Apple WWDC 2018: New iOS12, macOS Mojave update with dark mode, redesigned App Store, & more

Apple introduced some major upgrades to almost all its platforms, starting with the much-anticipated iOS 12.

The new iOS 12 comes with improved AR experiences, like Memoji, 'Measure' app, multi-user AR experiences, Siri Suggestions and a lot more.

The iOS 12 even brings along Group FaceTime to enable group video calling for as many as 32 Apple device users simultaneously.


Apple introduced several upgrades to its WatchOS, including a new app 'Walkie Talkie'. The WatchOS now also gets new Interactive Notifications, Web Content as well as third-party app integration.

In addition to the app, Apple brought Dolby ATMOS surround sound to its Apple 4K TV and ensured an ongoing partnership with major content providers across the globe for more content to its users.

Here's everything you need to know:

iOS 12

Apple uses WWDC each year to unveil the year’s major update to iOS, which powers iPhones and iPads. This year, Apple is “doubling down on performance,” said SVP Craig Federighi, focusing on improvements that make devices faster — especially Apple’s oldest devices.

AR and ARKit

Augmented reality, or AR, is “transformational technology,” Federighi said. This is a potentially important technology for Apple’s future, so it’s telling that it’s the first new feature Apple is touting. Apple announced a new AR file format, USDZ, that big creative-software companies like Adobe are supporting, and a new AR-driven app called Measure.

Apple also announced a new version of its ARKit software developers tool with improved face tracking, 3-D object section and “shared experiences” — so people around you can share the same AR experience on their iOS devices.

Time Well Spent
Along the lines of the “time well spent” movement: Do Not Disturb has some new features to reduce notifications when you don’t want them, Apple is making the process of receiving and dealing with Notifications less noisy, and a new feature called Screen Time helps you understand, control and limit how much time you spend on your device. Parents can also monitor their kids’ usage and set “allowances” by app category or individual apps.

The Big Siri Makeover
Apps will now be able to make “Shortcuts” for the voice assistant: add a shortcut to Siri, and you can record your own trigger phrase. Also, you don't have to say, Hey, Siri! anymore.

Siri’s personal assistant functionality is also getting a boost: apps that you use regularly will be able to push suggested actions to your lock screen. Order the same coffee every day? Eventually that shortcut will just appear on your homescreen.

Animoji
Animoji is getting a new “tongue detection” ability. You can also personalise your own “memoji”. You can also add iMessage stickers on to the camera app, and turn your head into an Animoji superimposed on to reality.

Apple Watch and watchOS 5
Apple continues to move watchOS towards fitness and communication features:

Apple Watch now tracks yoga sessions, has better support for hiking and supports paces for runners.

A new “Walkie Talkie” mode lets you send and receive push-to-talk audio messages via Apple Watch.
The Siri watch face now supports Shortcuts and content from third-party apps.

You don’t have to say “Hey, Siri” anymore — just raise your watch toward your face and it’ll start listening for cues.
Apple Watch apps are also getting more sophisticated, including the ability to play background audio.

Group FaceTime

Facetime, a much-loved feature that’s received little attention in recent years, got an interesting update. A group of about 32 people can be on the call together.

Apple TV and tvOS
Apple is adding Dolby Atmos audio support for smart surround sound.
A new “Zero Sign-on” feature will unlock supported apps included with your TV service if you’re on the provider’s broadband network — no more fumbling with that awkward sign-in process. Charter Spectrum will be the first to support this feature.

Mac and macOS Mojave
Some new Mac features: A new “dark mode” — which drew huge cheers from the WWDC audience — is launching in Mojave. This should be particularly useful for photo or video editors and software developers. “Desktop stacks” are a new way to organize documents on the desktop. “Gallery view” is a new way to preview documents in a folder, including a big preview, metadata and “quick actions” like rotating photos. And a cool new Continuity feature will let you use the photo you just took on your iPhone on your Mac.

Apple is redesigning the Mac App Store to make it look and work more like the new (good) iOS store. Microsoft and Adobe are among the companies that will be participating. Apple News, Stocks, Home and Voice Memos are also launching on the Mac — including syncing your voice memos across devices.

A new feature in Safari is shutting down third-party tracking by default — you’ll have to opt in for services like Facebook to track you on third-party sites.