Apple previews major OS updates

Apple has previewed major updates to three of its operating systems — iOS, macOS and watchOS — introducing new functionality for end users and developers.

The company has shown off iOS 10, which includes improvements including the ability for Siri to work with apps, allowing users to interact directly with apps using their voice.

The new SiriKit will help developers design apps to work with Siri for messaging, photo calls, photo search, ride booking and personal payments.

Other improvements include a redesign for Apple Maps to integrate bookings for services such as Uber and Lyft, and add the ability to deliver directions for anticipated travel destinations, based on factors including routines or appointments scheduled within the calendar.

The new Home App meanwhile will provide integrated smart home functionality controllable via Siri, Messages has been redesigned to add new animations, automatic suggestions to replace words with emoji and other functionality. Photos has been upgraded with a new Memories function that scans photos and videos to categorise events.

Apple Music has also been redesigned to make it easier to navigate and discover new music. The new update also includes tweaks to the user experience including the new Raise to Wake option, which automatically wakes the screen as iPhones are raised.

Apple’s senior VP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, called iOS 0 the company’s “biggest release ever”.

Apple has also previewed an update to macOS entitled Sierra. The highlight of the new update will involve Apple bringing Siri to the Mac, in line with Microsoft’s incorporation of Cortana into Windows 10. Siri will be accessible from the dock, menu bar and keyboard, and will allow users to search for information, find files or send messages using their voice.

The OS has also been updated to support Apple Pay for web-based payments, although payment authorisation will require the use of an iPhone or Apple Watch using the Touch ID biometric authentication system.

Apple has also added the ability to access all files in a macOS user’s desktop and documents folder on any Mac, iOS device or PC using iCloud. The contents of the clipboard will also be made available across Apple devices to allow for text, images, photos and videos to be copy and pasted between Macs, iPhones and iPads.

In addition, nearly every Mac app has been upgraded to support tabbed browsing, including Maps, Mail, Pages, Numbers, Keynote and TextEdit. Third-party developers will also be able to take advantage of the tab functionality.

Finally, Apple’s upcoming watchOS 3 has been tweaked to improve performance and navigation, including a new dock function allowing easy access to recent and favourited apps. The company has also introduced a new Breathe app that encourages users to do short deep breathing exercises.

New communications options include smart replies available from the message notification, a new Scribble feature to allow users to handwrite words on the display and have them converted into text and the ability to easily initiate calls with emergency services.

Image courtesy of Yutaka Tsutano under CC