Apple’s big kick off to its Worldwide Developers Conference has drawn to a close, and while our heads are still spinning, there is a lot of news to parse following one of Apple’s most prolific mornings yet. Having previously used WWDC as the venue to announce new versions of iOS and OS X for release in early beta form, this is the first WWDC with the Apple Watch thrown into the mix. As a result, new features, improvements to existing ones and whole new revisions of mobile operating systems were being released at breakneck speed. It’s enough to make your head spin.
If you feel the same and just want to know what happened at a glance with the opportunity to drill down for more information on the things that interest you, then here’s our brief roundup of some of the biggest news to come out of WWDC in some time.
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
The latest version of Apple’s OS X software, El Capitan takes over from its predecessor in Yosemite and ratchets everything up to eleven. Split View, Improved Spotlight functionality, under the hood technology for things like gaming should ensure El Capitan receives a warm welcome when the public beta begins next month.
For more details check out:
- Mac OS X El Capitan 10.11 Announced: All Features In One Place
- Download OS X 10.11 El Capitan Developer Beta 1
iOS 9
Following on from last year’s iOS 8, the new iOS 9 software brings with it improved Siri support, Proactive Assistant, actual split-screen multitasking on iPad Air 2 and a new side panel on older versions of the iPad that allows users to interact with two apps simultaneously. Apple also needs iOS 9 to pave the way for watchOS 2, which will take the Apple Watch to new heights. Siri also received a new lick of paint, though that may be doing it a disservice.
Update: Our video demo of iOS 9 is up!
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For more details check out:
- Apple iOS 9 Announced: Features, Release Date And More
- Download iOS 9 Beta 1 And Install On iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, 5, 4S, iPad, iPod touch [Tutorial]
- iOS 9 Beta Compatibility For iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is finally breaking out into Europe, with Cupertino’s payment service reaching the United Kingdom next month. Those in the U.S. also now have support for reward cards and more financial institutions, too. A new Square accessory for use with Apple Pay was also announced.
For more details check out:
watchOS 2
Potentially the biggest news out of WWDC’s opening keynote bar the iOS 9 iPad multitasking bombshell, watchOS 2 brings with it native apps and a raft of improvements including a Nightstand mode that allows the Apple Watch to act as an alarm clock when needed.
For more details check out:
- watchOS 2 Announced: Features And Everything You Need To Know
- Download watchOS 2 Beta 1 For Apple Watch
Apple Music
The much rumoured Apple Music is here, or at least it is at the end of the month. Bringing with it a streaming service that offers a free three month trial, Apple Music is more than just a streaming service and hopes to bring exclusive content and added value to the music industry.
For more details check out:
WWDC is off to a great start, and as everyone is getting their fingers on the latest betas of iOS, watchOS and Mac OS X, new features that didn’t get stage time will start to be spotted too. We’ll let you know if any doozies crop up.
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