WWDC 2024: The iPad gets a calculator - and what a calculator!

Apple presents software innovations for the entire device line-up at WWDC - including Apple Vision Pro. Many things can now be personalised or made clearer. The manufacturer is also mixing in artificial intelligence. The OS updates are all coming this autumn.

iOS18: Sending text messages via satellites

The operating system for the iPhone includes new features for more emotion in chats and a better overview of the home screen and emails.
You could already personalise some things on the home screen. Now you can see your wallpaper without a blurred effect and set your apps to monochrome. This way, the apps either match the background image in colour or take on the colour of your choice.

The control centre, which appears when you swipe down on the top right of the display, can be personalised: You can now add third-party apps alongside Wi-Fi, torch and co. and even sort the order. You can now also add shortcuts to the lock screen to get to notes or Snapchat more quickly.

Two new functions ensure more privacy when you let go of your iPhone: Lock an app so that it only opens when you verify it via Face ID. Or hide the apps in a folder completely.

In the Messages app, you have new options for more emotions and effects. In "Tabbacks" - a quick reply bar with emojis - you can now access all emojis. Add more movement to your texts with effects: Specify an animation for individual words, such as "explode" or "bounce". If you want to reply at a specific time, you can add a time and date to your message.

An exciting function if you need to send messages from a dead zone: starting with the iPhone 14, this will soon be possible via satellite. The whole thing should work via end-to-end encryption.

Your emails will also be organised. They will soon be categorised into primary (contacts), transactions, updates and promotions (advertising). Either automatically or hand-picked.

The map app brings new topographical maps and the option to create your own hiking routes - also with offline access.

With the Wallet app, you will soon be able to exchange money with other iPhone users without having to provide your mobile number. Simply hold the iPhones together and confirm with the button on the side. Hopefully it won't be too easy.

The Photos app is getting a whole new look. "The biggest redesign ever", according to Apple. Apple has mainly worked on the overview. For example, the app is sorted by different categories:

• Memories
• Trips
• People and pets
• Days gone by

You can also switch back and forth between different days, display image collages and share the whole thing at the touch of a button.

iPadOS 18: Calculator makes it to the tablet

In addition to the aforementioned personalisations, which you can also find on the iPhone, there is a new floating tab bar for the iPad. This appears in your current app and allows you to navigate between different parts of the app that are otherwise found in the sidebar. The floating tab bar can be equipped with three desired functions.

Use the "SharePlay" function to share your iPad screen with other iPad users. So you can help them with problems. You can now use the Apple Pencil to circle where a setting is located or move an app. The person at the other end will then see your actions.

And now for the most incredible app of the WWDC drum roll the calculator!
It's much more than a simple calculator The Californians have come up with some extremely exciting functions for it. Now you can do much more than add 1 + 1. For example, write formulas with fractions using the Apple Pencil and have the results displayed in handwriting that looks the same.

If you write a few numbers in a column, all you have to do is draw a line underneath it - the app takes the hint and adds the numbers above it. But that's not all: the app can also display or interpret graphs - from sketches.

The Notes app can now copy your handwriting. If you want to correct something in written notes, you can do this just as easily as with typed text: Click and change. You can also insert something between a sentence by moving the desired position.

macOS Sequoia: Apple wants more games for Mac

The new macOS is designed to integrate your Apple devices even more closely. With the help of "iPhone Mirroring", you can display and use your iPhone on the Mac screen. You can even use the keyboard to type text in the open apps or swipe back and forth with the Macbook trackpad to operate the iPhone. Mirroring also allows you to drag and edit images from the iPhone directly to the computer.

The Keychain app has been replaced by the Passwords app and now manages all your saved passwords in a more organised way. The app should also work on Windows.

In Safari there is now a better overview of the web pages. If you would like a summary of an article, you can display it directly in the browser tab. The "Highlights" function highlights the most important information on a page for you.

In the gaming sector, Apple is probably not quite where the Californians want to be yet. That's why they have significantly simplified the necessary developer tools and promoted them at WWDC. This should make it easier to get games onto iPads and iPhones across the board.

Ubisoft has already brought "Assassins Creed Mirage" to Apple devices. A brand new title "Assassins Creed Shadows" is to be added on 15 November. Ubisoft Vice President Marc-Alexis Côté will also be announcing Prince of Persia in person. Apple will show other games without comment.

visionOS 2: display two 4K monitors

Apple is improving the possibilities for the Apple Vision Pro AR glasses. With the help of simplified programming options (APIs) for developers, the number of apps is also set to grow steadily.

The interaction should work more easily with new hand gestures: Hold your hand up and tap your fingers together: This is how the home screen appears. To check the battery status of the glasses, simply turn your palm upwards. You can also control the volume with a hand gesture.

In the Photos app, it will soon be possible to view "spatial photos". The software converts the photos you create into a kind of 3D version. You can also share your photos with other Apple users via "SharePlay".

The Apple Vision Pro also works as a monitor replacement. You can now use it to simulate an ultrawide screen. This is equivalent to up to two 4K monitors. To mirror the content of your Macbook with the Vision Pro, simply look at the screen.

Interaction with other Vision Pro users is also possible, for example you can play chess and have the other person displayed on the virtual chessboard at the same time.

The Apple Vision Pro will be staggered until 12 July in various countries, including Germany, France and the UK. Switzerland is still not included.

Audio and Home: Just give Siri a nod

Something has also changed in the audio and home sector. You can now communicate silently with Siri using your Airpods. For example, if she asks you whether you want to take a call, you can nod or shake your head.
"Voice isolation" ensures a clearer sound during the call itself. This should help the person you are talking to understand you better.

In AppleTV+ you get more information about the films you are watching. If you are interested in the name of an actress or a song that is currently playing in a film, you can display a bar at the bottom of the screen. The information is displayed there to match the current scene. AI also comes into play in the films: thanks to it, voices should be highlighted more clearly if the background noise in the film is otherwise too high.

Cute feature: among the newly displayed screensavers in AppleTV+ there is also Snoopy :D

watchOS 11: more control over abnormalities

The manufacturer is adding its own app for your Apple Watch: "Vitals" allows you to view your health data recorded at night. Vitals alerts you if this data is outside your usual norm. For example, if you have a faster heart rate, if you've had a glass too many or if your temperature has risen due to your period.

You can re-evaluate your training: the answers range from easy (1) to hard (10). You can also view a summary of your workout on your iPhone.
The Apple Watch now automatically adds widgets to the home screen that you might need at the current time. For example, the translation with the correct language selection if you are currently travelling, or the current status of your ordered Uber taxi. The software uses AI to make this possible.

If you want to know more about the many AI innovations, colleague Samuel has summarised everything here: