In addition to announcements of the Apple Intelligence, Apple introduced significant software updates across its product lineups. Among these is VisionOS, the operating system that powers Vision Pro, reflecting Apple's ambitious efforts to revolutionize spatial computing.
VisonOS 2
According to Apple, the App Store features over 2,000 apps specifically for Apple Vision Pro, with over 1.5 million compatible iPhone and iPad apps. These apps are powered by Vision OS, which has received its first major update with Vision OS 2.
Vision OS 2 introduces advanced photo features, generating spatial photos from 2D images using machine learning. New gestures make navigating Vision Pro easier, and improvements to Mac Virtual Display offer higher resolution and ultrawide displays for enhanced productivity.
Apple has simplified the creation of spatial content for iPhone 15 Pro users. Canon will introduce a spatial lens for the EOS R7, with new professional workflows coming this fall. Apple Immersive Video offers 180° 8K recordings with spatial audio, with new content, including a Red Bull series and an Edward Burer short film, available on the TV app.
Apple Vision Pro and Vision OS will expand to China, Japan, and Singapore on June 28 and to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK on July 12.
iOS 18
iOS 18 introduces extensive customization, enhanced connectivity, and improved privacy controls to personalize and secure the iPhone experience. Users can lock apps, hide sensitive apps, and control app access to contacts and accessories.
Messages get new Tapback options, scheduling, text formatting, and satellite messaging. The Mail app improves management with on-device categorization. Maps feature detailed topographic maps and offline hiking routes for US National Parks. Wallet adds "Tap to Cash" and new Apple Pay methods.
The Journal app updates mood logging and goal tracking, while Game Mode boosts gaming performance. Photos receive a major redesign for better organization and quick access to memories. Overall, iOS 18 enhances user experience through customization, connectivity, and privacy while updating key apps.
Audio & Home:
AirPods Pro will feature voice isolation to ensure clear call quality by removing background noise. Personalized spatial audio will extend to gaming, with Need for Speed Mobile being one of the first titles to incorporate this technology.
For tvOS and Apple TV, the new Insight feature provides real-time information about actors, character names, and songs during Apple Originals viewing. Enhanced dialogue clarity, automatic subtitles, and support for 21:9 projectors offer a theater-like experience. New screen savers include a "Portraits" category and animations featuring Snoopy and Woodstock.
watchOS 11
Apple's WatchOS 11 introduces new features to boost fitness, health, and connectivity. The Training Load feature measures workout intensity and duration, advising users to avoid exhaustion or injury by using heart rate and personal metrics. Users can adjust these ratings for accurate assessments.
The new Vitals app tracks key vitals during sleep, offering daily health status updates and highlighting abnormal metrics. For pregnant users, Cycle Tracking now shows gestational age and prompts reviews of health metrics.
Connectivity is enhanced with an improved Smart Stack, new widgets, Live Activities support, and a Double Tap API for app-specific actions. A redesigned Photos face uses machine learning to curate and frame the best photos, making the watch face more personal.
iPadOS 18
Apple's iPadOS 18, powering the latest iPad lineup, enhances productivity and creativity with new features. It introduces personalization options from iOS, such as customizable home screens and Control Centers. Notable updates include a floating tab bar for easier navigation and revamped interfaces for apps like Pages and Keynote, offering smoother animations and responsiveness. Developers can integrate these elements into their apps.
The Apple Pencil sees significant upgrades with Math Notes, converting handwritten equations into real-time solutions and graphs, and a new calculator app. The Freeform app now features "scenes," enabling users to present board sections one by one for collaborative work. Handwriting in Notes is improved with Smart Script, using machine learning to refine handwritten text, integrate typed text, check spelling, and adjust text dynamically. Overall, iPadOS 18 elevates the iPad with improved app functionality and advanced Apple Pencil capabilities.
macOS Sequoia
Apple has announced macOS Sequoia. Sequoia uses Apple silicon to introduce features like iPhone mirroring for seamless control from a Mac. Messages, Maps, and Math Notes significantly improve, becoming more expressive and functional. Enhanced Continuity ensures better integration between Apple devices.
Safari updates improve content discovery and privacy with highlights and Viewer for distraction-free browsing. Gaming on the Mac gets a boost with the Game Porting Toolkit and new titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows, leveraging Apple's Metal technology for superior performance.
