Apple WWDC 2023 Updates: Vision Pro, iOS 17, 15" MacBook Air

Apple WWDC 2023 Updates: Vision Pro, iOS 17, 15″ MacBook Air all you need to know

The recent WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) showcased an array of exciting upgrades, updates, new features, and innovative products from Apple. Lasting over two hours, the event was filled with a continuous stream of noteworthy announcements.

To help you make sense of it all, Gizmatech is here to provide a breakdown of the key highlights from the conference.

Introducing the Apple Vision Pro: A High-End Headset with a Hefty Price Tag

One of the most notable reveals was the long-awaited Apple Vision Pro, a headset that combines virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Speculation about Apple’s foray into VR or AR has been circulating for years, and it was finally confirmed at WWDC 2023. Apple saved this exciting news for the grand finale, traditionally known as the “one more thing” announcement.

However, it’s worth noting that the Apple Vision Pro comes with a substantial price tag, positioning it as a high-end offering in the market.

The initial aspect to note about the Vision Pro is its price tag, which is quite high. When it becomes available in early 2023, the Vision Pro will be priced at $3,499, making it unaffordable for a significant portion of Apple’s customer base.

Moving on to the functionality of the Vision Pro, it appears that Apple aims to offer a wearable headset that embodies an entire Mac computer. Described as a “spatial computer,” the headset features a transparent screen, allowing users to maintain awareness of their surroundings while wearing it. The apps and windows visually appear within the user’s existing space when they put on the headset. This innovative approach enables users to explore new visual realms or simply access familiar applications like Word documents within their visual field.

The Vision Pro unveiled some interesting positive aspects, including an early collaboration with Disney to bring Disney+ experiences to the headset. However, there were also notable drawbacks, such as the high price tag and a relatively short battery life of two hours.

While Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has faced challenges in realizing its Metaverse ambitions, it’s worth noting that Mark Zuckerberg lacks Apple’s track record in successfully building physical products. The question remains whether Tim Cook and his team can achieve success with the Vision Pro.

In addition to the new headset, Apple had significant news to share about its existing product line, specifically Macs.

Apple is expanding its MacBook Air lineup by introducing a new 15″ model powered by their own M2 silicon chip. This new addition offers a larger screen size while maintaining the thin and lightweight design that the MacBook Air is known for. With the 15″ model, Apple aims to strike a balance that appeals to users who found the previous screen sizes too small. Starting at $1,299, this laptop provides an option for those seeking a MacBook Air with a more spacious display.

Furthermore, Apple also unveiled updates for the Mac Studio, their desktop computer line. These updates include the introduction of the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips. The M2 Ultra chip, touted as a formidable powerhouse, marks Apple’s most powerful silicon chip to date. The new Mac Studio computers, starting at $1,999, offer various configurations, with the option to choose the model without the M2 Ultra chip.

But, that wasn’t it when it came to Macs. Apple had one more updated line and it was the model that most needed a refresh…

Hello, M2 Ultra. Goodbye, Intel.

At WWDC 2023, Apple finally announced a new Mac Pro — aka the “cheese grater” computer.

Indeed, Apple has at last introduced its highly anticipated silicon chip to the Mac Pro, the most expensive among all Macs. The Mac Pro, which received its last update in 2019, was the sole remaining computer in Apple’s lineup without the company’s proprietary chip. The base model of the Mac Pro is equipped with the M2 Ultra chip, solidifying its position as Apple’s flagship professional-level computer. It boasts impressive specifications, including a 24-core CPU, a 60-core GPU, a 32-core Neural Engine, along with 64GB of unified memory and 1TB of SSD storage. However, this exceptional performance comes at a substantial price, with the base model priced at a staggering $6,999.

However, the significant takeaway from this development is the conclusion of Apple’s longstanding relationship with Intel, which began in 2006. With the introduction of the Mac Pro powered by Apple’s own silicon chip, there is now not a single current Apple product that doesn’t utilize the company’s proprietary chip.

In addition to the exciting hardware announcements, Apple also revealed noteworthy software updates during the event.

iOS 17, in particular, brings a plethora of new features for iPhone users to anticipate. The core iPhone apps, including Phone, Messages, and FaceTime, will undergo significant updates with this new operating system. For instance, the Live Voicemail feature will enable users to receive real-time transcriptions of their voicemails. With Contact Posters, users will have the ability to customize the appearance of their screen for each individual in their contacts list when receiving calls. Furthermore, if a FaceTime call goes unanswered, users will now have the option to leave a video message for the recipient. These enhancements aim to enhance the overall user experience and provide greater flexibility in communication.

Messages in iOS 17 introduce several new features to enhance communication. Users can now view transcriptions of audio messages and transform Live Photos into Stickers within the app. Additionally, there is a convenient option to send automated text message updates, known as “check-ins,” in real-time to inform family members and loved ones about their arrival at specific locations.

