The highly anticipated Worldwide WWDC 2023 kicked off with tremendous excitement as tech enthusiasts from around the globe gathered to witness Apple’s latest announcements and product launches.
Amidst the anticipation and speculation, Apple CEO Tim Cook graced the stage to unveil a multitude of upgrades designed to revolutionize the user experience across all Apple devices. Being a developer conference, OS upgrades definitely were the focus. This year Apple announced upgrades including iOS 17, MacOS Sonoma, iPad OS 17, and WatchOS 10. We have detailed every update below for you to stay up-to-date.
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Major OS Upgrades in WWDC 2023
iOS 17
Apple made a significant announcement by unveiling iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, showcasing enhancements to key apps. Noteworthy updates include contact-specific “posters” for calls, live voicemail transcripts, improved interface and sticker features in Messages, location-based check-ins, FaceTime video messages, enhanced sharing options, and Siri’s ability to handle consecutive commands without repeating the keyword.
In iOS 17, autocorrect has been improved to correct and predict sentences at the sentence level. Additionally, new features such as the Journal app for activity documentation, mood tracking in Health, and StandBy mode, which transforms the iPhone into a smart display in landscape orientation, have been introduced.
The iOS 17 release is scheduled for fall this year, with a developer preview currently available, and a public beta arriving in July. It is important to note that this update will no longer support the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
iPad OS 17
iPadOS 17 aims to align with the redesigned iPhone experience introduced in iOS 17. With this upgrade, the iPad now offers lock screen personalization, similar to iOS 16, complete with interactive widgets. These widgets allow users to perform activities directly without the need to open specific apps. Additionally, iPadOS 17 introduces Health features, including mood tracking, leveraging the new capabilities of iOS.
The Notes app has received an update that enables users to annotate and collaborate on PDFs. Improved window management in Stage Manager enhances multitasking, and video calls now support the use of the webcam on an additional display. iPadOS 17 also brings the Journal app from iOS 17, contact posters, and a redesigned Messages experience.
While the official release of iPadOS 17 is slated for the fall, developers can already access a preview, and a public test release is anticipated in July.
WatchOS 10
WatchOS 10 brings a significant redesign to the Apple Watch, introducing a range of new features. The updated operating system introduces a Smart Stack of widgets that can be accessed via the Digital Crown, providing quick access to timers, podcasts, and more.
Popular apps like Activity and World Clock also receive enhancements. Cyclists benefit from bike sensor support, heart rate and power data tracking, and 3D waypoints. Hikers, on the other hand, gain automated waypoint generation for emergencies, detailed topographical maps with route search, and 3D waypoints.
In addition, WatchOS 10 incorporates familiar features from iOS and iPadOS. The Mindfulness app now includes mood monitoring, while outdoor time tracking helps prevent nearsightedness.
WatchOS 10 enables users to view video messages from FaceTime and participate in FaceTime group voice chats. Fitness+ subscribers gain access to personalized workout and meditation routines. A developer preview of WatchOS 10 is already available, with a public beta scheduled for July. The final release is expected in the fall.
MacOS Sonoma
MacOS Sonoma aligns with the upgrades seen in iOS and introduces several new features. It introduces interactive desktop widgets that synchronize with your iPhone and enhances video conversations with presenter overlays, responses, and improved screen sharing. The 15-inch MacBook Air will also be eventually upgraded to the new MacOS.
Safari receives stronger “anti-tracking protection” for Private Browsing and enables the launching of online applications directly from the macOS dock. Game Mode prioritizes performance for gamers, while visually stunning screensavers reminiscent of Apple TV are also included.
Accessibility features have been enhanced as well. A developer preview of macOS Sonoma is currently available, with a public beta expected in July. The final version will be released in the fall.
Conclusion
At the highly anticipated WWDC 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled a range of significant enhancements across all Apple operating systems. From iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to WatchOS 10 and MacOS Sonoma, each operating system brought new features and updates that promise a seamless and innovative user experience.
The event showcased Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, offering customers a wide array of cutting-edge functionality across their devices. With these remarkable advancements, the year ahead in the world of Apple operating systems is set to be truly remarkable.
