Earlier this week, Apple executives took to the stage in San Jose to unveil the latest updates to iOS, macOS, watchOS and its iPad and Mac lineup. It was an interesting keynote for any Apple fan and taught us a lot about where the Cupertino firm is headed. Here are five things we learned at the Worldwide Developer’s Conference.
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Apple is taking on Google Home and Amazon Alexa
Apple finally entered the smart home hub market at WWDC 2017, with the announcement of the Home Pod. This new device, which will retail for $349 this December, will be available in the UK, the US, and Australia, and offer distortion-free music, the Siri personal assistant and a raft of other features. The hub will enter other markets in 2018.
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iPad Pro is even more pro
Apple unveiled two brand new iPad Pros at the event, with the 10.5-inch model receiving a brand new look. The tablets will “change what we can do with iPad,” according to Apple, and both will come with a ten-hour battery life and an A10X six-core Fusion CPU.
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iMac is getting expensive
As well as refreshing the standard iMac line with new processors and USB 3 ports, Apple unveiled a brand new iMac Pro, which will retail for an eye-watering $4,999. The new device is “the most powerful Mac ever,” according to Apple, and comes in a stunning space gray design with matching Magic Mouse and Keyboard. The supercomputer will go on sale in December and include Intel Xeon processors up to 18 cores for hard-core gamers and professionals.
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Prime Video is coming to Apple TV
Apple TV users have always had choice. Not only can they access their iTunes libraries with the option of purchasing thousands of TV shows and movies, but they can download apps like Netflix and NBC to watch shows they want whenever they want to. Now, they’ll have another avenue for content, with Prime Video. The new version of tvOS will include support of the streaming service, and Apple TVs will finally be available to purchase on Amazon.com.
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iOS 11 will make driving safer
Do Not Disturb While Driving is one of the biggest features coming to iOS 11. Like Do Not Disturb, the new feature will stop notifications from getting in your way when you’re busy working on more important things – in this case, driving your car safely. Driving groups like the AA told Sky News that “we need to do more to stop drivers using their phones at the wheel, and technology can help. We welcome developments such as Do Not Disturb While Driving, which could remove the temptation to answer the phone for some drivers.”
About the Author
Jack Crute is a journalist at AppleMagazine.com, a technology and entertainment news website focused on Apple and more. Find out more about what we do on our website, and don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly magazine to stay in the know on everything Apple.
