Apple Sets Vision for Unified App Strategy at Developer Confab

Apple upgraded the operating systems that power its devices, previewed a new Mac Pro desktop and showed off new health and AR features at its annual developer conference, according to Bloomberg.

The most important change for developers was Apple’s vision for the future of its software: Project Catalyst. For the first time, Apple will let developers re-work their iPad applications so they can run on Mac computers. This will help revive the Mac app ecosystem and begin a broader convergence of Apple’s different software platforms. New tools will mean apps are written once and will run on all of Apple’s major devices.

Beyond the new app strategy, Apple added several new features to its key operating systems. iOS 13, which powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, added a new Dark Mode. The devices also get a new "Find My" device and friend tracking app, along with updates to Mail, Reminders, and Maps.

The iPhone added a redesigned Health app with a focus on hearing and women’s health. The iPad got unique features like widgets on the Home screen, more advanced text editing via gestures, and the ability to be used as an external monitor for Macs. The iPad version of the software is now called iPadOS. Apple unveiled new watch faces, health apps and an App Store for the Apple Watch to make it more independent from the iPhone.

The new macOS Catalina operating system, beyond supporting iOS applications, gained new Apple apps for listening to podcasts and the new Find My app. iTunes has also been broken up into the Podcasts, TV, and Apple Music apps. Apple also showed off a new Mac Pro desktop computer, a machine that developers and other pro-users have been clamoring for since Apple launched a much-criticized Mac Pro in 2013.

An update to the Apple TV streaming video box included support for lyrics in Apple Music, multi-user mode, and a redesigned Home screen. The HomePod speaker is getting a multi-user mode so different people can issue commands to the device and get personalized responses. Apple’s AirPods earphones are also getting a new feature to more quickly respond to messages notifications via voice.