Apple WWDC 2021: iOS 15, new macOS, and more

Apple’s much talked about annual developer conference, WWDC 2021, kicked off with a bang. The company made several announcements where it revealed new updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Watch.

For starters, iOS 15 makes FaceTime calls more natural and dynamic with spatial audio, introduces SharePlay for shared experiences, helps users focus with new ways to manage notifications, and brings more intelligence to photos and search to quickly access information.

Multiple photos in Messages now appear as a collage or an elegant stack of images that you can swipe through. Apple Maps receives a big overhaul, Weather is redesigned with full-screen maps, and Wallet adds support for home keys and ID cards.

iOS 15 also includes new privacy controls in Siri, Mail, and more places across the system to further protect user information. Furthermore, iOS 15 gives users the ability to securely share their data with important people in their life, like a family member or physician, and receive insights into the health trends of their loved ones. Additionally, new tools in iOS 15 can be used to identify, measure, and understand changes in a person’s health data.

Apple showcased a host of new updates for the AirPods. They include new spatial audio features for music and TV shows, better tools for finding lost AirPods and a conversation boost tool to help owners hear more easily.

iPadOS 15 was also announced at WWDC 2021. iPad users will now benefit from more intuitive multitasking, a new Home Screen design with integrated widgets, the App Library, systemwide note-taking with Quick Note, SharePlay, a redesigned Safari experience, and new tools to stay focused.

Respiratory Rate tracking is coming to watchOS 8, plus new workouts including Tai Chi and Pilates. The latest watchOS also offers greater access with Wallet, more capabilities with the Home app and brings enhancements to Messages and the Photos app. There's also a new Portraits watch face and an updated Breathe app.

Apple unveiled macOS 12, named Monterey, as well. Universal Control is the big highlight here and it offers better continuity between desktops and iPads. The new Universal Control feature essentially uses a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple Macs and iPads.

Users can drag and drop files across multiple devices at once, enabling a multi-screen setup while editing video on Final Cut Pro. A major update to Safari features a streamlined tab bar and powerful tab organization with Tab Groups, Shortcuts comes to the Mac to automate everyday tasks, and Focus helps users stay on task and reduce distractions.

The developer beta for all the new operating systems is currently available and the public beta will be rolled out in July.