Continuing to blur the lines between Macs and iPads, Apple announced that its new Mac operating system, macOS Monterey, will have a feature that lets people drag and drop files between both devices.
The feature, known as Universal Control, will let users move between Macs and iPads with just a single mouse and keyboard, bringing files back and forth between devices.
It even lets users draw something on an iPad with Apple Pencil and then put it into a Keynote slide on a Mac.
Users will also be able to send their iPad screens and music to an Apple computer, with another feature, known as AirPlay to Mac.
Scroll down for video
Apple’s new macOS Monterey, will have a feature that lets people drag and drop files between Macs and iPads, letting users move both devices with just a single mouse and keyboard
Users will also be able to send their iPad screens and music to an Apple computer, with another feature, known as AirPlay to Mac
The new operating system has several other new features as well.
These include a new Shortcuts automation application and several updates to its Safari web browser, including a new tab bar and better grouping of tabs.
Shortcuts allows users to quickly accomplish tasks, such as sharing files or making GIFs on a Mac, just as they would on an iPhone or iPad.
An update to Notes will let users write down notes on any app or website instead of pulling open the separate Notes app.
Other new features that are part of iOS 15, such as an updated FaceTime, changes to Focus notifications and SharePlay, will also be part of macOS Monterey.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering: ‘We think our customers are going to love browsing the web with Safari’s new tab design, enjoying shared experiences with SharePlay in FaceTime, and using their Mac and other Apple devices together in new ways with Universal Control and AirPlay to Mac.’
A number of devices will be compatible with macOS Monterey, including MacBook Pro (2015 and later), MacBook Airs (2015 and later), MacBook (2016 and later), iMac (2015 and later), iMac Pro (2017 and later), Mac mini (2014 and later) and Mac Pro (2013 and later).
The new operating system, which will be available to developers in preview form today, will have a public preview next month.
It will then be available as a free update sometime this fall, Apple said.
Apple announces iOS 15 at its Worldwide Developers Conference: FaceTime gets huge upgrade that includes 3D audio and there’s boosts for iPad and AirPods
Apple gave users the first look at its new iOS 15 at the tech giant’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Monday.
The new operating system is packed with FaceTime improvements including 3D audio, portrait mode that blurs backgrounds and a grid view for video conferences that competes with Zoom.
Users can also watch and listen to the same movies and music with friends through the new SharePlay feature.
FaceTime will also supported on Windows and Android devices through a browser, providing the first time this service is available on different platforms.
Apple also previewed operating systems for its other devices including iPadOS 15 that aims to help users be more productive by revamping the Split View and Slide Over features .
watchOS 8 that provides more features for staying healthy, active and connected, along with new apps to help you breathe a little easier.
Apple’s AirPods are also getting improvements with the new iOS 15, which will boost the sounds of people talking to you, improve Find My support and improved range of notifications.
Scroll down for video
The new operating system is packed with FaceTime improvements that includes 3D audio, portrait mode that blurs backgrounds and a grid view (pictured) that lets users speak to multiple people at once
‘For many of us, our iPhones have become indispensable,’ SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said during Apple’s livestreamed WWDC.
‘Our new release is iOS 15. It’s packed with features that make the iOS experience adapt to and complement the way you use iPhone, whether it’s staying connected with those who matter to you most.
‘Finding the space to focus without distraction, using intelligence to discover the information you need, or exploring the world around you.’
Apple’s WWDC is an annual event that showcases some of the firm’s latest and greatest hardware and software.
The service will be available in Portrait Mode, which blurs your background similar to how the feature works with photos that makes the individual more prominent in the scene.
SharePlay is also a new update that allows users to enjoy the same movie or music using just their iPhone or iPad. The feature is compatible with Apple TV and Apple Music, along with content from Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, TikTok and more
It is typically hosted in front of a large audience, but Apple had hold the event online for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But that has not stopped Apple from unveiling its upcoming operating system.
iOS 15 is revamping FaceTime, which was introduced in 2010, with new features that aim to better connect users.
iOS 15 also releases a new feature to FaceTime that puts it in the race against the popular video conferencing platform Zoom. Pictured is SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi during the online event
The service will be available in Portrait Mode, which blurs your background similar to how the feature works with photos that makes the individual more prominent in the scene.
