wwdc2019
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iOS 13 focuses on speed and embraces the darkness
iOS is Apple's most important piece of software, and as such the company is kicking off WWDC 2019 with a first look at iOS 13. Apple's senior VP of software engineering Craig Federighi is taking us through the new software -- and while last year's update focused largely on performance, it sounds like iOS 13 will include a ton of user-facing features and updates to Apple's own apps.
Apple Watch can help save your hearing and track your menstrual cycle
It wouldn't be WWDC without new features for Apple Health. We knew the company had big plans for the app this year based on Tim Cook's comments in January, but now we're getting details on the improvements that will arrive with iOS 13 and watchOS 6. First, Apple is working on improved menstrual cycle tracking in its Health app -- appropriately called Cycle Tracking. And to help, the company will also offer Apple Watch tools for tracking your cycle. The Health app can help women identify their most fertile period, in addition to letting you know when your period is likely to start. It will work with the iOS version of the app as well, no Watch required.
Watch the teaser for Apple's 'For All Mankind' sci-fi space show
Apple kicked off its WWDC keynote today with a "For All Mankind" trailer, giving us a brief glimpse at one of its original Apple TV+ shows. Produced by Ronald D. Moore, best known for spearheading the excellent Battlestar Galactica remake, the new series explores a world where the space race never ended. While the teaser looks like it's set in our world at first, it's not too long it reveals itself as an alternate timeline: Instead of the US landing on the moon, it's the Soviet Union. And it turns out, they also found some water there too. While there's not much to go on yet, For All Mankind is on our watchlist based on the writing talent alone.
Apple's watchOS 6 finally adds an app store
The Apple Watch is about to become that much more independent from your iPhone. Apple has introduced watchOS 6, and its centerpiece is an on-device App Store -- yes, you can download apps to your wrist without having to reach for your handset. There are apps that can exist wholly independently of the iPhone, Apple said. You can also expect a slew of new first-party apps that fill in longstanding gaps in functionality, including Audiobooks, Voice Memos and (at last) a calculator.
Apple TV will support PlayStation and Xbox controllers
Apple has been gradually improving its tvOS over the past couple of years, thanks to features such as zero sign-on for cable-powered apps and added support for Dolby Atmos audio. Most recently, the company also launched an overhauled version of the TV app, which is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all the entertainment needs of Apple TV owners. And today, at WWDC 2019, Apple has revealed tvOS 13, featuring support for Xbox One and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers. This announcement is meant to complement Apple's upcoming game subscription service, Apple Arcade, which is expected to arrive this fall.
Apple reveals 'iPadOS' in developer info ahead of WWDC
There have been rumors that Apple would significantly revamp iOS on the iPad this year, and now we're getting a sense that the redesign could be bigger than anticipated. According to documentation found in Apple's developer portal, the iPad will get its own operating system, independent from iOS, called "iPadOS." Not the most exciting name, but it's definitely noteworthy that Apple is splitting the iPad and iPhone apart at a software level.
Live from WWDC 2019!
Yes, another Apple event. After devoting an entire keynote this March to streaming services, Apple is kicking off its annual Worldwide Developer Conference today, and so it's time for the company to shift its attention back to its bread-and-butter platforms -- ya know, iOS, macOS, watchOS and maybe tvOS. As always, we expect a few surprises during Tim Cook's two-hour-or-so presentation, but we also have a few rumors to stand on. First off, it seems likely we'll hear more about Apple's plan to make iOS apps easily portable to macOS. Also on the Mac, it's possible we'll see separate Music and Podcasts apps, along with Siri Shortcuts and Screen Time, both of which made their debut on iOS. Meanwhile, rumors also point to expanded uses for NFC on the iPhone and an on-device App Store for the Apple Watch. That said, rumors don't tell the whole story -- you're going to want to follow our liveblog starting at 1pm ET to see what the press got right, what it got wrong and what it missed entirely.
Apple could be done with iTunes
If you have some time this weekend, maybe open up iTunes and double check your MP3 tags again, just for old-times sake. On Monday Apple's WWDC 2019 event starts with a keynote, and as we've heard before, it could mark a final shift away from the company's overburdened media app. Apple has already launched a TV app that will help its Apple TV+ video service reach more platforms this fall. According to Bloomberg, what we'll see on Monday will mark the end of iTunes once Apple shows off macOS desktop apps that mimic their counterparts on iOS, with separate ones for Music, TV and Podcasts. If you need to manage your iThings (local backups, OS updates, etc.), the Music app will take over there just as iTunes always has. The timing makes sense, and not just because Apple is now making billions of dollars from services that didn't exist when it launched the iTunes Music Store in 2003. We're also expecting to see the "Marzipan" apps that devs can port from iOS to the Mac, and iTunes is too old-school to fit that mold.
What to expect from Apple at WWDC 2019
Next week, thousands of people will flock to San Jose, California; nestle into their seats at the convention center; and listen to Apple unspool its vision for the future of software. They'll get their first concrete look at iOS 13 and learn what it means for their phones and tablets. They'll hear more about how the gap between iOS and Mac apps is starting to shrink -- albeit slowly. They might even get an early look at some new Pro-level hardware. And since we'll be there covering the show in full, you'll hear all about that stuff as soon as we do.
Apple Watch may soon get an on-device App Store
It's no secret that Apple has plenty of software updates in store for WWDC, but the biggest improvements may come to one of its smallest devices -- namely, the Apple Watch. Bloomberg sources claim to know many of the software introductions planned for the June developer event, and watchOS would receive major updates that make it considerably less dependent on an iPhone. To start, the Apple Watch would get an on-device App Store -- like Google Play on Wear OS, you wouldn't have to load apps on your smartphone first.
Apple's WWDC keynote is set for June 3rd
Apple has set the dates for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. It takes place June 3rd to 7th at San Jose's McEnery Convention Center, the same venue as the last couple of years. At WWDC, Apple typically gives developers (and everyone else) an early look at upcoming versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. We might also learn a little more about Apple's services (it's likely to announce streaming video and news subscription plans this month) or even get a glimpse at new hardware.
