WWDC 2022: iOS 16, macOS Ventura and the M2 MacBook Air
WWDC 2022 brings iOS 16, macOS Ventura, watchOS 9 and a redesigned MacBook Air powered by Apple's new M2 chip, with major sharing changes.
Apple opened WWDC 2022 with new software for its main platforms and two new Mac notebooks. iOS 16 redesigns the Lock Screen, macOS Ventura adds new productivity and Continuity features, and the completely redesigned MacBook Air introduces the second-generation M2 chip.
iOS 16
iOS 16 lets people personalise the Lock Screen with different type styles, colours, widgets and linked Focus modes. Notifications move lower on the screen, while Live Activities will provide ongoing updates without a stream of separate alerts.
Messages will allow recently sent messages to be edited or recalled, Mail gains scheduled sending and reminders, and iCloud Shared Photo Library is designed to make a family photo collection easier to manage.
macOS Ventura
Ventura introduces Stage Manager for organising open apps and windows, along with improvements to Spotlight, Mail, Safari and Messages. Continuity Camera will let a nearby iPhone act as a Mac webcam, including a desk-view option that shows the work surface below.
Passkeys are Apple’s proposed replacement for many passwords, using device-based authentication and iCloud Keychain. Adoption will take time, but the direction is important for security.
M2 and the redesigned MacBook Air
M2 starts the second generation of Apple’s Mac chips. The new MacBook Air has a flatter, thinner design, a larger 13.6-inch display, MagSafe charging, a 1080p camera and four finishes. It remains fanless.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro also receives M2 but keeps its existing design and Touch Bar. For most buyers, the redesigned Air is likely to be the more balanced choice.
iPadOS 16 and watchOS 9
iPadOS 16 adds stronger collaboration tools and Stage Manager on supported iPads, with external display support planned for compatible hardware. watchOS 9 expands workout information, adds new running metrics and introduces medication tracking.
Some of the most advanced features depend on newer hardware, so compatibility should be checked before making plans around them.
What to do now
Developer betas are available now, with public betas due next month. The final software will arrive later this year. Do not install early betas on work devices or a Mac used for accounting, client files or business-critical software.
The redesigned MacBook Air is the immediate product announcement. For existing devices, the Lock Screen, Continuity Camera, Stage Manager and passkeys are the changes most likely to affect everyday use.
