Apple’s WWDC 2024 Introduces Key Features for Business Users

Apple’s latest keynote was a whirlwind of innovation, unveiling major updates across their entire operating system lineup. From the personal intelligence revolution of Apple Intelligence to the pro-focused features in visionOS 2, there’s something for everyone. 

Let’s dive into the key features for business users across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.

In the biggest news from WWDC’24, Apple announced a new personal intelligence system called Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence is built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It uses machine learning to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence has a number of features to be leveraged for business and personal uses, such as:

• Writing tools: which can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text.
• Priority messages: which helps users stay on top of emails by showing the most important ones first.
• Summarization: which allows users to quickly get the main points of an email or document.
• Improved Siri: which can now understand and respond to natural language, take actions on information on the screen, and perform hundreds of new actions in and across apps.

Apple Intelligence is designed to be private and secure, a clear message amidst the landscape of oftentimes scattershot “AI” messaging bouncing across industries. On-device processing, which Apple is known for in the marriage of its own software and hardware, is used for many of the models that power it. All the while, the “cloud question” is answered by Private Cloud Compute, extending the privacy and security of Apple devices into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. Apple is also integrating ChatGPT access into experiences within iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This will allow users to access ChatGPT’s expertise and image- and document-understanding capabilities without needing to jump between tools.

iOS 18

iOS 18 brings a significant update to iPhones with a focus on customization, improved communication tools, and enhanced privacy features.

• Increased Customization: You can design the Home Screen and Lock Screen for a professional look and quick access to essential functions. Control Center gets revamped for easier access to frequently used controls.
• Improved Communication:
  • Messaging offers new features like iMessage text effects and the ability to schedule messages.
  • Messages via satellite allows sending and receiving texts even without cellular or Wi-Fi connection (great for emergencies and the lone field worker).
  • Mail introduces functionalities to better manage inboxes and categorize emails.
• Enhanced Security and Privacy:
  • Locked and hidden apps keep confidential information secure.
  • Businesses can choose to share only specific contacts with apps, restricting access to sensitive data.

visionOS2

visionOS 2, a major update for Apple Vision Pro, brings new features, including the ability to create spatial photos from existing library photos, new hand gestures for navigation, and increased productivity features. Developers will also benefit from new tools and frameworks to create more immersive and collaborative apps, opening more doors for business use cases.

macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia, the next major update to the Mac operating system. The update introduces new features to boost productivity, improve communication, and enhance entertainment experiences.

• iPhone Mirroring lets you wirelessly control your iPhone directly from your Mac.
• Safari gets an update with a new Highlights feature that helps you discover information on web pages.
• Apple Intelligence offers features like writing tools and image generation.
• Mac users will also benefit from improved window tiling, video conferencing tools, and an exciting new Passwords app, a welcomed update to security with added simplicity and features.

Apple’s WWDC’24 keynote showcased a commitment to user experience across the board. From the powerful Apple Intelligence integration to the business-friendly features of iOS 18, there’s a clear focus on empowering users to be more productive and secure. Whether you’re a mobile pro on the go, creative mind, or developer, Apple’s latest updates offer exciting possibilities to streamline workflows and unlock new levels of potential for the business user, while maintaining that end-user experience that they also enjoy in their personal lives—together but separate.