Tim Cook finally took to stage at its WWDC 2018 to announce a host of new updates to its software lineup. This time around there were no hardware updates though.

The company offers four operating systems right now, with iOS for iPhones, macOS for its desktops and laptops, watchOS for Apple Watch and tvOS for Apple TV. All these four got updated to a new version number as is always the case at WWDC.

This year, Apple seems to be focusing on stability and performance improvements rather than bombarding the users with a slew of new features. This is probably because Apple has been receiving a lot of heat recently for the overall bugginess of its software platforms.

So, let’s take a quick look at all the main announcement that Apple had for us yesterday and how they will make life easier for Apple users.

iOS 12

Image Credits: Apple

iOS 12 promises to bring back “the” iOS experience with a system that feels fluid, fast and responsive. The way it used to be. That’s why Apple has focused more on performance improvements for this iteration.

Still, it managed to surprise with some new features like group Facetime with 32 people at once, a much needed notifications revamp, updates to Apple books, News, Voice recording, Stocks and Photos app.

There has also been a huge push towards AR which seems to be the future of computing interface. iOS can now recognise objects, provide shared AR experiences across devices, turn your face to an emoji, and even detect your tongue!

And similar to Google, Apple is also going to help you manage your smartphone addiction in iOS 12 with comprehensive reports of your smartphone use. This push towards your digital health is a relatively new one and many companies seem to be getting on the bandwagon.

macOS Mojave

Image Credits: Apple

Frankly, this is the first naming scheme in years that I like of macOS. Anyways, Apple added some cool new features here too. Starting with dynamic wallpapers that change according to the time of the day. That Mojave desert one is really awesome!

After all these years of waiting, Apple has finally bestowed upon us the dark mode. This will surely bring a cool new element to the UI. There are also a new organisation tool to help you automatically clean up your files on the desktop.

One of the most interesting new features (that is still in development) is the ability to use iOS apps in macOS. In fact, Apple’s own Stock, News and Home iOS apps have been ported to macOS this year.

One more important feature was the limiting of the extent that you can be tracked online by companies for advertisement purposes. Privacy for the win!

tvOS and watchOS 5

There were not many new announcements regarding these two OSes but I would still like to touch up on them. tvOS got support for Dolby Atmos audio which would greatly enhance your media experience.

watchOS 5 as usual had some really useful features focused on health and fitness. You can now challenge your friends to a week long workout competition to keep you motivated.

It can also track workouts automatically even if you forget to start one for your activity and could end the workout when you are done automatically as well. This means more accurate data without you having to do anything.

Also, one of the coolest feature announced in watchOS 5 was Walkie Talkie. Yes!! The feature that I had thought will make an appearance in the first version is now making an appearance and you can now use your Apple Watch as a walkie talkie.