Apple event 2022 – as it happened: New MacBooks unveiled alongside new iPad and iOS 16 at WWDC

Anthony Cuthbertson and Andrew Griffin
·15 min read
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(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Apple began its Worldwide Developers Conference – WWDC 2022 – in California on Monday, the annual software event that sees updates to all of its products.

It included iOS 16, a major update to the iPhone’s operating system that brought a significant redesign, as well as new health and notifications features.

All of Apple’s products saw new additions, from the smallest Apple Watch to the biggest Mac, through new iterations of the WatchOS, iPadOS and MacOS operating systems. All will be available for Apple users later this year, while developers will have instant access to a beta version.

Apple also launched new hardware, too, with a new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro – both powered by the M2 chip that gives significant performance gains.

The event was live streamed on Apple’s website and official YouTube channel. You can read the whole even, as it happened, in our blog below.

Key points

  • Tim Cook updates profile picture

  • Apple’s mysterious new ‘Developer Center’ finally revealed

Everything announced at Apple WWDC 2022

20:19 , Anthony Cuthbertson

There was quite a lot crammed into nearly two hours of announcements and presentations.

Here’s a full round-up of everything announced at the opening of WWDC today. We’ve got articles on all of them - you can click on the links to read more:

Hello and welcome...

11:31 , Andrew Griffin

... to The Independent’s live coverage of WWDC 2022, which will begin later today.

Apple Store goes down ahead of event

12:49 , Andrew Griffin

The Apple Store has gone down. That’s normal, when Apple is introducing new products – it seems to have to take it offline to add them to the website – but isn’t always normal ahead of WWDC.

Indeed, the Apple Store doesn’t usually go down ahead of WWDcs, and hasn’t for five years. Back then, there were a lot of new pieces of hardware.

So does this mean that Apple is about to announce at least one new hardware product, which will be available to order soon enough that it needs to be added to the website now? Probably!

Apple’s mysterious new ‘Developer Center’ finally revealed

12:53 , Andrew Griffin

There’s been some minor speculation about what exactly Apple’s “Developer Center” is – it was first mentioned during its court hearings against Epic, and has been mentioned since. Now, developers have been allowed in ahead of WWDC, and we’ve had a chance to see what it is.

It seems to be a sort of Apple themed office for developers to go into. Not clear what the long-term plan for it is.

The context here is that Apple has had a bit of a tough time with developers lately. The Epic case and the ongoing fights about the App Store have led to some complaining that Apple overlooks their contribution to making things like the iPhone so popular. So the new building is presumably aimed at easing some of that.

Apple has enlisted Hollywood directors for its new augmented reality headset, report claims

14:04 , Andrew Griffin

Apple is working with developers such as Jon Favreau to create video content for its upcoming augmented reality headset, according to a new report. The glasses – which the report says “look like a pair of ski goggles” – will come alongside new virtual- and augmented-reality experiences, The New York Times reported.

It’s not clear whether we’ll get a look at the AR headset during today’s presentation. But we almost certainly will get a look at the technology underpinning it – Apple has been quietly introducing new features aimed at building out augmented reality in recent years, all of which look like neat tools for the iPhone and iPad but will obviously be important for any possible headset.

Tim Cook gets new profile picture

14:44 , Andrew Griffin

Tim Cook has changed his profile picture, to a Memoji version of himself:

(Apple/Tim Cook/Twitter)
(Apple/Tim Cook/Twitter)

The invitation to the event relied heavily on Memoji too. So perhaps it will be a central part of the announcement.

Some have suggested that Apple’s Memoji are part of its augmented reality technology. After all, we’re going to need to be able to see other people in the metaverse – and don’t Memoji seem like a perfect way of doing that?

... and Tim Cook posts Memoji-themed reminder

15:07 , Andrew Griffin

Following on from the previous post, below, Tim Cook has now posted that same WWDC/Memoji-themed artwork.

(It’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Memoji will be a central feature. The little heads have featured heavily in previous Apple events, but not come with corresponding updates.)

No huge official leaks ahead of event

16:46 , Andrew Griffin

In previous years, Apple has accidentally spoiled some details of its own announcements. There’s basically none of that this year – while there are some rumours about what might be coming, none of them are official or confirmed.

Apple has seemingly mentioned its “RealityOS” operating system, which is expected to power its augmented reality headset, but it probably won’t actually turn up this WWDC. And the Apple Store going down probably means that some hardware is coming, but not definitively, and we don’t know exactly what.

WWDC could offer late hints at what is coming in AR, report says

16:52 , Andrew Griffin

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a strong track record of revealing Apple’s upcoming announcements, says that the augmented reality goggles probably won’t be revealed during the event – but will nonetheless “will still cast a shadow over the event”.

