WWDC 2017 : the results of the conference

12 June 2017

The annual WWDC conference took place several days ago and Apple introduced its new developments within the framework of this event, including new versions of iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook, updated versions of operating systems, HomePod column, and much more.

MACOS HIGH SIERRA

One of the innovations of the operating system is the Intelligent Tracking Prevention technology that protects against intrusive advertising and monitoring of search terms. Now Safari browser will become even more secure and convenient to use. The apps “Mail” and “Photos” will be improved in the new version and users will be able to not only conveniently place their pictures, but will also get new tools for their editing. Besides, the new OS will receive device support from virtual reality. Developers have already started to gain access to the new OS, but for users, it will be available in the Fall of 2017.

WATCHOS 4

The new version of the operating system for Apple Watch will get a whole array of updates for sportspeople and fitness enthusiasts. The Activity app will encourage the user to move even more insistently. A new system of achievements was added in the program for this, including playlists synchronization with the time at the beginning of the training and conjugation with other devices through NFC module. The clock will automatically display Siri messages and acquire new design elements.

 IOS 11

ARKit was presented at the conference: it is an application with the help of which software developers would be able to make apps with the function of augmented reality. Meanwhile, the practical application of ARKit is in question today, but the ability to transfer virtual objects to the real world using iPhone and iPad looks great.

iOS 11 also attained a number of improvements that affected its appearance, apps, and Siri. The synchronization between devices was improved in iMessage and developers made sure that deleted messages would be removed on all devices at once. In addition, Apple Pay will be available through iMessage. Siri will smarten up and begin to learn, pay more attention to the habits of the user, and the translator feature will also appear. English, German, French, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish are supported. Russian will be added later.

iOS 11 has devoted attention to photos. Now the codec JPEG will replace the codec HEVC and the quality of photos will improve. As for the size of files, on the contrary, it will decrease. A number of apps were updated, including “Photos,” “Maps,” and App Store.

UPDATED VERSIONS OF MACBOOK PRO AND IMAC

Faster SSD and Kaby Lake processors of the new generation will be installed on the new laptops. The updated version of iMac would be sold with new displays, the brightness of which has been increased by 43%. In addition, they will be equipped with Kaby Lake’s new processors of the seventh generation. The memory capacity was increased in computers, now a 25.5-inch version would be equipped with a different capacity of RAM up to 32GB and a 27-inch version, up to 64GB. Besides, the 27-inch version will be provided with new fast storages with a capacity of up to two TB. The graphic accelerator Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 with 64MB Edram will be installed on iMac of 21.5-inch; for iMac Retina 4K of 21.5-inch—Radeon Pro 555 & 560, up to 4GB VRAM. A choice of Radeon 570, 575, and 580 will appear on the 27-inch version. Thanks to this filling, computers will be able to cope with virtual reality perfectly. Prices for new models will start from $1099.

IMAC PRO

Later, a new iMac Pro was presented with the 8-core Xeon processor and powerful video solutions up to 16GB VRAM. The computer is equipped with a four-port Thunderbolt 3 and FaceTime camera. Moreover, a specially designed cooling system for its needs will be installed on the new iMac Pro. The maximum capacity of ECC memory will be 128GB, and it will be possible to choose storage with a capacity of up to 4TB to store information. Price tags for novelty will start from $4999.

iMac Pro will appear for sale in December 2017.

IPAD PRO

The size of the case of a new iPad Pro is almost identical to the version of 9.7-inch, but the weight is only 400gm. In addition, the frame was reduced by 40% in the new version and the display diagonal of the new iPad expanded to 10.5-inch. There is a 6-core A10X Fusion processor inside the novelty and 12-core graphics chip. The cameras in it are exactly the same as in iPhone 7, so it will be possible to take awesome pictures by means of the new iPad. The memory capacity will start from 64GB; the tablet will appear for sale in a week.

HOMEPOD

Moreover, a wireless “smart” column was presented at the conference. Seven speakers are present in the 16-centimeter device, including a 4-centimeter subwoofer. The construction and layout of speakers is designed to form a sound stream correctly and avoid interference by ensuring high-quality reproduction. The column itself will be able to determine the parameters of the room in which it is located, and then, it will adjust to the situation, based on the received data. There is no need to connect it to other devices—it manages things admirably by itself, working with the Apple Music app through WiFi.

The price of the device is $349, and the start of sales is scheduled for December of this year.