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WWDC 2023: 10 Other Apple Announcements You Might Have Missed

The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is an annual event where Apple captivates its audience with exciting software updates, product unveilings, and technological advancements. WWDC 2023 was no exception, as Apple took the stage to announce major highlights such as the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, OS updates for its devices, and the 15-inch MacBook Air M2. However, amidst the spotlight-grabbing announcements, several intriguing reveals may have slipped under the radar. Let’s delve into 10 such updates, which include innovative features, app enhancements, and more.


1) Apple TV 4K gets FaceTime and new video conferencing capabilities

tvOS 17, the software update to Apple TV 4K, will give users the opportunity to use FaceTime directly on their Apple TV. This allows them to initiate calls directly from the TV, or begin calls on their iPhone or iPad and then seamlessly transfer them to the Apple TV. FaceTime on Apple TV utilises Continuity Camera support to establish a wireless connection with the user’s iPhone or iPad. Leveraging the device’s camera and microphone, FaceTime brings participants together on the TV screen, enhancing the video calling experience.

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With Centre Stage, FaceTime ensures that all participants in a room remain perfectly framed on the screen, even as they move around. This intelligent feature keeps the focus on subjects, eliminating the need for constant readjustment. Additionally, new gesture-based reactions enable callers to generate onscreen effects, such as hearts or fireworks, by simply using their hands. Furthermore, the introduction of Split View for Apple TV enhances the FaceTime experience by allowing users to simultaneously watch shows or movies with their loved ones during a SharePlay session, while still being able to see everyone on the FaceTime call.

2) tvOS 17 lets you use your iPhone to find a lost Siri remote

If the ‌Siri‌ Remote is misplaced, tvOS 17 allows users to conveniently access the ‌Apple TV‌ remote via the Control Center on their linked iPhone. By doing so, they can locate their ‌Siri‌ Remote using an interface similar to the Find My app. This interface provides guidance by displaying an onscreen circle that increases in size as users move in the right direction, assisting them in locating the remote effortlessly.

3) AirPods gain new and improved features

Software updates for AirPods later this year will enhance the process of switching between Apple devices while using AirPods with Automatic Switching, resulting in faster and more reliable transitions. This means that moving from enjoying a favorite podcast on an iPhone to attending a work call on a Mac is now an even more seamless experience.

The updates will also bring three new features to AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Adaptive Audio introduces an innovative listening mode that combines Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation to dynamically adjust audio settings based on the surroundings. This ensures that users enjoy the optimal sound quality in any given moment. Personalised Volume employs machine learning to analyse environmental conditions and user preferences over time to deliver optimal audio settings for each individual. Finally, simply starting to speak prompts Conversation Awareness to automatically lower the volume and enhance the voices coming from the front, effectively reducing background noise and creating a more focused and immersive conversation experience.

4) watchOS 10 is a milestone update for Apple Watch

watchOS 10 brings a redesigned interface where apps offer more information at a glance, along with improved navigation. Popular apps like Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps, Messages, and more can now make use of a larger display. Meanwhile, the Activity and Fitness apps provide easier tracking, enhanced sharing, and a redesigned trophy case.

A new Smart Stack feature on watchOS allows widgets to dynamically adapt to the user’s needs. For example, by turning the Digital Crown on any watch face, users can access timely information such as the weather forecast or boarding passes from Wallet when travelling. In addition, accessing Control Center has been simplified with the side button, enabling users to open it quickly, regardless of the active app. A double-click of the Digital Crown conveniently switches back to recently used apps.

5) New health features in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10

The Health app will finally make its way to iPadOS 17, providing users with fresh perspectives on their health data.

