Apple kicked off its annual developer conference from 5th June to 9th June 2023. No doubt, tech enthusiasts, Apple fans, and developers all over the world were eagerly waiting for this event. Fulfilling the expectations, Apple shared its exciting keynotes of 2023 at the event. So, let’s delve into the key highlights of the event!
Unveiling of the product lines
The WWDC started at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET with Apple CEO expressing gratitude for the continuous support and enthusiasm shown by the crowd. He emphasized improving the user experience and the commitment to using cutting-edge technology to produce Apple devices.
1. Mac
Tim Cook started product updates with Mac. Certainly, Mac is one of the amazing products of Apple Silicon and users love its power-efficient performance. So, it was a breath-taking moment for the users to witness the 15-inch MacBook Air- “Dream Big”.
The slogan rightly describes the features of the world’s best 15-inch laptop. It is 11.5mm thin and weighs around 3.3 pounds which makes it the thinnest 15’’ laptop. MagSafe charging, a headphone jack, and two thunderbolt ports add further beauty to MacBook Air. Interestingly, it has four finishes including Starlight and Midnight.
The event revealed that MacBook Air is 12 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air and awe-inspiringly, it has 15.3 inches display with 500 nits of brightness and 5mm borders. Its three-mic array, spatial audio, and force-canceling woofers make it astounding. Also, MacBook Air has 18 hours of battery. In a nutshell, MacBook Air is two times faster, has two times more resolution, 25% brighter screen, and 50% more battery life. Altogether, it is a jaw-dropping Macbook with a fanless design.
Apple is super-excited to launch the 15-inch MacBook Air at $1299, or $1199 for education. For a 13-inch with M1, it costs $999.
2. Mac studio
The event continued to surprise the audience with its pro products. Apple introduced the M2 Max which is 25% faster than M1 Max, renders 50% faster after effects, and is 4 times more powerful than the Intel-based iMac.
Additionally, Apple shared connecting two M2 Max chips would make M2 Ultra. It would be 20% faster than the M1 Ultra with a 24-core CPU. It can support 192 GB of memory which is 50% more than the M1 Ultra. Apple claims it is “the most powerful chip ever created for a personal computer”.
Another surprise for pro users was Mac Pro with Apple Silicon. It is the most powerful chip with PCI expansion. Fortunately, every Mac Pro has an M2 Ultra which is 3 times faster than an Intel Mac Pro. Users can get it in two enclosures i.e. rack-mount and tower. The price of Mac Studio is $1999 whereas Mac Pro costs $6999.
4. iOS 17
iOS is already famous for its delightful features but in WWDC 2023, Apple has added new features to the existing apps for all new experiences and better communication. It includes simplified updates to messages, phone, and FaceTime. FaceTime now allows the user to leave video messages if the calls are unanswered. Moreover, the user can apply search filters in messages.
Apart from this, Apple has shared a new design for the iMessage app. Further, the user can experience new stickers and can even make “Live stickers” from live photos. Besides this, AirDrop has an exciting update i.e. use AirDrop to exchange numbers and email addresses. It is now easy to share content via AirDrop by bringing phones close together.
iOS 17 is updated to save moments to Journal and no one can have access, not even Apple. As a result, the user finds it more secure to save their special moments. Other than this, there’s a new update named StandBy. This update helps the user to choose from a range of widgets and it is especially designed for the MagSafe stand. Interestingly, it adapts to low light and helps you to sleep better.
Another mesmerizing new update of iOS 17 is that the user just has to say Hey Siri once and does not need to repeat Siri. The software update supports pets too.
4. iPad
Numerous updates in iPadOS have gained the attention of developers. These updates include widgets and customized lock screens. Now, the user can keep track of multiple timers. Above all, a health app is coming to iPadOS which includes interactive charts. Ultimately, the user can get in-depth reports. Along with this, iPadOS has autofill on pdfs too.
5. Apple Vision Pro
In WWDC 2023, Apple launched its revolutionary mixed reality headset with more cameras, headbands, speakers, and digital crowns. It is an entirely new AR platform that uses eyes, voice, and hands to control. Apple takes pride in it as it paved the way for spatial computing.
It has a three-dimensional interface and the user feels a new world in front of his eyes. If someone wants to feel magic, then this device perfectly suits him. It uses finger tapping, and eye tracking to select and scroll. The user can easily connect Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard as input devices.
Disney celebrated its 100th anniversary by sharing the stage with Apple. It collaborated with Apple to create personal experiences for Disney character lovers. With the help of Vision Pro, the user can experience their favorite stories. The price of Vision Pro starts from $3499.
6. MacOS, Audio & Home, and watchOS
Apart from the aforementioned features, WWDC 2023 had much more. MacOS Sonoma got new floating screensavers, new widget support, and a widget gallery that can be accessed on the Mac too. Airpods now have an adaptive audio system. It reduces distracting noises from surroundings.
One of the best examples is that it will focus on voices and reduce background noises. WatchOS update has got a new watch face and activity redesign. It contains Woodstock and Snoopy. So, if it is raining, it will rain on Snoopy too. Further, the watch has new cycling support for workouts which allows the user to record their movements and get accurate reports.
Apple WWDC 2023 was full of surprises and throughout the event, the audience enjoyed the new updates. Overall, the event showcased the innovation of Apple and how it is contributing to the evolving needs of the new era.
