

In terms of functions, watch OS9 adds a new "sleep stage" function to the sleep app, adds an FDA-approved atrial fibrillation history function, and also upgrades the physical training app and provides more advanced indicators, views and exercise experience, as well as updates Features such as privacy and family sharing, help users improve their health and training levels in an all-round way.

The new watch OS9 is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later, and supports pairing with iPhone 8 and later or iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later running iOS 16.

Apple's self-developed M2 chip: power consumption reduced by 20%

One of the biggest surprises at this WWDC2022 is this latest Apple self-developed M2 chip.

The new Apple self-developed M2 chip adopts energy-saving performance technology and a unified memory architecture. The built-in 20 billion transistors can send 100GB of unified memory per second, which is 50% more than the previous generation Apple self-developed M1 chip. At the same time, the M2 also has four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, improving overall performance by 18%.

The new M2 chip features a 10-core GPU that delivers up to 25% more power and 35% more performance than the M1 chip, which reduces power consumption by 20%.

New MacBook Air with M2 Core: $1,199 on sale

One of the highlights of this event is the new hardware that Apple brings this time - the new MacBook Air with its self-developed M2 chip, which is equipped with a 13.6-inch display, 1080p webcam and completely fanless. body. The new model's Retina display is 25% brighter than its predecessor's screen at 500 nits and supports 1 billion colors

The M2 version of the new MacBook Air follows the design of the MacBook Pro 14-inch/Pro 16-inch models released at the end of last year, which is a thicker, squarer look that looks more retro, rather than the original lightweight, wedge-shaped design .

The M2 version of the new MacBook Air ditches all the extra ports from the 2021 Pro models: no SD card slot, no HDMI output for an external display, just two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, but retains MagSafe charging, which can be used at 30 Charge your Macbook to 50% in minutes. It will also come with up to 2TB of SSD storage.

The M2 version of the new MacBook Air features up to 2TB of SSD storage, a 1080p camera with twice the resolution, a three-microphone array, and four integrated speakers. The new device is available in four colors: silver, space gray, star gold and midnight black. The laptop is only 11.3mm thick and weighs just 2.7lbs (1.2kg).

The M2 version of the new MacBook Air is expected to go on sale next month and is available for pre-order now for $1,199, or $1,099 for education professionals.

New Macbook Pro with M2 Core: $1,299 Pre-Order

As Apple's all-time best-selling laptop, the Macbook Pro is now getting an upgraded version of the M2 chip. The M2 version of the new Macbook Pro device has a battery life of up to 20 hours, the same 13-inch retina display brightness reaches 500 nits, and also provides up to 2TB of SSD storage.

In terms of price, the M2 version of the new Macbook Pro retails for $1,299, and the education industry retails for $1,199.

Other surprise highlights

• Safari update

This time, Safari has also been updated: in addition to smart tracking that helps track users' browsing history, users can share tab groups with friends and family. Whether it's a vacation or planning an event, shared tabbed groups can help users keep track of projects involving multiple team members.

• Passkey

One of the most important updates announced at the event also included Passkey: Unlike passwords, Apple's Passkey uses TouchID and FaceID for authentication. Passkeys cannot be counterfeited, shared or leaked, they sync across Apple devices and are instantly available on all devices. In Apple's announcement, it's clear that passwords will eventually be obsolete, and Passkey keys will be the future of Safari security.

• iCloud Shared Photo Library

In addition to sharing activities, Apple will also implement image sharing settings. Users can share permissions that friends and family have added to iCloud, allowing up to five people to access and contribute to their photo library.

• Security Check Privacy Settings

At the event, Apple also announced Safety Check, a new privacy setting for reviewing and quickly revoking password and location sharing in an emergency. Users will be able to fully control their privacy and sharing settings.

• Matter Smart Home App

Apple has announced Matter - a brand new home app that helps users navigate and control their smart home. Users will be able to get an overview of household statistics in one image, and the app also has new features like lighting and climate control. Currently, more than 100 companies have partnered with Apple to create an ultra-luxury smart home system.

• CarPlay extension

At this event, Apple also brought an update to the car experience - the CarPlay extension. According to reports, Apple has cooperated with major auto retailers to implement a number of tools, and the personalization settings allow users to manage the theme and style of the instrument, so that users can make full use of it when driving, and can provide at-a-glance information. It is reported that the next generation of CarPlay will use a new layout to optimize the user's driving experience, and Apple will start implementing this new experience early next year.

• SharePlay

SharePlay first appeared in the previous version of iOS 15, and this time iOS 16 adds the ability to discover SharePlay apps from FaceTime. harePlay lets users share experiences while connecting with others on FaceTime.

Regarding the ability to discover SharePlay apps from FaceTime, Apple said "this is one of the biggest requests from developers." Now, when you want to share a movie on Disney Plus, you can start SharePlay while chatting.

Reference link: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/ios-16-every-major-new-feature-apple-revealed-wwdc/