In the Health app in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, and the Mindfulness app in watchOS 10, users can reflect on their mental state in an engaging way. They can select feelings on a scale and identify impactful associations. Insights in the app help identify contributing factors like sleep or exercise. The app also offers accessible assessments for depression and anxiety, aiding users in assessing their risk level and finding resources.

watchOS 10 introduces a useful feature to measure daylight exposure using the ambient light sensor on Apple Watch, so users can check their daylight time in the Health app on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. Additionally, the new Screen Distance feature uses the TrueDepth camera to prompt users to move their device farther away if held closer than 12 inches for an extended period. Screen Distance encourages healthy viewing habits, reducing myopia risk in younger users and alleviating digital eyestrain for adults.

6) iOS 17 lets you create a replica of your voice

Personal Voice, a new feature introduced in the initial beta release of iOS 17, is specifically designed for individuals who are at risk of losing their ability to speak. This groundbreaking feature provides them with the opportunity to generate a personalised voice that closely resembles their own, facilitating effective communication.

The process involves reading a set of predetermined sentences aloud. Once completed, your ‌iPhone‌ will generate and store your unique Personal Voice. This customised voice can be used with the Live Speech feature, enabling users to type-to-speak in various communication apps such as FaceTime, the Phone app, and more. With Personal Voice and Live Speech working together, people who face challenges in vocal communication can express themselves authentically and effectively, making communication more accessible and personalised.

7) New AirDrop features and NameDrop

AirDrop receives a significant update in iOS 17, simplifying the sharing process. By bringing your iPhone close to another device, you can effortlessly share media files, or engage in shared activities through Share Play. This means you can bring your devices together to simultaneously watch a live stream, for example.

Apple introduces the term “NameDrop” for sharing your Contact Poster with new contacts. Users will have control over the specific contact information they choose to share. NameDrop functionality extends to iPhones and Apple Watches, which facilitates seamless sharing across devices.

8) iOS 17 can automatically clean up verification codes

In iOS 17, it’s worth noting that autofill verification codes are now available in the Mail app as well, operating similarly to the Messages app. The update also introduces a convenient feature to delete verification codes in Messages and Mail once they have been used for autofill in apps or websites. This functionality can be enabled by toggling on “Clean Up Automatically” in the Passwords app under Password Options.

9) iOS 17 lets you share AirTags

iOS 17 introduces the ability to share an AirTag with others. Within the Find My app, you can now select an AirTag and choose the “Share This AirTag” option to invite a contact. Once invited, the person will have access to the AirTag’s location, providing a convenient solution when lending an item with an attached AirTag to a friend or family member. This feature eliminates the inconvenience of receiving tracking alerts for an AirTag that is being used by someone else, such as in the case of a shared car. You have the flexibility to invite anyone to view an AirTag’s location and can remove their access at any time, allowing for temporary sharing arrangements.

10) New privacy and security features

Safari will take privacy protection to a new level, with advanced tracking and fingerprinting protections, offering enhanced safeguards against trackers and potential device access by unauthorised individuals. Moreover, the Private Browsing feature now automatically locks when idle, enabling users to keep their tabs open even when they step away from their device.

To enhance user privacy, a new integrated Photos picker allows users to selectively share specific photos with apps while maintaining the privacy of the rest of their photo library. When apps request access to the user’s entire photo library, they will receive detailed information about the specific photos they will be sharing, along with occasional reminders to reaffirm their choice. This empowers users with greater control over their shared photo content and helps them make informed decisions about their privacy.

iOS 17 also implements a feature that removes additional tracking information from URLs when shared via Messages and Mail. This ensures that users can share links without compromising their privacy, while still maintaining the functionality of the links. Furthermore, this tracking information will also be eliminated from links accessed in Safari’s Private Browsing mode, offering users enhanced privacy protection while browsing the web.

The enhanced Communication Safety feature in iOS 17 expands its coverage to include video content, in addition to still images, providing further protection for children. Additionally, adult users can benefit from the Sensitive Content Warning, which helps them avoid unwanted exposure to explicit images and videos in various communication apps like Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime, and the Phone app. It’s important to note that all image and video processing for Sensitive Content Warning takes place on the user’s device, ensuring that neither Apple nor any third party can access the content.