Apple announced new versions of its user interface across product lines at its annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. The big hardware announcement was the debut of M2, the next generation of Apple silicon designed specifically for the Mac. The new M2 chip will power the two new laptops that were unveiled on June 6th, 2022.
A New Beast
The big reveal at WWDC 2022 was the M2 chip built using second-generation 5-nanometer technology with an 18 percent faster CPU, a 35 percent more powerful GPU, and a 40 percent faster Neural Engine than the its predecessor, the M1. It also delivers 50 percent more memory bandwidth compared to M1, and up to 24GB of fast unified memory. The system-on-a-chip (SoC) design of M2 consists of 20 billion transistors—25 percent more than M1. The additional transistors improve features across the entire chip, including the memory controller that delivers 100GB/s of unified memory bandwidth—50 percent more than M1.
Powered By M2
Apple took the wraps off the all-new MacBook Air and updated 13-inch MacBook Pro that are both propelled by the new M2 chip. It’s the all-new, ultra-thin (just 11.3 mm) MacBook Air (from Rs 119,900) that has our attention. MagSafe charging is back, and the new Air features a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. Other highlights include a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and up to 18 hours of battery life. It’s now available in four finishes—Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and our favourite, Midnight, The M2 is also the heart of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with up to 24GB of unified memory, ProRes acceleration and up to 20 hours of battery life,all in a compact design.
The Watch OS Reboot
Apple’s watchOS user experience is ahead of the pack. The new watchOS 9 comes with a raft of new features. For starters, there are more watch faces and richer ‘complications’ that build on the Apple Watch’s big selling point—personalisation. The updated Workout app now features advanced metrics, views, and training experiences inspired by high-performing athletes. A new FDA-cleared AFib History feature provides deeper insights into a user’s condition. The new Medications app makes it easy for users to conveniently and discreetly manage, understand, and track medications. But it’s Sleep Tracking that we’re looking forward to checking out. It provides even more insights with the introduction of sleep stages. Using signals from the accelerometer and heart rate sensor, the Apple Watch can detect when users are in REM, Core or Deep sleep.
iPad Boots Its Multi-Tasking
Apple’s iPad OS has built a strong case for productivity on a tab and the new iPad OS 16 takes if further. The new Stage Manager feature rides on the power of the M1 chip and brings a new way to multitask with multiple overlapping windows and full external display support.
Freeform, a powerful new collaboration app with a flexible canvas, gives you the ability to see, share, and collaborate all in one place without worrying about layouts and page sizes, and with full support for Apple Pencil. We were also impressed with the first images of the new Weather app that takes full advantage of the immersive iPad.
A Reimagined Lock Screen
The iPhone Lock Screen will be a whole new experience thanks to the big updates ushered in by iOS 16. Your Lock Screen gets more personal and functional with the newest iteration of iOS. With a new multi-layered effect, the subjects of photos are artfully set in front of the time on the Lock Screen, creating a sense of depth. You can tweak the look of the date and time with expressive type styles and colour choices. In an interesting twist, some of new Lock Screen widgets seek inspiration from Apple Watch complications, making it easy to get information at a glance, such as upcoming calendar events, the weather and battery levels.
Seamless Switching Between Apps and Windows
Apple showed off macOS Ventura, the latest version of its desktop operating system. Stage Manager gives you an all-new way to stay focused on the task in front of you, while allowing a smooth switch between apps and windows. We’re also excited about the possibilities of Continuity Camera that uses iPhone as the webcam on Mac. With the new Handoff feature coming to FaceTime, you can start a FaceTime call on your Phone and seamlessly switch over to your Mac.
