Apple has just held its yearly WWDC Developers Conference where it revealed huge updates to the iPhone and iPad that make things more customisable along with improving messaging and introducing a refreshed Photos app. iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are both big releases but Apple hasn’t forgotten about the millions who use its Mac PCs every day. During its WWDC keynote, the US tech firm also gave fans a glimpse of its new macOS Sequoia operating system which will land on devices later this year.
It comes packed with smart features including the ability to mirror your iPhone on your PC’s screen. As long as both devices are up to date with the latest software, you’ll be able to swipe through your iPhone apps and play games right from your Mac’s display.
Users can even seamlessly drag and drop between iPhone and Mac, and a user’s iPhone remains locked, so nobody else can access or see what the user is doing.
Along with iPhone mirroring Apple is also making it easier to organise open applications on the desktop. When a user drags a window to the edge of the screen, Ap automatically suggests a tiled position.
Users can release their windows right into place, quickly arrange tiles side by side, or place them in corners to keep even more apps in view. And new keyboard and menu shortcuts help users organise tiles even faster.
The Safari web browser is also improved thanks to a new feature called Highlights which makes it easier to find information on the web, such as directions, summaries, or quick links to learn more about people, music, movies, and TV shows.
Apple says it is also introducing an improved Reader mode which will offer a quick summary of the article they are looking at along with a more streamlined view of text and even a full table of contents for longer articles.
As well as improving workflow on the Mac, Apple is also promising that gaming will get a boost thanks to the launch of titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and RESIDENT EVIL 7.
Other changes include better messaging, more features in Apple Maps and an improved way to view your photos.
macOS Sequoia is a big release but things are getting even smarter thanks to the launch of Apple Intelligence.
This clever update, which will also be available across iPhones and iPads, will offer a swathe of features including help with writing emails, retouching photos automatically and even producing bespoke images for you via a function called Image Playground.
Apple is boasting that this upgrade will let you create playful images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use, built right into apps like Messages, and also available in a dedicated app
“The all-star combination of the power of Apple silicon and the legendary ease of use of macOS have made the Mac more capable than ever. Today, we’re excited to take macOS to new heights with macOS Sequoia, a big release that elevates productivity and intelligence,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “macOS Sequoia ushers in Apple Intelligence, unlocking incredible new features that will be a game changer for working on Mac. And with more ways to help users effortlessly get things done, new Continuity features like iPhone Mirroring, major updates to Safari, and a host of new games, we think Mac users are going to love it.”
MACS THAT ARE COMPATIBLE WITH SEQUOIA
iMac 2019 and later • iMac Pro 2017 • Mac Studio 2022
MacBook Air 2020 and later • Mac mini 2018 and later
MacBook Pro 2018 and later • Mac Pro 2019 and later