Prabhu RamIn a first of its kind virtual developers meet WWDC 2020, Apple brought together millions of developers and fans from across the globe for the Special Event Keynote and Platforms State of the Union at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Privacy was a key overarching theme running across the WWDC 2020. Apple has embraced privacy as a key product feature, and not as a mere after-thought.
From macOS Big Sur, featuring the biggest design upgrade since the introduction of Mac OS X, to watchOS 7, the new App Library in iOS 14, and enhanced handwriting capabilities with Apple Pencil in iPadOS 14, there were some interesting and groundbreaking features and app development tools unveiled at WWDC 2020.
The App Library in iOS14 automatically organizes all of a user’s apps into one simple, easy-to-navigate view, and intelligently surfaces apps that may be helpful in the moment. The App Library marks a significant improvement for people challenged by pages and pages of apps.
App Clips, designed to be discovered the moment it is needed, load a small part of an app experience within seconds to complete a specific task, such as renting a scooter, purchasing a coffee, or filling a parking meter.
Pinned conversations in Messages enable users to easily keep up with lively group threads through mentions and inline replies.
Scribble with Apple Pencil allows users to write in any text field where it will automatically be converted to typed text, making actions like replying to an iMessage or searching in Safari fast and easy. As we move into a neo normal, with more people working from home, and productivity tools becoming central to user lives, the iPad becomes a more valuable and attractive proposition for those who love to scribble.
In a first-of-its-kind innovation for a wearable, Apple Watch automatically detects handwashing to initiate a 20-second countdown timer. If the wearer finishes early, they’ll be prompted to keep washing.
Apple Watch introduces sleep tracking, taking a holistic approach to sleep by providing valuable tools to help users get the desired amount of sleep, get to bed on time, and create a pre-bedtime routine to meet their sleep goals. This is a welcome, and much-needed introduction to WatchOS. However, it will be more useful as Apple transits to newer Apple watches with better battery life than the existing ones.
In watchOS 7, Apple Watch wearers can now share watch faces that are infinitely customizable and personalized, inclusive of complications, through Messages or Mail, and discovered through the App Store or even from links through websites and social media channels.
Apple TV users can now access HomeKit-enabled video cameras and accessories by using Siri or Control Center, and receive doorbell notifications on the big screen with live feeds showing who is there.
Safari, already the world’s fastest desktop browser, got its biggest update ever, bringing even faster performance and new features, all while protecting user privacy. Users can customize the new start page with a background image and sections like their Reading List and iCloud Tabs, and further personalize their experience with improved support for extensions. The Mac App Store makes it easy to discover and download great Safari extensions with a new category that includes editorial spotlights and top charts.
