Apple's major announcement: The changes coming to your iPhone, iPad and MacBooks
Major changes are coming to iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, the company revealed at its annual conference.
Apple announced a range of new changes and updates to its devices at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in California on Monday.
As part of its new iOS 13 software, Apple is introducing new features on iPhone, including a Dark Mode, as well as new ways to edit photos, use the virtual assistant Siri, sign in to apps and websites, and navigate the world with a new map.
With the new “Sign in with Apple” feature, users can sign into apps and websites without sharing their email address. It also allows users to show their location to any app just once instead of continually.
Apple Maps is also set to receive a makeover, with more precise addresses and 3D street-level imagery similar to Google Maps. While the new map is currently limited to select cities and states in the US, it is expected to roll out to other countries next year.
Voice assistant Siri will also be updated with a new, “more natural” voice and ability to read messages aloud to AirPods.
According to the tech giant’s executives, iOS 13 will also open apps faster and include a Face ID system that will let users unlock their phones 30 per cent faster.
Other offerings in the new software are the QuickPath keyboard – which makes it possible to type by sliding through the keyboard – and ‘Find My’ app to track missing gadgets and other people’s devices.
The iOS 13 software is expected to be released later this year, with observers predicting it to launch with the new iPhones in mid-September.
The company also confirmed that it will remove the iTunes service and replace it with three separate apps: Music, TV and Podcasts.
"The future of iTunes is not one app, but three,” said senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi. iTunes has been phased out from mobile devices such as iPhone and iPad, and now it is set to be withdrawn from Macs and personal computers.
For Apple smart watch users, the App Store will be available to allow apps to download on the wearable device, including independent apps that do not rely on iPhones.
Apple also unveiled a new version of its professional desktop computer MacPro, whose design has been likened to a cheese grater. Prices will start at US$6,000 (AU$8,600).
Computer users can also benefit from the new app Sidecar, which allows them to use an iPad as a second display.