Apple has announced a range of new hardware products and software features at its annual developers’ conference. The biggest announcement of the evening was the HomePod, a Siri-powered speaker designed to rival Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home.
Other news included the best features of the upcoming iOS 11, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and enhanced MacBook and iMac computers. Here’s a round-up of everything new Apple announced at WWDC 2017.
- Apple unveils HomePod speaker to rival Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home
- Apple launches 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- A new iMac Pro joins an upgraded computer and laptop line-up
- iOS 11 includes safe driving mode and phone-to-phone payments
- The 11 best features of iOS 11
iOS 11:
Apple’s upcoming mobile software iOS 11 includes a more helpful Siri, phone-to-phone payments within iMessage and a control centre that collates all functions in one place.
Lots of welcome improvements all over iOS 11.
…except control center. Not sure about that one. pic.twitter.com/5rvd9HBOFu
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) June 5, 2017
The Photos app in iOS 11 can create collages of pictures and videos called Memories that can spot key moments such as anniversaries.
iOS 11 features a “Do Not Disturb while Driving” mode that turns iPhone screens black and stops users from replying to messages.
It will be available in the Autumn.
HomePod speaker:
Apple’s latest product is a 7-inch high speaker called the HomePod that is fitted with an A8 chip that adjusts sound based on the shape and size of the room its on and respond to commands. It is fitted with Siri and has been designed to rival the Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers.
HomePod. Not the name I would've picked, but they're hyping the audio quality a LOT right now. Pumped to test it. pic.twitter.com/Od02Pvcplw
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) June 5, 2017
10.5-inch iPad Pro:
A 10.5-inch iPad Pro is replacing the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and joining the 12.9-inch version. Apple has designed separate iOS 11 features for iPad that make it work more like an Apple computer.
Ok so most underated announcement from today IMO is the new iPad Pro display refreshing at 120Hz. Hooooooly crap it is smooth IRL. pic.twitter.com/btMc4mmjuv
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) June 5, 2017
iMac Pro:
Apple has enhanced its iMac desktop and MacBook laptop computers with enhanced processors and memory power. It also unveiled a new iMac Pro that has a 5K screen, comes in space grey and will go on sale for $4,999.
iMac Pro 😍
Also: Apple Magic keyboard with numeric keypad. Space gray trackpad. And dark gray Magic Mouse. pic.twitter.com/pCd4exedZy— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) June 5, 2017
It has dropped the cost of an entry level 4K iMac to $1,299 and there is now a $1,299 version of the MacBook Pro.
watchOS 4 and TV OS:
Apple has announced macOS High Sierra for its computers. The new software comes with a refined, faster Safari that blocks videos from playing automatically and stops websites from tracking users. It is compatible with virtual reality for the first time and features tweaks to Mail, Photos and file storage.
https://twitter.com/jamestitcomb/status/871779399934263296
It has also unveiled new software for the Watch called watchOS 4, which includes a Siri face that can offer personalised advice through the day.
Amazon Prime Video will join Apple TV later this year, Apple said of its TV OS.