Apple WWDC 2024: Key Software and Hardware Announcements

Upcoming Apple Software Updates

iPad Accessibility Enhancements

Apple has confirmed that new accessibility features will be introduced to the iPad later this year. The company has yet to reveal the exact names for these updates, but many are hopeful for a significant upgrade.

macOS Updates

Rumors suggest that a redesigned calculator app is coming to Mac, which is quite exciting for users. The previous update was packed with new features like specialized cycling capabilities, topographic maps for hiking, mental health tools, and easier navigation between apps.

WatchOS 11

According to Mark Gurman, WatchOS 11 might include a more advanced version of Siri for “on-the-go tasks,” aligning with the rumored Siri overhaul in iOS 18. Additionally, there will be upgrades to the Fitness app. However, it is expected to be a minor update overall. Reports from iPhoneSoft via MacRumors indicate that Apple will drop support for the Apple Watch Series 4, which was released in 2018.

VisionOS 2.0

Vision Pro and Native Apps

Although the Vision Pro was unveiled at WWDC last year, visionOS was released in February this year alongside the apple-vision-pro-a-serious-concern/” title=”Shedding Tears in Apple Vision Pro: A Serious Concern”>mixed-reality headset. The next significant software update is reportedly already in development. In Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, he mentions that Apple is expanding its catalog of native apps rather than just running iPad versions in compatibility mode on the headset. As 9to5Mac pointed out, several Apple apps are not yet native to visionOS, including Calendar, Books, News, Podcasts, Reminders, Voice Memos, Stocks, Home, Shortcuts, and Maps. These might soon be available on the headset.

Respiration Tracking Feature

MacRumors reports that a new “respiration tracking” feature might be included. This was discovered by contributor Aaron Perris, who found references to the feature in lines of code within Vision Pro’s Mindfulness app. It will provide users with an immersive meditation experience using either guided meditations or self-guided sessions by sensing their rate of breathing. However, it is unclear whether this will be included in a visionOS update or saved for a future version.

Accessibility Features

Apple has confirmed that new accessibility features are coming to the Vision Pro later this year. According to the press release, these features include Live Captions for following along with dialog in both live conversations and app audio, with the ability to move captions via the window bar during Apple immersive Video. Other features to make the Vision Pro more accessible include a color inverter, a setting to change the transparency of windows and objects in the field of view, and a feature to dim flashing light effects.

“I’m personally rooting for macOS Mammoth.”