Apple kicked off its annual developer conference by showcasing its next-generation mobile software, iOS 16, with new features that will allow users to customize their lock screens and change the way they text friends through iMessage.
At its Worldwide Developers Conference, which began on Monday, Apple said it will add more features to iMessage, including the ability to edit or unsubscribe from messages. The company said that these two options are among the most requested features by users.
Apple also teased several new options to better customize the lock screen and improve the notifications experience. Apple iPhone users will be able to add widgets to the lock screen to quickly get information such as upcoming calendar events and weather.
iOS users will be able to track “live” activities, such as the progress of an Uber trip or updates to a sports game. And the software will offer more personalized wallpapers for your lock screen and the ability to shuffle options throughout the day.
Apple’s updates, likely to be released later this year, have extended to its broader ecosystem of products and services, from payments to cars.
The latest version of CarPlay will come with custom widgets controlled by the iPhone and capable of running on all screens in a car. Meanwhile, iOS users in the US will be able to spread payments over 8 weeks on Apple Pay, similar to a “buy now, pay later” service.
Apple also continues to bet on health features. The Apple Watch will soon support new personalized training features, including heart rate zones and data about a runner’s stride.
Additionally, enhanced sleep tracking will monitor when a user enters and exits light and deep sleep. A new medication app will allow users to track, manage and understand the medications people take and notify users when they take them.
While the event focused on software, Apple made some hardware announcements.
Apple introduced a thinner, lighter and faster MacBook Air designed around its new internal M2 processor. The 13.6-inch MacBook Air is 25% brighter than before, supports MagSafe charging, and has an improved front camera with twice the resolution of the previous model.
With an 8-core CPU, Apple said the M2 chip promises 18% higher performance than the M1 chip. The processor also comes with a 10-core GPU – double that of the M1 – along with 25% better graphics performance.
The MacBook Air starts at $1,099 and the MacBook Pro starts at $1,299.
Some industry watchers are also hopeful that Apple (AAPL) can offer an early look at a platform it calls RealityOS. The system can power the mixed reality headset – a wearable device said to be capable of VR and AR – that Apple has been working on for years.
The Apple event is being broadcast live on its website and on the company’s YouTube channel.
Source: CNN Brasil
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