21 Features We Loved from Apple’s WWDC24
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (aka: ‘Dub Dub’ by those who are lucky enough to attend) is an annual occurrence where the company unveils its latest tricks up its sleeve, and this year, they didn't disappoint.
WWDC24 was a treasure trove of innovative features that promise to make our digital lives more seamless. Whether you’re a privacy enthusiast, a productivity, or just love Apple’s products… their latest offering had something to delight everyone,
From Siri’s glow-up to the new Genmoji craze, here are the 21 features that had us tapping, swiping, and nodding in approval…
1. Record Calls
Ever wished you could remember that important call verbatim? Now you can. Just hit record in the Notes or Phone apps, and Apple Intelligence will summarise your transcripts. Perfect for journalists, students, or anyone who needs to capture every word… and wants to keep the reciepts ; )
2. Clean Up Tool
Say goodbye to photobombers and cluttered backgrounds. The Clean Up tool in Photos lets you remove unwanted objects with a tap. Apple Intelligence ensures your shots look pristine while still keeping it real. So whether it’s a random stranger in your vacation pics or a messy background, you can now make your photos Instagram-ready in seconds.
3. Genmoji
Move over, emojis. Genmojis are here to steal the show. Create personalised Genmojis right from your keyboard. Describe it, tweak it, and even match it to someone in your Photos library. Your texts just got a whole lot more expressive thanks to ‘Apple Intelligence’ which integrates OpenAI (aka ChatGPT.)
4. Siri x ChatGPT
As mentioned above thanks to ‘Apple Intelligence’ Siri just got smarter and sleeker. Integrated with ChatGPT from OpenAI, Siri can now handle more complex tasks, from answering questions about your documents to helping you compose and illustrate content. And don’t worry, you can control when ChatGPT steps in.
5. Seamless Siri Actions
Siri’s got skills – and now, it’s a multitasking pro. Ask Siri to send a drafted email from a few months ago or enhance a photo and save it in Notes. All without lifting a finger. Magic. Imagine telling Siri to make your photo “pop” and then instantly dropping it into a note for a project – effortless productivity at its finest.
6. Locked and Hidden Apps
Privacy is the name of the game. Lock apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, and hide them in a secure folder. Your secrets are safe with Apple. Whether it’s your journal app, banking info, or that secret shopping list, you can keep prying eyes at bay with these new security features. Internet trolls are calling it a “cheater’s wet dream,” because it will allow unfaithful partners to keep their messaging apps extra secure or even hidden. We are slightly concerned about this… NGL.
7. Stay Connected via Satellite
Even off the grid, you’re still connected… PHEW. With iPhone 14 or later, send and receive iMessages over satellite. And yes, it’s all end-to-end encrypted. Wilderness texting just got an upgrade! Perfect for adventurers, hikers, or anyone who finds themselves in the great outdoors without cellular service. I don’t know about you but I feel safer already.
8. Schedule a Message with Send Later
Night owl or forgetful friend? Schedule messages to send at the perfect time. Whether it’s a late-night thought or an important reminder, your messages will always be timely. No more 2 AM texts waking up your friends – now you can schedule it for a more reasonable hour.
9. Mail Categorisation
Inbox zero, here we come. On-device categorisation helps you keep track of your emails. Primary for the important ones, and other categories for receipts, promotions, and updates. Organised bliss. Finally, a clutter-free inbox where you can find that important email from your boss without wading through newsletters and spam.
10. Passwords App
Keep your credentials secure and sorted. The Passwords app syncs seamlessly across devices and lets you filter accounts by type or creation date. Safe and efficient. Never forget a password again, and find your login details in a snap – password management just got a lot easier.
11. Tap to Cash
Quick payments just got easier. Tap to Cash lets you pay or get paid without sharing personal info. Authenticate securely and transfer Apple Cash with a simple device tap. Whether you’re at a garage sale or splitting a dinner bill, it’s a fast and secure way to handle transactions between iPhones.
12. AirPods: Hands-Free Siri Interactions
Respond to Siri without a word. With new gestures on AirPods Pro (2nd gen), nod to say yes or shake your head no. Perfect for when you need quiet interactions. Whether you’re on a noisy bus or need to stay silent while the baby sleeps, Siri’s got your back.
13. Voice Isolation on AirPods Pro
Crystal clear calls, no matter the noise according to Apple. Voice Isolation uses advanced computational audio to make sure you’re heard, even in the loudest environments. No more yelling into your AirPods during a call – just crisp, clear conversations wherever you are.
14. Journaling for Wellbeing
Your mental health, tracked. The new Journal app lets you log your state of mind and syncs journaling time with the Health app. Reflect and stay mindful with ease. Keep track of your moods and thoughts, and see how they impact your overall health.
15. Home App: Hands-Free Unlock
Unlock doors easily and quickly. Just approach with your iPhone or Apple Watch, and voila. Doors unlock as if by magic. Convenience meets security. Perfect for when your hands are full of groceries or you’re just in a hurry. This is one of our favourite features in terms of safety. (The women in the room will get what we’re on about.)
16. View Your Home Electricity Use
Eco-warriors, rejoice. Track your home electricity usage in the Home app. PG&E customers can even connect their utility account for detailed insights. Go green with knowledge. Stay on top of your energy consumption and make smarter choices to save both the planet and your wallet. Not sure if it works in the UK, but I expect they will roll this out.
17. iPadOS 18: Handwriting with Smart Script
Your handwriting, but better. Smart Script in Notes refines your scrawls, corrects spelling, and even lets you reflow text. Whether you’re jotting down ideas or taking lecture notes, your handwriting will look polished and professional.
18. Calculator: Math Notes with Apple Pencil
Maths just got an upgrade. Solve expressions, assign variables, and plot graphs with Apple Pencil. The Calculator app handles it all, seamlessly integrating handwriting and typing. Finally, a calculator that’s as versatile as your needs.
19. macOS Sequoia: Use Your iPhone from Your Mac
Your iPhone, now accessible from your Mac. The iPhone Mirroring app lets you interact with your iPhone apps directly from your Mac. Keep your phone locked and your productivity flowing. No more switching devices – your Mac is now the ultimate multitasking tool.
20. Notes: Collapsible Sections
Declutter your notes. Collapsible sections in the Notes app make it easy to manage and navigate through text-heavy documents. Simplify, hide, and conquer. Perfect for students, writers, and anyone who loves an organised note-taking system.
21. watchOS 11: Cycle Tracking for Pregnancy
Pregnancy tracking gets smarter. New Cycle Tracking features offer health recommendations and notifications tailored for expectant mothers. Stay informed and supported during every trimester. From monitoring your heart rate to checking your mental health, Apple Watch is now a must-have for mothers-to-be.
