Apple’s first mixed reality headset: Reality Pro
One of the most anticipated announcements was Apple’s first mixed reality headset, dubbed Reality Pro. The device combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create immersive experiences for gaming, entertainment, education, and work. The headset features a sleek design, high-resolution displays, advanced sensors, spatial audio, and a wireless connection to an iPhone or a Mac. Cook said the Reality Pro is “the most advanced and powerful device we have ever created” and demonstrated some of its capabilities, such as exploring the moon, watching a movie in a virtual theater, and collaborating with colleagues in a 3D environment.
New MacBooks with M2 chip
Apple also introduced new models of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro that will include the new M2 chip, the successor to the M1 chip that debuted last year. The M2 chip is designed to deliver faster performance, longer battery life, and better graphics for the Mac. The new MacBook Air features a 15-inch display, the largest ever for the Airline, and comes in various colors. The new MacBook Pro features a 14-inch display with mini-LED technology, a redesigned keyboard with a Touch Bar, and MagSafe charging.
iOS 17: More customization and privacy
The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 17, will bring more customization and privacy options for iPhone users. Some of the new features include:
- Widgets on the lock screen and home screen
- App Library on the home screen
- App Clips for accessing parts of apps without downloading them
- FaceTime enhancements, such as spatial audio, portrait mode, and SharePlay
- iMessage improvements, such as pinned conversations, mentions, and reactions
- Safari redesign, with a compact tab bar and extensions support
- Focus mode for managing notifications based on different contexts
- Live Text for recognizing text in photos and videos
- Visual Look Up for identifying objects in photos and videos
- Privacy Report for showing how apps use your data
- iCloud+ for adding features such as private relay, hide my email, and home kit secure video
WatchOS 10: More Health and fitness features
The next version of Apple’s watchOS, watchOS 10, will add more health and fitness features for Apple Watch users. Some of the new features include:
- Mindfulness app for helping you relax and focus
- Respiratory rate tracking for measuring your breathing during sleep
- Tai Chi and Pilates workouts for expanding your exercise options
- Fitness+ enhancements, such as artist spotlight series, time to walk guest episodes and picture-in-picture support
- Wallet app improvements, such as adding keys for your car, home or hotel room
- Photos app redesign, with memories, featured photos and portrait watch faces
- MacOS Ventura: More productivity and continuity
The next version of Apple’s macOS, macOS Ventura, will offer more productivity and continuity features for Mac users. Some of the new features include:
- Universal Control for using a single mouse and keyboard across multiple devices
- AirPlay to Mac for streaming content from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac
- Shortcuts app for creating custom automation
- Safari enhancements, such as tab groups, voice search, and web extensions on iOS
- Notes app improvements, such as tags, mentions, and quick notes
- Maps app updates, such as interactive globe, detailed city maps, and immersive walking directions
These are some of the major updates from Apple’s WWDC 2023 event. You can watch the full keynote on Apple’s YouTube channel or visit Apple’s website for more details.