Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference was held on 5th January 2023 wherein the Cupertino giant unveiled a foray of gadgets and software updates. Both Apple’s website and its official YouTube channel live-streamed the event. The 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, all powered by the M2 processor, were introduced by the Cupertino-based tech behemoth. Several intriguing features were added to Apple’s newest launches – iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10.
Vision Pro Headset
Apple’s revolutionary mixed reality Vision Pro Headset with exceptional immersive viewing and spatial audio features, stole the spotlight. The headset, dubbed as a ‘spatial computer’ deploys Apple’s indigenous M2 chip and R1 chip alongside featuring an inventive display and an intuitive user experience. Streaming content, using applications and playing games powered by 4K displays will truly be an enriching experience.
The era of spatial computing is here. Where digital content blends seamlessly with your physical space. So you can do the things you love in ways never before possible. This is Apple Vision Pro.
— Apple (@Apple) June 5, 2023
It hosts cameras and sensors that facilitates gesture inputs via hand tracking. Its 3D interface bridges the gap between the virtual and the real world allowing apps to be displayed in a physical setup. The headset which is anticipated to be available next year will be priced at $3,499.
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15-inch MacBook Air
The MacBook features the company’s M2 CPU, has Thunderbolt 4 connections, a MagSafe connector, and of course, a 15.3-inch display in a chassis that Apple advertises as the thinnest 15-inch laptop in the world. It is the first 15-inch product in the MacBook Air line-up.
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A 1080p FaceTime HD camera and a six-speaker, force-cancelling surround sound system that supports Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio are among the other features that this MacBook hosts. The transformational MacBook Air will be priced at Rs 1,34,900
Mac Studio and Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra
The Mac Studio and Mac Pro have been upgraded with Apple’s M2 Ultra CPU that is built using a 5-nanometer process, is 20% faster than the M1 Ultra and a GPU that is up to 30% faster. It also boosts the Neutral Engine speed by 40%. The M2 Ultra in the Mac Pro offers a 76-core GPU in addition to a 24-core CPU for performance that is up to three times quicker than earlier generations based on Intel.
Apple introduces M2 Ultra #WWDC23 pic.twitter.com/2DAfdQa43Z
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 5, 2023
Equipped with M2 Max and M2 Pro configurations, which offer 8K resolution monitors and 240Hz refresh rates, the new Mac Studio will be priced at a starting value of Rs 2,09,900 in India, while the Mac Pro will start at Rs 7,29,900.
iOS 17
The iPhone app comes with several features like Customised contact posters, or contact images displayed during an incoming call, Real-time transcriptions in Live Voicemail. Transcripts, sticker features, a slicker layout, and support for location-based check-ins have all been added to the revamped version of Messages.
Apple iOS 17 announcement at #WWDC23 in under 5 minutes pic.twitter.com/pi08TGAtWz
— Engadget (@engadget) June 6, 2023
In addition to this, a new Journal app facilitates logging in and tracking your activities, and mood monitoring help identify emotional changes that are medically significant.
iPadOS 17
Apple’s tablets now support the widgets and lock screen customization options that were first introduced with iOS 16. The interactive widgets help launch apps directly from the lock screen and do other operations seamlessly. The iPad has been upgraded with the Health App as well that comes with the mood tracking feature.
Apple brings the customizable Lock Screen to iPadOS 17 #WWDC23 pic.twitter.com/jbpMBI9X36
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 5, 2023
Users will have more control over Windows thanks to Stage Manager’s multi-tasking view, and iOS 17’s messaging enhancements, Journal app, and contact posters will also be carried over to the tablet. In July, a public beta of the update will be made accessible.
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WatchOS 10
With watchOS 10, Apple is giving the smartwatch interface its first significant upgrade. The primary screen has been revamped and focus is entirely upon the focus on widgets for timers, podcasts, and additional material that users can access quickly by turning the Apple Watch’s digital crown.
watchOS 10 is beautiful ? #WWDC23 pic.twitter.com/ryO3DEUSP3
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 6, 2023
New features like Activity and World Clock have been added to the apps, and integration of Apple Watch with bike sensors, enabling them to communicate heart rate and power statistics, is underway.
