Each year Apple holds its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Below we have highlighted the key points announced at the event 6–10 June, including the new MacBook Air and iOS 16.

M2 chip
Apple introduced the new M2 chip, which is said to have a CPU 18% faster than that of the previous M1 chip, while the GPU is 35% faster.

New MacBooks
Apple are introducing new look MacBook Airs, with a sleeker flatter design at 1.1cm thick. The built-in camera has also been improved, promising twice the resolution (at full HD, 1080p) and better low-light performance.

As security is a big priority for Apple, the new MacBooks also come with TouchID built into the keyboard and MagSafe support. Other features include a 13.6″ liquid Retina display and slim chargers with 2 USB-C ports (which support fast-charging to get the battery to 50% within 30 minutes).

The new 13″ MacBook Pro is also getting an upgrade with the new M2 chip, which Apple claim has speed gains of up to 40% over the previous MacBook Pro with M1.

macOS Ventura
Apple announced their next major macOS upgrade. New features include a big update to the Mail app to be able to undo send, schedule send, and time reminders. As well as the new Stage Manager and Spotlight functions to easily see and group multiple apps and windows you are working on.

Passkeys
Safari is getting a new passkey function, where you can use Face ID or Touch ID instead of traditional passwords to log in to websites and apps with biometrics. This has been welcomed as a great step to further improve security, as it removes the need for users to micromanage multiple complex passwords for all the various accounts and services we all now regularly use.

Continuity Camera
Apple is also releasing the Continuity Camera ability – to attach your iPhone to your Mac whilst video calling for improved camera quality. This works wirelessly when you bring your iPhone in range of your Mac. Whilst this makes some sense as more recent iPhone cameras are higher quality with more features than Mac in-built cameras, this has been criticised as it looks messy thus contradicts Apple’s aesthetic and it also highlights that the in-built cameras are insufficient for modern video and remote working needs. I.e. Why not include a better in-built camera than bother with this approach?

iOS 16
The new iOS 16 will include improvements to the Lock Screen, allowing for more customisations and widgets. Similar to the Mail app, iMessages will be able to be unsent and edited after the fact. iMessage will also allow videos to be shared and watched together with friends via SharePlay, instead of just over FaceTime. SharePlay is also being upgraded with deeper support for games as well as videos. LiveText is now built in, which automatically translates and replaces text on-the-fly.

iPad OS 16
Apple have also announced that the iPadOS 16 will include all of the above iOS 16 features as well Stage Manager, which allows the grouping of apps and windows, to be overlaid and worked on simultaneously.

CarPlay
Apple have stated that there will be major upgrades coming to CarPlay, expected late next year. This will include a major integration with core car functions, such as monitoring and control of speed reading, fuel gauges, AC, and heating; all at the discretion and with the cooperation of car manufacturers.

Apple made some interesting announcements this year, such as their plans for an even faster M2 chip, impressive new features for macOS Ventura and iOS/iPad OS 16, the release of Sage Manager, and rolling out some long-awaited features for iMessage and Mail.