On hardware, the company introduced new refreshed iMac and MacBook Pro devices, as well as a new iPad Pro and the HomePod, a very-expensive speaker powered by Siri. If you missed Apple’s WWDC 2017 keynote, here’s a list with more details on the most important details.
Apple WWDC 2017 announcements
macOS High Sierra
“High Sierra” is the name of the next major feature update of macOS, and it’s a continuation of the current release named simply “Sierra”. This new update will focus on updating existing apps and adding system improvements. On apps, Apple is updating a number of apps, such as Mail, which will consume less space, it’ll make easier to compose messages, and it’ll surface important messages to the top of the list. Safari will be faster, and it’ll introduce a new feature called “Intelligent Tracking Protection” to help users to hide their web activities. In addition, Apple is also updating Photos, Notes, Siri, and others. Starting with High Sierra, Apple will introduce a new default file system called Apple File System, and it’ll add support for virtual reality, external graphics processor over USB Type-C with Metal version 2.0, and support for High-Efficiency Video Coding.
iOS 11
Apple’s iOS, perhaps the most popular mobile OS, is getting yet another major update with significant improvements. On iOS 11, Apple will be introducing a number of features specific for the iPad. For example, in this new update, the mobile OS will add new dock, app switcher, the ability to drag-and-drop in apps, and there will be a Files app for file managements that integrates services, such as iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, and DropBox, just like macOS. Additionally, for the iPad Pro, iOS 11 will add new features for the Apple Pencil, such as the ability to open Notes above the lock screen. Apple is also adding a number of other features to its mobile OS, including support for augmented reality (AR), Do Not Disturb While Driving, person-to-person payments using Apple Pay, and new experiences across built-in apps, such as the App Store which is getting an overdue update. iPhone 7 Plus users will see an update for Portrait mode with new optical image stabilization, HDR, and True Tone flash. In addition, live photos will offer new loop and bounce effects. iOS 11 will be available this year, but Apple says that a pre-release version for testers will be available this month.
watchOS 4
On the next update for watchOS, users will see three new watch faces (Toy Story, Siri, Kaleidoscope), which are focus on usability. The OS will also receive usability improvements for music, activity tracker, and there vertical system menu will now be horizontal, which should make a significant difference.
tvOS
iMac (2017)
The current iMac lineup has now been updated with Intel’s seventh generation Kaby Lake processors, larger and faster SSDs, AMD Radeon Pro 555 and 560 graphics with up to 4GB of VRAM, and the system memory is being increased to 64GB for the new iMac Pro. You’ll even be able to get an iMac with 8, 10, or 18 cores Xeon processor. Additionally, Turbo Boost technology will make it possible to jump to close to 4.5GHz with a cache of up to 42MB. On the iMac Pro, you’ll be able to get up to 4TB of SSD storage, AMD Radeon Vega graphics, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Pricing starts at “only” $5000 — for more information visit Apple.com. Apple didn’t forget about its MacBook laptop lineup. In 2017, these devices are getting Kaby Lake processors and faster Solid-State Drives. While the MacBook Air has also received an update, it continues to ship with previous generation of Intel processors.
iPad Pro (2017)
Apple is updating its smaller 9.7-inch iPad Pro with a new model featuring and 10.5-inch display. It’s the same size as the previous version, but the new model fits the screen by reducing the bezels. The iPad Pro (2017) features a new A10X Fusion Apple processor, and it sports a new high-resolution display (2224×1668) with ProMotion technology that allows to double the refresh rate to 120Hz. The new device, also includes the same camera found in the iPhone 7. Apple’s newest iPad Pro with 10.5-inch display starts at $650 for the entry model with 64GB of storage. You can get the new Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil separately. The device will be available next week, and you can preorder now. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch model has also been refreshed to have the same new features as the 10.5-inch model, including a new A10X Fusion processor, new display with ProMotion, and the base model now features 64GB. Pricing will start at $799.
HomePod
Apple is also getting the into the smart speaker business with something called the HomePod. It’s a 7-inch toll speaker array powered by an Apple A8 processor, and it features a 4-inch woofer, seven-tweeter array, and six-microphone array. HomePod uses spatial awareness to adjust the sound in the room, and you can sync up multiple HomePod speakers together for even more sound. Of course, the HomePod comes with Siri built-in to answer to any question and commands. Apple’s HomePod will be available in December in the United States, UK, and Australia, and the other regions will follow, and you’ll “only” pay $349. Update, June 7, 2017: In case you missed, you can now watch Apple’s 139 minutes long keynote at Apple.com. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
