Here’s what to look for:
The iPhone’s latest operating system software will emphasize speed.
Craig Federighi, another Apple executive overseeing software, said the new version of iOS 13 would highlight speed. Unlocking the iPhone with its face scanner will now be 30-percent faster, for example. App launching is up to two times faster. The new software system will also clear out data storage, which will increase speeds, too: App downloads will be 50-percent smaller and updates will be 60 percent smaller.
All of this addresses consumer complaints that iPhone software seems to slow down with every new software update — a conspiracy theory known as planned obsolescence. But the changes are also designed to increase customer satisfaction, an important metric for Apple to retain customer loyalty.
Apple tries to match Google with new map features.
Apple said it invested a significant amount — flying and driving all around the United States — to improve its Maps app. The maps will now include an option to view photo previews of the street, similar to Google’s Street View project.
Apple’s maps effort has been a long game of catch up to Google. In 2012, when Apple updated its maps app, replacing Google’s mapping data with its own, the release sparked consumer outrage. Its mapping data was sparse, getting many people lost. Mr. Cook eventually issued an apology for the hiccup, and Scott Forstall, a former executive overseeing Apple software, resigned amid the incident.
The Watch is getting its own App Store.
Apple introduced a new version of WatchOS, the software system powering its Apple Watch. Kevin Lynch, the Apple executive who oversees the watch software, said more Apple apps were coming to the watch, like audiobooks, voice memos and a calculator. In addition, the watch includes its own App Store, and third-party apps can now run independently. They no longer require a companion app loaded on an iPhone.
This move is a big step toward making the Apple Watch independent from the iPhone. What that means for consumers is that at some point in the future, they may be able to buy an Apple Watch without having to purchase an iPhone. In other words, Android smartphone users may one day be able to use an Apple Watch.
Apple continues its focus on health, with apps to track menstrual cycles and noise pollution.
Mr. Cook has said “Apple’s largest contribution to mankind” will be improving people’s health. Given the iPhone’s enormous impact on society, that’s quite a claim. On Monday, Apple announced several more health initiatives.
The company unveiled a new feature that helps women track their menstrual cycles, similar to services now offered by third-party apps. Apple’s feature, called Cycle Tracking, allows women to log key aspects of their menstrual cycles and returns predictions on the timing of their periods and fertility windows.
Apple also announced an app for the Apple Watch called Noise, which notifies people when they are in a noisy environment that could be harmful to their hearing.
On the Apple Watch, a feature will show the user’s activity over the past 90 days compared with the past year, highlighting whether they are trending up or down. The new iPhone software will have similar health-tracking features.
Apple kicked off the event talking about TV and its original programming.
Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, started off the keynote by showing a trailer of “For All Mankind,” its new original TV series that involves traveling to the moon. Apple’s decision to lead the conference with this program reflects its ambition to pivot into a services business — offering you content, in addition to devices.
At the same time, Mr. Cook said Apple TV’s new operating system would support multiple users, which will allow different family members to browse programs based on their preferences. That’s similar to how Netflix has profiles for different family members.
Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix, a column about solving tech-related problems. Before joining The Times in 2011 he reported on Apple and the wireless industry for Wired. @bxchen
Jack Nicas covers technology from San Francisco. Before joining The Times, he spent seven years at The Wall Street Journal covering technology, aviation and national news. @jacknicas • Facebook
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