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(CNN, June 2, 2014) — Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco on Monday to announce the latest features for iPhones, iPads and Macs.
You can follow our live blog of the event here
The first item Apple discussed Monday was the new operating system for the Mac, dubbed Mac OS X Yosemite. It got a big design update, making the interface for Macs look much more iPhone- and iPad-like.
Mac OS X Yosemite features a revamped “spotlight” search feature that searches across the Mac and Microsoft Bing (not Google (GOOGL), interestingly). The new iCloud Drive feature syncs all Mac folders across every Mac, iPhone or Windows PC that a user owns. And a new “handoff” feature allows Mac users to place and receive calls and texts via their Mac, even to non-iPhone users.
Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi showed off the feature by calling Dr. Dre — one of Apple’s newest employees after the company purchased Beats Electronics for $3 billionlast week.
The new Mac OS has a Windows-like translucent look as well as a “dark mode.” Speaking of Windows, Cook noted that 51% of Mac users are already using the latest version of Mac OS X, called Mavericks — a free update for Mac OS X customers. Just 14% of Microsoft(MSFT) Windows customers are on Windows 8, though users of previous Windows iterations have to pay to upgrade to the latest version.
Apple (AAPL) also unveiled iOS 8, an update to the operating system that powers iPhones and iPads. The changes are likely to be far more subtle than in years past. After last year’s complete makeover, iOS 8 will probably include oft-requested fixes, such as an improved Maps app with transit directions, simplified notifications and a separate iTunes Radio app.
The biggest addition to iOS 8 could be a new Healthbook application. The app will likely monitor users’ heart rates, sleep, activity and breathing among other health-related information.
Related: What we wish Apple would unveil at WWDC
Other expected announcements include a new platform that would enable people tocontrol all the items in their homes with the iPad or iPhone.
Apple could also release new iMacs and update the MacBook Air, which does not yet support Apple’s ultra-sharp Retina Display. Apple is not expected to unveil its newest iPhone, however. That is more likely to take place in August.
