Every year, Apple holds a Developers conference to announce major software updates for all of its products. Often a preview of the new hardware and software is also given. All consumer announcements will be made during a keynote on the same day.
Apple's 33rd Worldwide Developers conference (WWDC22) was a digital-only event for the third year in a row. The digital WWDC event started on June 6, 2022 and was free for everyone. The online event gave people around the world access to future versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS.
We will cover the most important changes in outline. In addition, we will cover the specific updates in a series of blogs.
iOS 16 (iPhone)
Apple previewed the new version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 16 , in June 2022. iOS 16 introduces a redesigned, customizable lock screen with widgets, the ability to edit and delete messages, improved focus modes, a shared iCloud photo library for families, major improvements to apps like Mail, Home, and Wallet, and much more.
The lock screen design has been completely revamped in iOS 16. The new lock screen design is highly customizable with a wide range of options for widgets, fonts, multi-layer effect for images and moving wallpapers. Users can create multiple different lock screens tied to focus modes.
Notifications now roll up from the bottom of the screen to be less distracting. Live Activities allow users to keep track of current events, such as a workout or a sports game, in real time, right from the lock screen. Focus modes have been improved with simpler settings, focus filters, links to individual lock screens and Apple Watch faces, and more configuration options.
There are major updates to the Messages app with the ability to edit or delete messages, mark messages as unread, and start a SharePlay session. Users can now seamlessly transfer FaceTime calls to other devices and a brand new Freeform app provides a platform for collaboration on a digital whiteboard.
In the Mail app, Search has been completely overhauled with new features to schedule emails, cancel delivery, and receive follow-up reminders.
The Health app adds new features for medicines and the Fitness app is now also available for users who don't have an Apple Watch. The Home app has also been completely revamped and redesigned, while Safari now has keyboard shortcuts and shared tab groups.
Notes and Reminders offer new sorting options, the Maps app features multi-stop routing and improved transit map integration, and the News app includes special sports features. iCloud Shared Photo Library provides a convenient way to share a collection of photos with family members.
Apple Pay Later is a new way to pay for purchases with Apple Pay in installments without fees, while the Wallet app offers new options to track deliveries and purchases, check with a digital ID, and share digital key cards. Various improvements have also been made to Live Text, Visual Lookup, Dictation, Siri Shortcuts and Spatial Audio, among others.
