Bloomberg, citing its own informants, reports that Apple's developer conference, which begins on Monday, will bring the company closer to a future where the iPhone is no longer the main product, around which an ecosystem of products and services develops. CEO Tim Cook and other leaders to speak at the opening in San Jose, presenting updated versions of Apple's operating systems and a new approach to applications.
The changes will affect many Apple devices and services: the Watch, which is more independent of the iPhone; iPad as an even more viable laptop replacement; universal applications that work on any Apple device; and new areas of growth like augmented reality and advanced personal health diagnostics.
Although the developer conference is primarily focused on software, the company often introduces new devices at its event. This year, Apple will not introduce a new Apple Watch or iPhone (this will happen, as usual, in the fall), but fans of its products can count on a preliminary announcement of the new Mac Pro (professionals have already been waiting for it).
End of iTunes
This may be perhaps the loudest announcement of the upcoming conference. For nearly two decades, Apple users have used iTunes to listen to music, watch movies and TV shows, listen to podcasts, and manage their devices. This year, Apple is finally ready to move into a new era. To replace iTunes, the company will introduce three new macOS apps β Music, TV, and Podcasts. This is in line with Apple's media app strategy for iPhone and iPad. In the absence of iTunes, customers can manage their Apple devices through the Music app.
Watch autonomy
When Apple launched the watch in 2015, it was positioned as the next major product after the iPhone. But sales and popularity have not even come close to the iPhone, and the watch is still more of an addition to the phone. Following on from integrating cellular connectivity two years ago, the company's next watchOS 6 platform update will make the device even more independent of the iPhone, adding the App Store, and introducing basic apps like a calculator and voice recorder, along with new messaging features.
iPad as a PC replacement
Apple has been promoting the iPad as a laptop replacement for years. But although the hardware platform is already quite powerful, many professional users note that the software capabilities are still seriously inferior to full-fledged laptops. At WWDC, the company will talk about its new steps to bridge this gap. The company plans to improve the home screen and add features that make it easier to work with multiple applications at the same time, so that the iPad can act as a more complete replacement for a PC.
Universal Application Strategy
At one time, the concept of universal applications for their platforms was actively promoted by Microsoft, but with the death of Windows Phone, the momentum subsided somewhat. Now Apple is doing the same thing: at WWDC, new tools will be introduced that allow you to create applications that are compatible with both iOS and macOS, which is designed to make the Apple ecosystem more unified. Last year, for example, iPad versions of the Apple News, Voice Memos, Home, and Stocks apps became available on the Mac. It is expected that all Apple applications will eventually be able to run on every company device. As part of this concept, other underlying technologies of macOS and iOS will continue to converge.
"This transition may not be over in a couple of years, but this is currently one of the most serious efforts that Apple is making to bring its two key platforms together," said developer Steven Troughton-Smith. βApple and developers will be able to spend energy on one version of the program, instead of doing the same work twice.β
New Applications
Apple will also update a number of core built-in apps and features. The company is preparing significantly revised versions of Reminders and Health, changes to Maps, Messages, Books, Home and Mail. In addition, Find my iPhone and Find My Friends are expected to merge into a single application.
Augmented Reality
Since the company started pushing augmented reality capabilities in 2017, Apple has been adding new AR features to its iPhone and iPad apps every year. But until the company launches its own AR headset, the technology that superimposes 13D images on the real world is unlikely to catch on. At first, the headset will likely rely on the iPhone. Domestic versions of iOS 2020 are reportedly already receiving technology designed to power the upcoming headset. Apple is unlikely to talk about this publicly at WWDC, but the moves indicate the company could show off its new product as early as XNUMX.
Health
Health care has become a fundamental part of many Apple products. This year, in addition to the updated Health app for iPhone, the company will begin to monitor the hearing status of its users: how loud the external environment is, how loud and how long a person plays the sound on his device or headphones. The company is also planning more comprehensive menstrual tracking on the iPhone. The corresponding application will also appear on the Apple Watch along with the pill reminder program. There will also be a new sleep mode for Apple mobile devices and improved support for hearing aids.
Source: 3dnews.ru