Apple WWDC 2019: iOS 13 dark mode, iPadOS, the Mac Pro, Pro Display XDR and all that Apple announced
The WWDC '19 keynote saw the overhauled Mac Pro and an epically bright Apple Pro Display XDR debut, along with iOS 13 dark mode, new iPadOS and an Apple Watch App Store that's actually on the watch.
Lori GruninSenior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
ExpertisePhotography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
It's beastly, and here are the specs to prove it. Apple's also introduced a custom video accelerator card, called Afterburner, designed specifically for video editing acceleration to support native ProRes and ProRes Raw in 8K. Hello, 1.4 kilowatt power supply. But: optional wheels!
The rumored 32-inch HDR display (that Apple dubs "XDR") is real as the Pro Display XDR; Apple intends it to replace both reference and working monitors for video editors. It's got a matching cheese-grater back that's also a huge heat sink. The panel has 6,016x3,384 resolution, is true 10-bit, and incorporates a polarizer for better viewing angles, etched glass and a large array of blue LEDs with lenses and local dimming. It supports 1,600 nits peak and 1,000 nits sustained and high contrast.
Splitting the operating system lets Apple take better advantage of the bigger screen. It lets you pin widgets to the home screen, provides a better multitasking interface, permits multiple windows in apps with split screen, and has App Expose.
Now there's a column view in Files, more metadata and quick actions. Also, folder sharing finally comes to iCloud Drive, and you'll be able to attach to network servers.
Portrait lighting effects and an improved editing interface in Photos, as well as the ability to rotate and filter videos. Plus, a new automatic organization of your Camera Roll.
CarPlay has a new dashboard with expanded partner apps.
Siri's voice sounds a lot more natural, since it's completely procedural rather than pieced-together recorded syllables, and has learned to read incoming Messages.
Dark mode for iOS 13: iPhone's dark side never looked so good
The new version of MacOS, version 10.15 or "Catalina", has an iTunes replacement dubbed Music, less-intrusive
iPhone
integration, a Podcast app with indexing for easy finding, and Apple TV with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support.