Apple’s first ARM-powered Mac is a beefy Mac mini featuring an A12Z Bionic processor — the same chip found in the 2020 iPad Pro — and 16GB of RAM. But don’t get too excited. This one is just for developers.
It's official: The next version of macOS will be called "Big Sur." Photo: Apple
The next Mac operating system, called macOS Big Sur, will bring the biggest design overhaul in nearly two decades, Apple said Monday. In addition to the massive visual upgrades, MacOS Big Sur will usher in huge changes to the Messages, Maps and the Safari web browser.
Apple unveiled the massive changes coming to macOS on Monday during the company’s keynote kicking off this year’s online-only Worldwide Developers Conference.
“This year, we’re taking the macOS experience you love even further,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior VP of software engineering, as he launched into a deep dive into changes coming soon to Mac.
Yesterday's Apple keynote was one of the best in years. And not just because it had great products announced. Screenshot: Apple
In a dramatic shift, Apple is giving up Intel chips. Instead, future Macs will run Apple silicon — processors engineered by Apple based on ARM designs.
While Apple revealed a general timeline for the transition at its developers conference on Monday, and unveiled software developers will need to get their applications ready, the first ARM Macs are still months away.
Faster access to your cameras on Apple TV. Photo: Apple
HomeKit is getting a number of huge improvements alongside iOS and tvOS 14 this fall, including support for facial recognition and activity zones for cameras. It will also be easier to access your camera feeds, thanks to new shortcuts.
Home screen widgets for (almost) everyone. Photo: Apple
Wondering whether your iPhone will be compatible with iOS 14 this fall? You’re in luck as long as you’re using an iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, or later. Every handset compatible with iOS 13 is getting another upgrade this year.
iOS 14 gives iPhone and iPad users the power to choose their default web browser and email app for the first time when it lands this fall. That means you’ll no longer be forced into Safari and Mail when tapping links.
TvOS 14 brings some impressive new features to Apple TV. Photo: Apple
Apple showed off improvements coming to Apple TV during the WWDC keynote Monday, as execs detailed changes coming in tvOS 14.
The biggest tweak in the next-gen Apple TV operating system is platform-wide picture-in-picture. This means that users can continue playing Apple TV games or using fitness apps while also screening a movie, watching live sports or keeping tabs on the news.
AirPods Pro are about to get even more pro Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
AirPods got some impressive-sounding (no pun intended) features announced at WWDC, including an upcoming “Spatial Audio” feature that will provide better 3D sound for its AirPods Pro wireless earpods.
The feature will use motion tracking to replicate a surround sound, movie theater-style listening experience, making it sound like the audio you’re listening to is coming from around the wearer. It will work by using the device’s in-built accelerometer to track the motion of users’ heads. It will then remap the sound field constantly as your head moves around.
You can share keys with Messages, too. Photo: Apple
Apple’s car-focused tech got a nifty update at WWDC, letting users start their cars with their iPhone. Announced Monday, Apple’s new CarKey digital car keys feature will allow you to unlock and start select vehicles using NFC technology.
Emily Schubert, Apple’s Engineering Manager for Car Experience showed off the feature, which promises to revolutionize the way you start your vehicle for the 21st century.