Apple Inc.'s annual World Developers Conference kicked off in San Jose, California on Monday and the company announced some big updates to iOS, macOS, Siri and more.
» RELATED: New iPhone features to include ways to use it less
Here are some of the notable announcements the company has made so far:
A high-speed iOS.
Apple Inc. software vice president Craig Federighi said the new iOS 12 update will improve app speed and performance. According to the Verge, apps are expected to launch 40 percent faster, keyboards will appear 50 percent quicker and the camera will open 70 times faster on older devices.
MacOS goes dark. Introducing macOS Mojave:
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
A new Dark Mode operating system is coming to Mac, turning all windows black and bringing with it some significant privacy updates to macOS’ latest update. A new feature on Safari blocks tracking sites (Facebook’s Like and Comment feature) and prompts you when you’re browsing a website with the feature, the Verge reported. Also new on Mac: a designed App Store, plus new Office 365, Lightroom CC and BBEdit.
More about the new macOS 10.14 Mojave update at 9to5mac.com.
CarPlay users will finally be able to use Google Maps and Waze.
One major complaint from CarPlay users is that the service only offers Apple Maps’ navigation app. No more, developers said Monday. With the new iOS 12 update, CarPlay is expanding to the other two popular options. For those new to CarPlay, the software turns your car’s dashboard display into an iPhone-like screen compatible with many iOS apps, calls and texts and more.
» RELATED: How to tell if Apple is slowing down your iPhone — and how to fix it
Know how much time you — or your kids — are spending on the phone.
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
The new Screen Time feature on iOS 12 will give users insight into how much screen time they’re spending on the phone and on individual apps. Consumers can also assign time limits for each (great for parental controls), and iOS will prompt them with a “time’s up” message when appropriate.
» RELATED: Apple faces multiple lawsuits over iPhone battery speed
FaceTime with up to 32 people at once.
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
You can grab 31 of your closest buds for a FaceTime session on iOS 12. When someone begins talking, their thumbnail will get larger on the screen. Group FaceTime can also be launched from a group thread in Messages.
» RELATED: Which smart speaker is right for you? Comparing Google Home, Amazon Echo and Apple HomePod
Memoji and Animoji: Fun for everyone.
Apple introduced Memoji, which gives users the chance to create emoji versions of themselves to match your personality. And you can make as many “alter egos” as you want. Animoji, another new visual feature on iOS 12, allows you to animate one of four animoji. Now you can make your koala, tiger, ghost or T.rex wink or stick out your tongue.
» RELATED: Face ID on iPhone X failed in its first public demo, but it may not be its fault
Measure objects with Apple’s new augmented reality features.
Using Apple's Measure app, users can measure real-world objects with the help of augmented reality. This is particularly useful for designers, architects, crafters and more.
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