AirDrop receives an upgrade, making media and file sharing faster and simpler. By bringing their iPhones in close proximity, users can now exchange files seamlessly and automatically. The new NameDrop feature enables contact exchange in the same effortless manner.

Introducing Standby, a newly announced feature that provides real-time live monitoring and updates directly on the iPhone’s screen, even when it’s not actively in use. From time and weather to sports scores, users can stay informed about various updates at a glance.

Additionally, Apple has introduced their very own journaling app called Journal as part of iOS 17. With Apple’s existing suite of apps like Calendar, Notes, and Weather, Journal aims to provide an integrated solution for users to document their thoughts and experiences seamlessly on their iPhones.

Apple’s Journal app incorporates machine learning to provide users with prompts and writing suggestions, ensuring their journal stays regularly updated. The app also seamlessly integrates photos, workout data, social interactions, and travel history to enhance the journaling experience.

Apple’s foray into the Journal category, a popular niche in the App Store, poses an intriguing development. It will be fascinating to observe the impact of Apple’s Journal app on existing leaders in this space, such as Day One.

Exciting news for iPad owners! iPadOS 17 brings many of the new features introduced in iOS 17 for iPhone to the iPad platform. Additionally, features that were previously exclusive to iPhones, such as the customizable lock screen and Health app, are now available on iPadOS 17 as well.

Furthermore, iPad users can anticipate a range of tablet-specific updates designed to enhance their iPad experience.

During WWDC, Apple placed significant emphasis on PDF functionality for the iPad. With the latest iPadOS update, users will enjoy enhanced capabilities when working with PDF documents. The iPad can now recognize fields within a PDF, facilitating quick and convenient filling of details such as names and addresses directly from the Contacts app. Furthermore, PDFs will appear in full-screen mode on the iPad, optimizing the viewing experience.

Another exciting addition to iPadOS 17 is the introduction of interactive widgets. These widgets can be customized and placed on the iPad’s home screen, providing real-time content and updates without requiring the user to open a specific app. This feature enhances convenience and accessibility, allowing users to stay informed and interact with relevant information more efficiently.

WatchOS 10

The prominence of widgets was evident in the announcements made at this year’s WWDC, extending beyond just iPadOS. In fact, watchOS 10 will also introduce widgets, allowing users to conveniently access a quick overview of various information by simply turning the digital crown on their Apple Watch. Alongside this exciting addition, Apple is introducing several new watch faces, including features to measure daylight exposure, cycling functionalities, and trailhead information specifically designed for hikers. These updates further enhance the versatility and usefulness of Apple Watches for users in various contexts.

macOS Sonoma

Last, but certainly not least, macOS is getting an update too! Updates for Apple product operating systems all around!

The latest Mac operating system is macOS Sonoma. And just like iPadOS and WatchOS, macOS Sonoma is going all in on widgets too. Widgets will no longer live on a separate screen on your Mac Mini or MacBook. Users will now be able to put their favorite widgets right on their desktop.

Apple’s focus on teleconferencing is evident in the new macOS Sonoma. A notable feature called Presenter Overlay enables users to host presentations with a slideshow displayed behind their video, eliminating the need for a specific app. Apple has integrated this feature with popular teleconferencing services like Zoom, ensuring seamless compatibility.

Safari, the default web browser on macOS, is also receiving updates. The introduction of profiles allows users to separate their personal web browsing from work-related activities. Enhanced privacy options enable users to block web trackers while engaging in privacy browsing. Additionally, Safari allows users to create standalone web apps that can be conveniently accessed from the macOS dock, providing quick access to favorite websites.

Moving on to other highlights, tvOS 17 brings an important feature to Apple TV—Find My Remote, catering to those who frequently misplace the tiny remote control. However, the major update for Apple TV lies in FaceTime integration. Leveraging the Continuity Camera feature, which transforms an iPhone or iPad into a webcam, users can now take FaceTime calls via Apple TV and stream the calls on a larger screen, making it ideal for group video chats in a room setting.

AirPods are receiving a noteworthy update with the introduction of Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness features. Adaptive Audio combines Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation to deliver optimized sound based on the user’s environment. This ensures an immersive and tailored listening experience. Personalized Volume utilizes machine learning to customize the audio level according to the user’s individual preferences when they wear their AirPods. This feature enhances comfort and convenience. Additionally, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of the AirPods when the user begins speaking, allowing for seamless transitions between listening and engaging in conversations. These updates enhance the overall functionality and user experience of AirPods.

Introducing the Apple Vision Pro: A High-End Headset with a Hefty Price Tag

Hello, M2 Ultra. Goodbye, Intel.

WatchOS 10

macOS Sonoma

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