Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicked off with a lengthy keynote on Monday, June 8 in San Francisco. You might not have been able to attend but here are some highlights from the events first day.
Apple revealed the newest versions of its OS X and iOS 9 operating systems. Both of these operating systems are set to roll out to everyone this fall, free of charge. But if you can’t wait until then, Apple is offering public beta’s for both starting in July while developers can try out a beta starting now.
OS X, named El Capitan, is the newest operating system for iMacs, Macbooks, and Mac Pro. El Capitan will be bringing updates to mail, spotlight search function and Siri. Apple says users can also expect faster app launches and a new multi-task function allowing for side-by-side windows.
The iOS 9 update will be for Apple mobile devices iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Apple claims iOS 9 will be bringing improvements to Siri, promising 40 percent more accuracy and faster response times. Battery life is supposed to get an upgrade with the update as well. Apple says iPhone users can expect up to an hour more battery life with a full charge and typical use. A new low power mode is supposed to extend battery life up to 3 hours for normal use.
The Maps app will now include a new Transit map with the iOS 9 upgrade. Transit map is designed to appeal to those living in larger cities by offering features like step-by-step walking instead of just driving directions. Transit Map will first be available in 10 cities: Baltimore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington DC.
Apple also announced it is expanding Apple Pay with more retailers now participating. Discover Card will be joining Apple Pay as well as Best Buy, Trader Joe’s and Dunkin Donuts. Apple Pay will also be expanding further internationally by coming to the United Kingdom some time in July.
Image via Apple