WWDC 2020 highlights: iOS 14, macOS Big Sur, and more

Henry Man

All software, plus one (significant) detail.

Apple has revealed the annual slew of software updates at its online-only Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2020 with interface redesigns, new iMessage, Mac transition to ARM chips, plus more.

iOS 14

  • Redesigned home screen with resizable and interactive widgets
  • New App Library algorithmic sorted list view
  • App Clips – enable access to snippets of new apps without downloading (linked with Apple Pay and Sign In with Apple) such as paying to use an e-scooter
  • Picture-in-picture support for videos
  • Discreet and unobtrusive calling banner overlay
  • Discreet Siri overlay with unobtrusive card responses and more web knowledge
  • iMessage – pin conversations for quick access, ability to set group photos, direct mentions and sub-threads in group messages
  • New Memoji styles and stickers, including selecting age and masks
  • Apple Maps – new cycling directions can account for elevation and stairs, electric vehicle routing can account for the compatible EV’s state of charge and suggest relevant charging stations, and includes curated guides for suggested destinations
  • New Translate app with conversation mode and downloadable languages for offline use
  • On-device offline dictation
  • Camera can take photos faster with enhanced performance and separate exposure and focus controls
  • Sleep app and sleep mode will reduce the screen and display a sleep chart for scheduled sleeping habits
  • Set third party default email and browser apps
  • Weather can now provide more granular details about shifts in weather and notifications on severe weather events (from acquired Dark Sky app)
  • New Podcasts app with suggestion page

Read more on The Verge

iPadOS 14

In addition to iOS 14, iPadOS 14 can also contains:

  • Sidebar user interface added to some existing apps, including Files and Photos, to utilise screen space
  • Stylus handwriting available on all text fields with multi-language support
  • Automatic selection and conversion of handwriting to text
  • Scratch to delete and circle to select text stylus gestures
  • Solid shapes can be formed using stylus
  • Ability to detect handwriting as data to offer suggestions like calendar input, phone calling, and more
  • New search bar (like macOS Spotlight) can be summoned on any screen with more granular results

Read more on 9to5Mac

macOS Big Sur

In addition to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, macOS 11 Big Sur also includes:

  • All-new revamped user interface with new icons, Finder, menu bar, dock, control centre, widgets, notification centre, and menus
  • Redesigned Safari with customisable home page, tab previews, language translations, webpage privacy report, insecure password warnings, more privacy restrictions on extension access, and faster performance
  • New Mac Catalyst apps (using iOS and iPadOS underpinnings) including iMessage, Mail, and more
  • Support for Apple’s ARM silicone to transition Macs away from Intel
  • Expanded editing tools in Photos
  • Faster software updates by processing in the background for a faster install (for future updates after macOS Big Sur is upgraded)

Read more on MacRumours

watchOS 7

In addition to iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, watchOS 7 has:

  • New Chronograph Pro tachymeter watch face
  • X-Large watch face can now display large complication
  • Apps can have multiple complications
  • Apple curator team, companies and users can share watch face configurations for people to easily set it as watch faces on their Apple Watch’s
  • Tweaked interface for customising watch faces and adding complications
  • Siri Shortcuts app now available on Apple Watch (includes complications)
  • Sleep app and sleep tracking with sleep mode, silent alarm, Wind Down routine, and morning digest to show time, weather and battery status
  • Handwashing app automatically detects movement and sound of soap and water to countdown 20 second timer for washing hands amid COVID-19 (recommended by global health organisations)
  • New trackable fitness in the Workouts app, including dance, functional strength training, core training, and post-workout cooldown
  • Safe weekly listening notification recommends reducing headphone volume to a safe level when users reach the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended safe weekly listening dose
  • Battery health now shown in Settings app
  • Siri can now translate 10 languages
  • Force touch now disabled (toggles relegated to onscreen buttons or in the Settings app)

Read more on TechRadar

Apple transitions to ARM processors

  • macOS Big Sur will support for Apple’s own ARM silicone chip to transition Macs away from Intel
  • Transition period will take two years, says Apple
  • ARM processors are more power efficient and Apple can control it in-house to match software
  • Current Intel-based Macs will still be supported
  • Apple is already developing ARM-ready Apple apps, including the iWork suite, Final Cut Pro, and more
  • The Cupertino giant is partnering with third parties including Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite to update and support ARM
  • Currently testing Macs using the latest iPad Pro’s A12Z Bionic processor
  • Altered Mac Mini Developer Transition Kit (DTK), Xcode 12, Rosetta 2, and Universal 2 application binaries will aid developers in the transition to ARM
  • This means, all iOS and iPadOS applications can run on macOS Big Sur

Read more on The Guardian

Apple in the Car

  • Apple CarKey – unlock and start compatible vehicles using iPhone or Apple Watch NFC via Apple Wallet, key sharing available, power reserve for newer devices
  • Proximity sensing U1 chip could be used for automatic unlocking and locking CarKey in the future
  • CarKey initially available on select BMW models, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4s produced after July 1 2020
  • Apple CarPlay – ability to set wallpapers, now supports parking, electric vehicle charging, and quick food ordering

Read more on CarExpert

AirPods

  • Seamless automatic switching between Apple devices (automatically plays from whichever device is outputting an audio source), essentially Apple’s multi-device pairing
  • Spatial audio for AirPods Pro – an immersive surround sound experience
  • Low battery notifications on Apple devices for earbuds
  • Headphone Accommodations to tune AirPods to suit hearing differences
  • Apple TV 4K can now connect two sets of AirPods for simultaneous playback
  • Maximum volume limits can now be suggested and set when paired to the Noise app on the Apple Watch

Read more on GSMArena

Miscellaneous

  • tvOS 14 brings tweaked icon designs, home page, 4K Airplay, picture-in-picture, and smart home notifications
  • App pages in App Store shows what data is being collected form users
  • Third-party devices can now be added into the Find My app
  • Recording indicator dot to show when an app is using the microphone or camera
  • Approximate location to share only a general proximity rather than exact coordinates for enhanced privacy
  • Online accounts can now transfer to Sign In with Apple accounts
  • Larger augmented reality model capabilities with ARKit 4
  • Redesigned Game Centre
  • Weekly listening summary on the iPhone Health app
  • Redesigned Health and Fitness (formerly Activity) apps
  • New Enhance Recording feature for Voice Memos
  • Refined Home app shows most relevant smart home functions at the top, adaptive lighting temperatures according to time, Activity Zones to define areas for cameras to alert movement, and facial recognition for video cameras and doorbells to identify known people