WWDC 2019: iOS 13, iPadOS, macOS Catalina and a New Mac Pro
Apple has previewed iOS 13, the new iPadOS, macOS Catalina and a redesigned Mac Pro at WWDC 2019, with changes across iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Apple opened WWDC 2019 today with major software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. The iPad now has an operating system name of its own, while professionals also got their first look at a completely redesigned Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR.
iOS 13 brings Dark Mode and better privacy
iOS 13 introduces a system-wide Dark Mode, faster app launching, smaller app downloads and a quicker Face ID unlock. Photos gets stronger editing tools for both photos and video, while Maps is being rebuilt with more detailed information.
Sign in with Apple is the privacy feature to watch. It will let people use their Apple ID to sign in to supported apps and websites, with the option to hide their real email address behind a unique forwarding address.
iPadOS gives the iPad its own direction
The iPad will move from iOS to a newly named iPadOS. It keeps the same foundation but adds a denser Home Screen, stronger multitasking, multiple windows from the same app and support for external drives in Files.
Apple Pencil should also feel more immediate, and a corner gesture will make it easier to mark up a webpage, email or document. These changes make the iPad more capable, although they do not remove the need for a Mac in every workflow.
macOS Catalina changes how Mac media works
macOS Catalina replaces iTunes with separate Music, Podcasts and TV apps. Device syncing will move into Finder, which should make the split less disruptive than it first sounds.
Sidecar will let a compatible iPad act as a second display or drawing surface for a Mac. Catalina also brings Voice Control, Screen Time and stronger security controls, while Project Catalyst will help developers bring iPad apps to the Mac.
Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR
The new Mac Pro returns to a modular tower design built for demanding professional work. It supports high-core-count Intel Xeon processors, large amounts of memory, replaceable expansion cards and Apple’s optional Afterburner video accelerator.
The matching Pro Display XDR is a 32-inch 6K display aimed at colour-critical video and design work. This is specialist equipment rather than a general office Mac, but it shows Apple is again taking high-end Mac users seriously.
What happens next
Developer betas are available now, with public betas due later this month. The finished operating systems are planned for spring in Australia. As always, do not install early beta software on a Mac, iPhone or iPad you rely on for work.
The Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR are due later this year.
