Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC2019) is an exciting time for developers, but they’re not the only ones paying attention. Apple users tune in, too, because this show is part briefing and part marketing event, telling us what’s coming next on Apple’s sizeable list of platforms.
Well, this is about time. Dark Mode has been showing up in Apps for quite some time. Anyone who has ever answered a text message in the middle of the night can relate: it’s going to be less painful and more enjoyable with a mode that is easier on the eyes. They’ve brought a dark option to all of their first party apps, and it looks like typically bright apps (like Facebook) will be getting the ability to have an on-demand dark mode too. This is absolutely coming to Canada, and I couldn’t be happier.
Sign In with Apple is a phenomenal new Privacy feature. Unlike Log In with Facebook and Log In with Google (features that share far too much of your personal data) Sign in with Apple keeps you anonymous, giving you the option of sharing your email and name, or the choice to share a generated email address that forwards to your real email address. I use Facebook because of convenience – it’s time to say goodbye to that poor practice.
Apple threw some shade at Google’s opt-out practice when they launched their new detailed Maps with a Streetview equivalent. While Apple Maps has often been derided by keyboard warriors and Google fans, it has come a long way, and in some cases offers a better experience. This is Apple closing the gap with the last few missing features, and with the addition of true privacy protection (including blocking apps stealing your location by scanning for Bluetooth and WiFi) it sounds like it’s going to be the mapping app of choice of anyone who find privacy to be a primary feature to look for. Apple has announced that they’re taking the same detailed Map approach in Canada, but it’s unclear if the new updated maps will be available for Canadians at the time of launch for iOS 13, and for how many cities.
We can’t leave this section without talking about the new Memoji and Memoji sticker features; while the announcement video showcasing new make-up, accessory, and piercing options debuted by some “fashion influencers from the Internet” was a bit silly, it’s a lighthearted way for Apple to let users know that you can make something neat as a way to identify yourself… and on that note they’ve got a neat new feature where you can share the contact picture of your choice on-demand with people that you’re communicating with. These features are coming to Canada with iOS 13.
Do you have a favourite new feature from WWDC? Let us know!
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