Apple Announces iPadOS, Dark Mode, and Privacy Upgrades at WWDC 2019
Apple reveals iOS 13, a dedicated iPadOS, and a new SwiftUI development framework at its annual developer conference, with a strong emphasis on user privacy.
Apple unveils iOS 13 at WWDC 2019, bringing highly anticipated features like Dark Mode and faster Face ID recognition to the iPhone. The tech giant also introduces a "Look Around" feature in Apple Maps that directly rivals Google Street View. However, the company positions privacy as its core theme by rolling out new location-sharing restrictions and a tracking-free Apple Sign In feature.
In a major surprise move, Apple splits iPad away from iOS by introducing a dedicated iPadOS. This new operating system features a redesigned home screen with widgets, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and the ability to use an iPad as a secondary display for a Mac with Apple Pencil support. The smart home ecosystem also sees updates through HomeKit Secure Video, which processes security footage locally on devices before encrypting it for iCloud storage.
Shifting focus to the developer community, Apple debuts SwiftUI, a modern framework designed to simplify the creation of user interfaces across all Apple platforms. Integrated directly into the updated Xcode 11, SwiftUI requires significantly less code and automates complex design processes like accessibility and localization. Third-party manufacturers also join the ecosystem by releasing new HomeKit-enabled routers that isolate smart devices to improve overall network security.