APPS
APPS
APPS
Apple Inc. is expected to unveil the next versions of iOS, macOS and the watchOS software powering its smartwatch next month. But users won’t have to wait until then to find out what new features the company has in store.
This morning, Bloomberg published a report detailing dozens of the enhancements that will arrive with the launches at its Worldwide Developers Conference. It’s the perhaps most extensive leak to have come out about the operating system refresh so far. Many of the new features, particularly those poised bring major changes to the user experience, will roll out for the built-in apps that Apple ships with iOS and watchOS.
On top of the previously leaked “dark mode” and multitasking features, Apple is said to be planning a major revamp of several core iOS apps. First in line is Apple Books. The app, a pillar of the iPhone maker’s services push, will reportedly receive a progress tracker that will show users how far they are into a book and a rewards system to encourage reading.
The Reminders app is also expected receive a major redesign. Apple will supposedly turn it into a full-fledged competitor to third party iOS to-do apps by adding a modern grid interface for organizing activities. By default, the view is split up into four panels each focused on different items: tasks be done today, all tasks, scheduled tasks and flagged tasks.
Apple is also rolling out significant but more localized enhancements to a number of other applications. The Health app is getting a tool that will help users monitor how loud they listen to music, while Maps will have a new section for frequently visited destinations. The Find my Friends and Find my iPhone location tracking services, in turn, are reportedly set to be merged into a single app.
Bloomberg’s sources also offered a few details on the next version of iOS that will release in 2020. It will reportedly introduce support for high-speed 5G wireless connections, a feature that Apple’s engineers should have an easier time implementing now that the company has resumed buying Qualcomm Inc. modems.
The operating system powering the Apple Watch is set to receive a major upgrades as well. It appears that one of Apple’s main goals with watchOS 6 is to transform the wearable from an iPhone accessory into a product more capable of standing on its own.
The company will reportedly make the App Store available on the Apple Watch for the first time, allowing consumers to download apps directly on their wearables. Currently, the only way to install software on the smartwatch is by using a companion iPhone app. And Apple is expanding the selection of built-in Apple Watch apps as well to provide more utility for users.
The update is expected to introduce a wearable-optimized version of the Books apps for listening to audio books, two additional health tracking tools and a calculator app. These applications will reportedly be joined by a new selection of Apple Watch screensavers. One of the virtual watch faces, dubbed “Infograph Subdial,” will show updates about things like the stock market and the weather, while others will enable users to personalize the way time is displayed with various themes.
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