Apple fans’ excitement level is usually high two times a year: when new iPhones are launched later in the year and when the company details the new software powering its hardware at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Presently, we are approaching WWDC, but fans won’t have to wait until WWDC to learn about the new features, thanks to Bloomberg, which details most of the new features coming to Apple’s iOS 13, watchOS 6 and macOS 10.15.
What to expect from macOS 10.15
Bloomberg reports that Apple will announce new apps and updated software across all its major platforms this year. Although the updates seem minor, they are part of the company’s bigger plan to boost the reach and acceptability of its homegrown apps. Let’s talk about the expected updates coming to each of the platforms separately, starting with macOS 10.15.
According to Bloomberg, the biggest addition to the operating system powering the Mac is the screen extension feature. The feature has been in rumors for a while now and will allow iPad users to replicate their Mac displays onto their tablet. Such a feature means you will be able to use the Apple Pencil to communicate with Mac apps.
Apple is known to be working on a process that will allow developers to build a single app that will run across all its products, including iPhones, iPads and Macs. Although the full-fledged process is still some time away, Apple could make available some iPad apps on the Mac this time, such as the Podcasts app and the Find My iPhone / Find My Friends app.
Aside from these two apps, Screen Time, Siri Shortcuts, and an updated Reminders app could also make their way to macOS 10.15. Apple will also be adding new multitasking features and a new Apple Music app.
Plenty of new things for Apple’s iOS 13
As far as Apple’s iOS 13, the report reiterates much of what we have been hearing lately. One much-anticipated feature coming to the new iOS is dark mode, which can be easily enabled or disabled. Previously, iOS users used color inversion to get a dark mode.
Apple is also reportedly working on a revamped Health app, including a new homepage for daily activity, a “hearing health” feature, and comprehensive menstrual cycle tracking. The app is also expected to get a metric related to sleep. iOS 13 should also be getting updated first-party apps such as Books, Reminders and Messages.
Additionally, the iOS Reminders app is also expected to get a major update, including a grid layout showing the tasks for the present day, scheduled tasks, flagged tasks and more. Such updates should make the Reminders app more useful for those who rely heavily on it to manage their schedule.
Apple will likely also update the Map app to allow users to create groups of favorite locations and set frequent locations easily. The update should also make it easier to navigate to past and suggested destinations.
Find My Friends and Find My iPhone will become a single app with iOS 12, something that has been reported previously as well. Users will also get the option to set an account profile picture for iMessage. Apple is also expected to bring sticker versions of Animoji and Memoji.
The iPhone maker may also add new features to Screen Time, giving parents more customized control. For instance, instead of limiting the entire Messages app, parents could limit messaging to set hours.
Other than these, there are several iPad-specific updates, including an updated home screen and improved interface for multitasking.
What’s new with watchOS 6?
Bloomberg report details several new and exciting features coming to watchOS 6. The biggest addition could be a separate on-device App Store for Apple Watch users. Such an App Store will allow users to download apps without using their iPhone.
watchOS 6 is also expected to get a new calculator and two new health apps. The two new health apps will help users track their medication and menstrual cycles. Apple Watch users could also get the ability to listen to audiobooks via Apple Books, Bloomberg adds. Other iOS apps coming to watchOS include Voice Memos and a Calculator app.
According to the report, watchOS may also get new Complications, including rainfall data, external noise and battery life for hearing aids. New watch faces could also arrive, including one with extra-large numbers.
All the new features and updates coming to iOS 13, watchOS 6, macOS 10.15 will likely be released in beta during WWDC, which is scheduled to start June 3. The final release will likely arrive around September or October.