SharePlay is also a new update that allows users to enjoy the same movie or music using just their iPhone or iPad.
The feature is compatible with Apple TV and Apple Music, along with content from Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Twitch, TikTok and more.
iOS 15 also releases a new feature to FaceTime that puts it in the race against the popular video conferencing platform Zoom.
Call boxes will be organized in a grid format for easier viewing and the host of a specific meeting can share a link to a chat room prior to the call.
Apple’s upcoming iOS 15 also includes an iMessage redesign that transforms message photos into galleries and includes a focus mode that hides apps that typically distract users.
Notifications will also look a little different following the download of iOS 15 – they will have photos and larger icons.
This is part of Apple’s new Focus feature that lets users decide how notifications appear on their iPhone or iPad.
This includes timing when certain notifications will pop up, such as snoozing them while you are working or allowing them when you go for your daily walk.
The camera is also benefitting from the new operating system and will feature Live Text that is capable of identifying and scanning text in photos.
Notifications will also look a little different following the download of iOS 15 – they will have photos and larger icons. This is part of Apple’s new Focus feature that lets users decide how notifications appear on their iPhone or iPad
Apple also shared the new iPadOS 15 that aims to help users make the most out of their iPad.
The new operating system makes it easier to multitask by putting Split View and Slide Over in more obvious places
This will let users turn handwritten notes into emails, along with copy the text and search for it online.
Apple says the feature is enabled using ‘deep neural networks’ and ‘on-device intelligence.’
Apple also says that the operating system allows the iPhone to measure how a user is walking – are they balanced, stable or stumbling.
This feature has long been rumored as way to know if you have drank too much.
The new operating system will also place widget layouts directly on the Home Screen
Apple also shared the new iPadOS 15 that aims to help users make the most out of their iPad.
‘We’re excited to make the iPad experience even better with iPadOS 15,’ said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
‘With more intuitive multitasking, a new Home Screen design with integrated widgets and the App Library, systemwide note taking with Quick Note, Translate designed for iPad, SharePlay, a redesigned Safari experience, new tools to stay focused, and more, users can now be even more productive.’
On the health side, Apple announced Monday a new sleeping respiratory rate feature that tracks breathing while the wear is fast asleep
The update also includes an updated Breathe app that provides specific breathing exercises and a new Mindfulness app that shows daily inspirational quotes. Users can also add pictures as home screens (center)
The new operating system makes it easier to multitask by putting Split View and Slide Over in more obvious places, along with placing widget layouts directly on the Home Screen.
The new multitasking menu appears at the top of apps, allowing users to easily select Split View or Slide Over with a simple tap.
Notes is also going system wide with Quick Notes, which now lets users write notes down using the Apple Pencil.
Users will also have access to Translate that adds new features for translating text and conversation.
Apple also previewed watchOS 8 that adds even more ways for users to stay healthy, active and connected.
And the last device to get new operating system is Apple’s AirPods. iOS 15 is designed with a ‘Conversation Boost’ feature that will help people with hearing issues better hear others during conversations
‘This fall, users can also add keys for their home, office, and hotel to Wallet, and tap their Apple Watch to unlock,’ the tech giant shared in a statement.
And later this year, US users can add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet that can be accessed via Apple Watch.
On the health side, Apple announced Monday a new sleeping respiratory rate feature that tracks breathing while the wear is fast asleep.
To do this, Apple Watch uses the built-in accelerometer to measure respiratory rate while sleeping, and this information can be viewed, along with trends over time, in the Health app on iPhone.
This metric is also available for developers to use with permission through HealthKit.
The update also includes an updated Breathe app that provides specific breathing exercises and a new Mindfulness app that shows daily inspirational quotes.
And the last device to get new operating system is Apple’s AirPods.
iOS 15 is designed with a ‘Conversation Boost’ feature that will help people with hearing issues better hear others during conversations.
Conversation Boost isolates the voice of the person speaking in front of the user, who uses sliders on the AirPods to control how much ambient noise is let in.
The tech giant has not yet announced when iOS 15 will be available for its devices, but it is expected to hit web browsers later this fall.