Vision Pro, MacBook Air and new OS versions: this and more from Apple’s WWDC 2023 conference

The most anticipated announcement of the presentation was of course the mixed reality title. There were many rumors about it and its release date was constantly being delayed. Finally, the company revealed under the name Vision Pro and with a new operating system.

Apple Vision Pro

It’s a standalone mixed reality headset with very powerful features, including an M2 processor (plus an auxiliary R1 chip), a 4K display for each eye, and nearly a dozen cameras and sensors that let you input data and shoot 3D with gestures. photos. There’s even an external display that shows your eyes when you use or uninstall apps and let others know about it.

Photo by Vision Pro / Apple

Vision Pro runs visionOS (reportedly previously called RealityOS or xrOS). The new platform was designed from the ground up for “spatial computing”. At its core is a 3D mixed reality interface that allows apps, FaceTime calls, and other tasks to “float” over physical space.

Work in Vision Pro / Screenshots from Apple’s presentation

You can control your Mac, play games, browse the web, and run iPad apps using a virtual screen. Third-party companies will be able to provide their own services, for example, for watching movies. Yes, Disney is already planning to create a feature set that will include streaming Disney+.

Vision Pro trailer: video

What do Ukrainian developers think about this?

We asked the Ukrainian company MacPaw what he thought of Apple’s new technology.

What prospects does the company have for the Vision Pro? Won’t it be “not born dead” because of its high price?

“We hope. We understand that this is a largely niche product at the moment, but its market adoption is entirely dependent on the application and software available for Apple Vision Pro. We believe this product will transform the user experience and communication interfaces of Apple Vision Pro. between them,” he says. Vitaly Budnik, Vice President of MacPaw Cocoa Engineering.

Does the technology have potential applications outside of entertainment?

“Absolutely. I’m very interested in trying out Apple Vision Pro live. I usually work with lots of documents and constantly switching between tabs, windows, desktops, screens can be tiring at times, and being able to put everything on one screen means: everything I need. It would be great if I could have all the information I need (sites, apps, documents) in almost one physical space.”

Does MacPaw plan to develop apps for Vision Pro?

“We are planning to develop applications for Vision Pro. We already have ideas of what can be done. We really hope we can make a new product.”

15-inch MacBook Air

Photo from MacBook Air / Apple

The company introduced the 15-inch MacBook Air, its first truly large laptop aimed at everyday users. It has the same fanless build as its 13-inch sibling, M2 chip, MagSafe connector and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, only with a 15.3-inch display and 18 hours longer battery life.

It’s billed as the “world’s thinnest” 15-inch laptop with a relatively light weight.

The updated MacBook Air will go on sale on June 13 at the following price: Starting at $1,299. Apple also slashed the price of the 13-inch Air to $1,099.

Mac Pro and Mac Studio on the M2 Ultra chip

Photo by Mac Pro and Mac Studio / Apple

It took three years, but Apple finally completed the transition of its computer line to its own silicon. The company introduced the Mac Pro, which is based on an entirely new system built on the M2 Ultra crystal. While the workstation looks the same as its Intel-based predecessor, its 24-core processor and 76-core graphics chip are said to be three times faster. RAM cannot be upgraded independently, unfortunately, but seven PCIe slots and eight Thunderbolt 4 ports promise the expansion needed by the most demanding users.

Meanwhile, the Mac Studio is a simple upgrade to last year’s compact professional machine. Available in M2 Max and M2 Ultra configurations with a larger HDMI port supporting up to 8K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate.

Both systems will be available on June 13.

• Updated Mac Studio starts at $1,999
• Mac Pro – Starting at $6,599.

iOS 17

iOS 17 screenshots / Photo by Apple

The update focuses on both core apps and expanded iPhone functionality.

• Calls now include “cards” and real-time voicemail transcription for specific contacts.
• The Messages program has a more concise interface, decoding of voice messages in text format, a more powerful extract function.
• The new Check-in feature ensures seamless coordination by allowing users to share their location and status with other users.
• The Check In feature also sends an automatic message to a friend when the user returns home, eliminating the need for manual notification.
• FaceTime allows you to leave a video message.
• Siri has become more powerful with support for sequential commands that don’t include the keyword “Siri”, and autocorrect includes sentence-level correction as well as prediction. You no longer need to say “Hey” when talking to your voice assistant.
• The new Diary app lets you document your actions and thoughts, keep a diary, and the mood tracker in Health helps you identify medically significant emotional changes.
• Your iPhone can also act as a smart display, with Idle mode showing useful information about widgets when the phone is in landscape mode.

iOS 17 will be released in the fall, but a developer preview is currently available.

What does MacPaw think about this?

Apple introduced new versions of all operating systems. Are there any significant changes for app developers, or are the updates purely “cosmetic”?

“We see that Apple is listening to the developers and making Swift better by adding macros. I’d also like to point out that Apple didn’t get rid of CoreData but instead created a useful new framework for working with data: SwiftData. New App Intents and in MacPaw “Tips APIs will help make apps clearer, more accessible and useful for users,” said Vitaly Budnik, VP of Cocoa Engineering.

iPadOS 17

iPadOS 17 / Photo by Apple

• iPad update adds iOS 16 style lock screen customization and widgets. These widgets are now interactive on the tablet, allowing you to perform actions without switching to apps.
• For the first time, there’s a Health app on iPad that takes advantage of new iOS features like mood tracking.
• For the first time, the Notes app lets you annotate and collaborate on PDF files.
• Multitasking Stage Manager gives you more control over windows and you can use the external monitor’s webcam for video calls.
• The Journal app, contact cards, and message updates in iOS 17 will also be available here.

The operating system will also be released in the fall.

Watch OS 10

Photo by watchOS 10 / Apple

• Apple Watch gets its first real look at the interface with watchOS 10.
• The new operating system adds widgets for timers, podcasts, and other content that you can quickly access by turning the wheel at the side of the screen.
• Key apps like Activity and World Clock also get more functionality.
• Cyclists get support for cycling sensors as well as heart rate and power data, while walkers can appreciate automatic waypoint creation for emergencies, as well as topographical maps (including trail finding) and 3D route planners.

Other additions are more compatible with iOS and iPadOS. The mindfulness app now includes mood tracking as well as outdoor time tracking to help prevent nearsightedness. You can view FaceTime video messages and join FaceTime group audio chats. If you are a Fitness+ subscriber, you will have your own exercise and meditation program.

macOS Sonoma

MacOS Sonoma / Photo by Apple

Sonoma is dedicated to productivity and widget management with little fun.

• The update adds interactive desktop widgets (placeable anywhere) that can sync with your iPhone using Continuity. When your iOS device is nearby, you can access and interact with all of your smartphone’s desktop widgets.
• The video call has been updated with the interlocutor superimposing the shared content. Also added reactions and improved screen sharing. You’ll also be able to use gestures to add video effects like balloons and hearts to your calls, and these will work in Zoom, Teams, and other popular apps.
• Safari adds stricter anti-tracking measures (such as different cookie interaction scenarios, new tracker blocking systems, locking private windows when not in use, and more) and improvements to private browsing.
• A game mode has appeared in the new operating system, which reduces the number of background tasks by prioritizing the performance of the processor and graphics processor. All this for a smoother game with a high frame rate. Game Mode also reduces audio lag on AirPods and input lag on controllers. Game Mode works with all games, including upcoming Mac versions.