Apple WWDC 2024 Keynote Overview

Introduction

• Focus on AI: AI is a major expectation for tech companies in 2024. Apple introduced AI later in the keynote.
• Rebranding: AI is now called Apple Intelligence.
• Overview of the 2-hour keynote and major announcements.

Vision OS 2.0

• Features:
  • New wrist turn gesture for time and battery.
  • Improved media features (spatial photos, spatial videos).
  • Higher resolution for Mac mirroring.
  • New environments and home screen rearrangement.

iOS 18

• Customization:
  • Place icons anywhere on the home screen.
  • Theme engine for matching icon and widget colors with the wallpaper.
  • Fully customizable control center.
• New Features:
  • Replace flashlight and camera on the home screen.
  • Hidden apps in app drawer.
  • Scheduled text messages, text formatting in iMessage.
  • Messages via satellite, RCS support.
  • Redesigned photos app, game mode, better mail app categorization.
• Criticisms:
  • Inconsistent app support for new customization features.
  • Mixed reactions on home screen aesthetics.

AirPods Updates

• Voice isolation during calls.
• Spatial audio during games.
• Head gesture controls.

Apple TV

• Swipe down for real-time actor, character, and song details.
• Feature to boost voices over music.

watchOS

• Training mode to evaluate workout difficulty.

iPadOS 18

• New Features:
  • Home screen and control center customization, new photos app.
  • SharePlay for remote iPad control.
• Major Addition:
  • New calculator app with Math Notes for handwritten equations and variable support.
  • Graphing feature for equations.
  • Strong AI integration for handwriting recognition and semantic understanding.

MacOS Sequoia

• New Features:
  • Automatic window snapping.
  • Built-in backgrounds for webcam apps.
  • Standalone password app for better management.
  • iPhone mirroring to Mac for seamless integration and dragging/dropping between devices.

Apple Intelligence (AI)

• Integration:
  • Generative models, large language models integrated across devices.
  • Writing tools for summarization, rewriting, proofreading in various apps.
  • Cleanup tool in photos app (similar to Google's Magic Eraser).
  • Generative emojis and image playground.
  • Siri improvements for better context understanding and app actions.
  • Summaries in Notes and phone calls.
• Privacy and Performance:
  • Most AI processing is on-device for speed and privacy.
  • Server-based models and OpenAI partnership for complex tasks with user consent.
  • No data stored by OpenAI, IP addresses obscured for anonymity.

Final Takeaways

• Broader implications for tech like Humane pin and Rabbit R1.
• AI is the prominent focus surpassing other features like home screen customization.
• Excitement about future capabilities and developments in Apple Intelligence.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe for future content and updates.
• The overview of the keynote serves as a comprehensive summary of new features and technologies introduced by Apple.

Peace.