Apple’s WWDC 2021 was a jam-packed event. The company showed off everything they have been working on for months. They made plenty of exciting announcements. This blog rounds up everything Apple announced at the WWDC 2021 keynote event. Let’s get right in!
Woah! It’s that time again. Apple kicked off its online-only annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2021 event in the same exciting way as it always does. Last year, Apple amazed its fans and iOS development firms by announcing some unforeseen, exciting tech splashes, such as M1 processor, new MacBook Air, macOS Big Sur, and more with the “One More Thing 2020” event in November 2020.
And this time, Apple is back with the WWDC 2021 event, where they revealed the biggest updates that Apple fans want access to as soon as possible. With the jam-packed news and announcements related to iOS 15, the new macOS Monterey, Apple fans also saw substantial improvements to FaceTime.
Just like WWDC 2020 (last year), Apple held this year’s WWDC keynote event held virtually with no physical gathering in California due to the ongoing global pandemic. The Cupertino, California-based giant showcased its new software developments at this developer-focussed event. The five-day event had over 200 in-depth sessions for the developers to learn new stuff.
So with no further ado, let’s delve into the pool of Apple’s WWDC 2021 event right away!
WWDC 2021: A Quick Glance
Apple’s 32nd WWDC kicked off on Monday, June 7, 2021. for free. The event was streamed directly from Apple Park and can be replayed on Apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple Developer website, the Apple TV app on the Apple TV, or even YouTube.
This digital event gave developers worldwide access to the future versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Plus, it also allowed them to engage with Apple engineers through sessions and labs.
We know, not everyone has the time to tune in to the live stream. That’s why we’ve picked all of the biggest news for you to read through.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Here’s Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2021 Event: X Most Significant Announcements
iOS 15
Craig Federighi and the rest of the team announced iOS 15 (the latest version of the iPhone OS) at WWDC 2021, bringing a raft of new features. iOS 15 brings improvements to FaceTime. It now includes spatial audio, portrait mode to blur backgrounds, grid view to speak to multiple people simultaneously, a new SharePlay feature that allows you to share media with people on FaceTime virtually, and more.
Key Highlights:
- Improved FaceTime Features
- Redesigned Notifications, Weather App
- AI to Read Photo Texts
- Redesigned Apple Siri Remote
- Incorporation of Home, Office, and Hotel Keys into Apple Wallet
- Detail-Focused Apple Maps Overhaul
iPadOS 15
Like iOS 15, iPadOS 15 will also get numerous, awestruck new features. The new iPadOS can bring changes to the home screen of the tablets to better align with the new hardware. The users can rearrange iPad apps by putting widgets on the screen and the App Library feature. Moreover, Apple announced some accessibility features, available through both iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 updates.
Key Highlights:
- Widgets on Home Screen and App Library
- Enables Building iPhone and iPad Apps on iPads
- Multitasking Features (Put Two Apps Side by Side)
- Updated Notes App with Better Interface
- Quick Notes Feature Introduced
- Updated Translation App
watchOS 8
Apple announced watchOS 8 with new health features, including a new, updated Breath app called Mindfulness, enhancements to the photos watch face, and more. For Apple Watch users, watchOS 8 comes with changes in fitness tracking. The new watchOS 8 also includes brand new features like writing text with a finger to send a text message using the Apple Watch.
Key Highlights:
- New, Updated Health App Features
- Support for Respiratory Rate Tracking in Sleep
- Updated Workout App with Added Features
- Write Text with Fingers Using Apple Watch
- Enable Users to Set Multiple Timers\
- Create Clock Layout with Portrait Photos
macOS Monterey
Apple’s next big announcement was macOS Monterey. macOS Monterey brings oodles of features; however, the most exciting feature is, it lets users use the same cursor and keyboard across macs and iPads. This feature is called Universal Control. That said, Monterey also adds improvements to FaceTime, SharePlay, and Apple’s new “Focus” statuses that are coming to Apple’s other software platforms.
Key Highlights:
- Universal Control Feature
- Airplay Feature to Beam iOS Devices to Macs
- New Shortcuts to Mac Interface
- Updated, UI Overhauled Safari Browsing
- Automatic Resizing of Windows Moved to a Secondary Display
tvOS 15
Apple announced a new software version for Apple TV users at WWDC 2021 with improvements around a better content playback experience. Apple ensured a lot of focus on Apple TV this year. With the new version, tvOS has a raft of new features designed to complement other products and experiences within Apple’s hardware and software ecosystems.
Key Highlights:
- Sign into Apps with Face ID or Touch ID on iPhones
- Multi-Window Security Camera Views with Homekit-Enabled Cameras
- Spatial Audio with Compatible AirPods
- Watching Together and Screen Sharing Support with tvOS 15
iCloud+
Apple changed its paid iCloud plans to iCloud+, and with that comes a few additional perks. Apple’s iCloud+ bundles a VPN, private email, and HomeKit camera storage. Apple is adding something called tracker-blockers in its Mail app that will hide user’s IP addresses and locations. All the new features will be a part of the new iCloud+ subscription, which will be available at no additional price to current iCloud-paid users.
Key Highlights:
- Rebranded iCloud Version
- Paid Storage with Privacy Features
- More Secure Encrypted Browsing Online
- Private Relay Feature
- Enable Users to Personalize Their Email Domain Name
- HomeKit Secure Video Support Feature
AirPods
Surprisingly, Apple announced some significant improvements to AirPods as well this year. Apple is making AirPods easier to hear and find on the “Find My” network and the ability to announce the notifications. The announcements also include a new feature coming to AirPods called “conversation boost,” helping people better understand who they are talking to in real-time.
Key Highlights:
- Conversation Mode Feature
- Reduced Background Noise and Amplified Speech
- Sync Well with “Find My” App
- Automatic Switching Between Apple Devices and Theater-Like Spatial Audio
It’s a Wrap-Up!
That was it for WWDC 2021! These were some fascinating announcements Apple unveiled at WWDC 2021. However, many fans and apps development companies expected some more announcements, such as MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inches, Mac mini, iMac 32 inches, Mac Pro, beats studio buds, and more.
Maybe, Apple is saving them all for the next event. Who knows? Have any predictions for Apple’s next event?
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