Apple is rolling out ambitious new original programming, plus updates for the iPhone, Watch and other popular devices at its annual developer conference.
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 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.