That will include new work on the frameworks and technologies that underpin the glasses, he notes. If they are to be a success, developers will have to build experiences for them, and that in turn will mean giving them the tools they need to do so. We could see some of those tools appear at this year’s event, Gurman reports. (Though they might be painted as being, for instance, for the iPad, where a lot of the AR groundwork has happened already.)

Apple is also building its own experiences, such as a virtual reality FaceTime and a new version of Maps. It’s also looking to let the headset extend a Mac’s display so that it’s in 3D, he reports.

No major leaks but plenty of rumours

17:18 , Anthony Cuthbertson

No Apple event is complete without some wildly speculative rumours, especially when leaks have been so sparse compared to previous editions of WWDC.

To find the most far-fetched you need look no further than Apple patents, which typically give a hint of what the tech giant is working on.

Last week, the USPTO approved a patent for an “in-built rotatable camera” within the Apple Watch, thouh it will probably be a few years before the technology is integrated into the world’s most popular smartwatch - if at all. You can read more about it here:

The Apple Watch might soon have a camera

Apple WWDC 2022 - live stream

17:23 , Anthony Cuthbertson

The live stream of WWDC 2022 is on Apple’s official YouTube channel. You can watch it right here:

Sunscreen and stickers for WWDC 22 attendees

17:44 , Anthony Cuthbertson

For one of the world’s most high-tech companies, it’s a decidedly low-tech affair for the goody bag greeting attendees of WWDC.

Some stickers, a cap and some sunscreen are among the “swag”, according to a picture shared by iOS developer Nicola Giancecchi. If you’re not there, it doesn’t look like you’re missing out on much - though i’m sure a few of these will be popping up on eBay for anyone who’s keen.

California sun

17:50 , Anthony Cuthbertson

It looks like that sunscreen may actually come in handy sooner rather than later, with attendees currently finding their seats in the California sunshine.

It’s not even 10am in Cupertino and the temperature is already above 20C.

Apple’s WWDC stream goes live

17:59 , Anthony Cuthbertson

The live stream is up and running (refresh this page and it will be pinned to the top of the live blog).

Just some music playing over some shimmering patterns at the moment - just one minute to go...

And we’re off!

18:02 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Tim Cook opens proceedings in the usual manner: “Good morning and welcome to WWDC...”

iOS 16 features all new lock screen

18:09 , Anthony Cuthbertson

We’re getting started with Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software.

He starts off straight away with an all new lockscreen for iOS 16, which offers a whole range of ways to make it more personal with “millions of combinations” of widgets and wallpapers.

It is “undeniably iPhone”, he says, while also making it more customisable and functional than ever.

Widget kit transforms lock screen

18:12 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Notifications now roll in from the bottom of the screen, rather than just flood the whole display.

There are also widgets for live weather updates on the lock screen, as well as sports scores, music controls, health metrics and Uber updates. This means you can see what you want to see without actually unlocking your device.

iOS 16 Messages gets most requested features

18:14 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Messages is getting the “three most requested features” in iOS 16. These are:

1. You can now edit messages.

2. You can “unsend” messages.

3. You can mark a thread as unread.

iOS 16 rundown

18:16 , Anthony Cuthbertson

You can read more about iOS 16 right here:

Apple just announced iOS 16 – with a huge new change

iOS 16 gets all-new dictation feature

18:19 , Anthony Cuthbertson

The dictation feature is getting an update that will allow users to use both dictation and keyboard simultaneously. This makes it easy to switch between the two, which could be useful if there’s an obscure name or location that you want to write.

Speaking of live text features, live translation from images can be done straight from the camera app.

New AI photo feature coming to iOS 16

18:21 , Anthony Cuthbertson

iOS 16 is getting a nifty feature to select images from your camera roll and lift them directly into chats as a cutout.

Maps update for iOS16

18:27 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Apple Maps is getting a host of new updates in iOS 16, and is rolling out to way more countries than the eight it is currently available.

The redesigned map is coming to 11 more countries, which includes improved driving and navigation.

It also comes with 3D models of attractions, as well as detailed visualisations of the Las Vegas strip.

Apple makes it easier to create accounts for kids

18:30 , Anthony Cuthbertson

New parental controls will make it much easier to set up an account for children in iOS 16.

New safety and privacy features for iOS 16

18:37 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Craig is back to explain how “iOS has you covered” when it comes to both privacy and safety.

One of these is the new Safety Check feature, an addition to Settings that allows users to turn off sharing details if they have left an abusive relationship.

All new Home app

18:39 , Anthony Cuthbertson

A complete redesign for the Home app that makes it easier for people to control their smart home.

