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Apple is planning big software updates at WWDC, including iOS Dark Mode and iPad apps on the Mac

On June 3rd, Apple will announce a raft of updates for the iPhone,Apple Watch, and Mac

Apple
traditionally shows off updates to its iOS, Mac, and smartwatch software at its
annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This year’s conference begins on
June 3rd, and according to a newreport from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company has
a lotplanned.
Gurman is a
reliable source for this sort of Apple news, and he suggests that the company
will be announcing new apps and updated software across all of its major
platforms. The updates seem mostly commonsense and minor, but if there’s an
overarching theme it’s that Apple wants to make sure its homegrown apps are
viable options.
APPLE WANTS TOKEEP ITS NATIVE APPS COMPETITIVE
The company
seems like it’s lavishing particular attention on areas where third-party apps
are stronger than Apple’s own (e.g., to-do lists and navigation).
Some of the
biggest news includes an official dark mode in iOS, revamped mobile Health and
Reminders apps, and an updated version of Maps that will better compete with
rivals like Google Maps. In watchOS, Apple is adding direct support for the App
Store, meaning Apple Watch owners will be able to install new apps without
using their phones. In macOS, the company will announce the first crop of iPad
apps that run on Macs. Oh, and the HomePod should get a multiuser mode, with
different responses to different users.
Check out the
highlights of Gurman’s report below, but visit the originalstory if you want all of the nitty-gritty details.
New in iOS 13:
  • An official Dark Mode
    will be enabled from the Control Center. iOS users have previously had to
    use color inversion to
    achieve a sort of dark mode.
  • There’s a revamped
    Health app, with a new homepage for daily activity, a “hearing health”
    feature, and “more comprehensive menstrual cycle tracking.”
  • The updated Reminders app has a new main screen with four default options: tasks to be done
    today, scheduled tasks, flagged tasks, and all tasks. Gurman says the
    update “better competes with the several to-do list programs available on
    the App Store.”
  • The updated Maps app
    has easier options for setting frequent locations, creating groups of
    favorite locations, and navigating to suggested and past destinations.
  • The addition of
    profile pictures and display names in iMessages includes a dedicated menu
    for sending sticker versions of Animoji and Memoji.
  • Find My Friends and
    Find My iPhone will be combined into a single app. Previously rumored by 9to5Mac    , it also suggested that Apple was working
    on a physical tag similar to Tile that would let users track the location
    of any devices — not just Apple phones and computers.
  • Native support to use
    an iPad as a secondary Mac screen will be introduced, which is similar to
    the functionality offered by third-party apps like Luna and Duet Display.
    This was also previously rumored by 9to5Mac    .
  • There’s a selection
    of iPad-specific updates, including a better interface for multitasking
    and an updated home screen.
New in watchOS 6:
New in macOS 10.15:
  • iPad apps on the Mac
    was previously rumored by Bloomberg.
    It reported that Apple will allow developers to create (essentially) a
    single app that runs on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This process will need
    some work from developers, though, who will also have to submit multiple
    versions of the app to the iOS and Mac App Stores. Gurman says the feature
    will be expanded to iPhone apps “by next year.” Apple has already made iOS
    apps available on the Mac itself, including News and Stocks with macOS Mojave.
  • A new Apple Music app
    could be part of the rumored break-up of iTunes.
  • Apple iPad apps that
    will be initially available on the Mac include the Podcasts app and newly
    merged Find My iPhone / Find My Friends app. Apple’s Screen Time, Siri
    Shortcuts, and updated Reminders app will also be available on the Mac.