Apple is ready to display upcoming updates at WWDC, including iOS Dark Mode and iPad apps available on Mac’s
The ‘Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)’ takes place on June 3rd. Apple will announce a boatload of software updates for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac.
Reputable Apple news source Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that the company will be announcing new apps and updated software across all of its major platforms.
Apple software updates are usually minor and not to concerning to average users. This time around the company seems to be focusing on areas where 3rd party apps are more popular than Apple’s own.
Some of the biggest potential updates include an official dark mode in iOS, revamped mobile Health and Reminders apps, and a revamped version of Maps to better compete with rivals like Google Maps.
In watchOS, Apple is adding direct support for the App Store. Apple Watch owners no longer need to rely on their phones to install Apple watch apps.
In macOS, the company will announce the first crop of iPad apps that will run on Macs.
Here are some key highlights of what to expect from Apple at WWDC:
New in iOS 13:
- An official Dark Mode will be enabled from the Control Center. iOS users have previously had to use color inversion to achieve a sort of dark mode.
- There’s a revamped Health app, with a new homepage for daily activity, a “hearing health” feature, and “more comprehensive menstrual cycle tracking.”
- The updated Reminders app has a new main screen with four default options: tasks to be done today, scheduled tasks, flagged tasks, and all tasks. Gurman says the update “better competes with the several to-do list programs available on the App Store.”
- The updated Maps app has easier options for setting frequent locations, creating groups of favorite locations, and navigating to suggested and past destinations.
- The addition of profile pictures and display names in iMessages includes a dedicated menu for sending sticker versions of Animoji and Memoji.
- Find My Friends and Find My iPhone will be combined into a single app.
- Native support to use an iPad as a secondary Mac screen will be introduced, which is similar to the functionality offered by third-party apps like Luna and Duet Display. This was also previously rumored by 9to5Mac.
- There’s a selection of iPad-specific updates, including a better interface for multitasking and an updated home screen.
New in watchOS 6:
- App Store access on-device means you’ll be able to update and install new apps without using the Watch companion app on the iPhone.
- Transplanted apps from iOS include Voice Memos, Apple Books (for audiobooks), and the Calculator app.
- New apps including Dose for pill reminders and Cycles for tracking menstrual cycles will be introduced.
- New Complications (including ones for showing the battery life of hearing aids, rainfall data, and external noise) and new watch faces (including one with extra-large numbers) will arrive.
New in macOS 10.15:
- iPad apps on the Mac was previously rumored by Bloomberg. It reported that Apple will allow developers to create (essentially) a single app that runs on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- A new Apple Music app could be part of the rumored break-up of iTunes.
- Apple iPad apps that will be initially available on the Mac include the Podcasts app and newly merged Find My iPhone / Find My Friends app.
- Apple’s Screen Time, Siri Shortcuts, and updated Reminders app will also be available on the Mac.