There’s categories for climate, security, lights and more, and has all the accessories organised by room.

All this can be displayed on a widget on the all-new lockscreen.

CarPlay is ‘very best of your car and iPhone'

18:43 , Anthony Cuthbertson

The next generation of CarPlay is the “very best of your car and your iPhone”, thanks to direct and instant communication between a phone and vehicle.

It features different themes and guages and ways to view all the information, services and entertainment.

It looks something like this:

Apple iOS 16 at a glance

18:45 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Here’s a round-up of all the new updates and features coming to iOS 16:

Onto the Apple Watch...

18:48 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Watch OS9 is coming with a load of new features, including three new metrics to track how efficiently you run.

Apple has somehow figured out how to measure posture and torso movement simply from the way a wearer’s arm swings.

Apple Watch gets fitness and sleep features

18:54 , Anthony Cuthbertson

There’s a new multi-sport workout feature that can automatically switch from swimming, to cycling, to running. Great if you’re a triathlete, or training for an Ironman event (like our tech editor Andrew).

There’s also a new way to track your sleep through the heart rate monitor and accelerometer, as well as ways to easily schedule medication alerts.

WatchOS 9 rundown

18:57 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Here’s the cheatsheet for WatchOS 9:

WWDC 2022: Onto the Mac...

19:00 , Anthony Cuthbertson

We’re getting an update on Macs now, with a brand new M2 chip.

It features 20 billion transistors, which are used to enhance features like memory.

It is a significant improvement from its M1 predecessor.

Apple M2 chip

19:02 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Here’s all you need to know about the M2 chip:

New MacBook Air 'redesigned around M2’

19:05 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Apple has unveiled a brand new MacBook Air, the first device to be announced that is powered by the M2 chip.

It is “strikingly thin from every angle”, “feels incredibly solid” and is “built to last”.

It comes in four different colours.

Apple reveals completely redesigned MacBook Air

19:07 , Anthony Cuthbertson

You can read more about it the all new MacBook Air right here:

Apple reveals completely redesigned MacBook Air

Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip

19:08 , Anthony Cuthbertson

And here’s the all-new MacBook Air at a glance:

New Apple MacBook Pro

19:13 , Anthony Cuthbertson

M2 is also coming to the MacBook Pro, which is the world’s second best-selling laptop (behind the MacBook Air).

It features 24GB of active memory and comes with a cooling system that it’s slimmer counterpart lacks. 20 hours of battery life is also a step up. It’s hard to see what will set it apart from the MacBook Air, with both seeming to get more similar as each year passes.

MacBook Air and MacBook OS prices

19:14 , Anthony Cuthbertson

MacBook Air starts at $1199 and MacBook Pro starts at $1299. We’ll have UK prices with you shortly.

MacOS Ventura unveiled

19:16 , Anthony Cuthbertson

MacOS 13 has been named macOS Ventura, which is just south of Monterey on the California coast.

It comes with a big update for Spotlight, which can now find images from the photo library and be used to start actions like starting a timer.

MacOS Ventura highlights

19:23 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Other highlights for macOS Ventura include an overhaul of the search function within Mail and improvements in speed and performance for the Safari browser. There’s also a new feature called Passkey, with helps protect users from hackers.

Apple continuity gets useful updates

19:31 , Anthony Cuthbertson

After some gaming updates - which PC gamers will likely be scoffing at - Craig is back to tell us about continuity.

Calls can now be handed off from any device to another, so users can switch “seamlessly” from their iPhone, to their iPad, to their Mac.

Desk view also makes it appear as though users have an overhead camera, making use of the ultra-wide lens of the iPhone, which can be clipped to the top of a MacBook.

MacOS Ventura round-up

19:33 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Here’s all the most important features of the new macOS Ventura:

iPadOS 16 builds on Apple’s focus on continuity

19:41 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Many of the new updates for iPadOS 16 are also coming to iOS and MacOS, which makes sense for all the focus being put on continuity.

All three are increasingly interchangeable, and mean the experience is only differentiated by the form factor. From being on the move, to sitting on the sofa, to being in the office, the operating systems powering the iPhone, iPad and Macs are unified.

iPadOS 16 round-up

19:48 , Anthony Cuthbertson

This is the round-up of all the new features of the iPadOS 16:

Goodbye from Tim Cook

19:50 , Anthony Cuthbertson

Tim Cook is back to tell us about when all of this will be available.

All of the new operating systems - iOS 16, macOS Ventura, WatchOS and iPad OS - will be available immediately for developers in a beta version, and will officially launch for all users in autumn.

He signs off: “Thank you for joining us and let’s have a great WWDC”.