WWDC 2017: 3 Biggest announcements from Apple you shouldn't miss

iPad Pro

Apple has updated its iPad Pro range with the all-new 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Both get advanced display with ProMotion technology and the new A10X Fusion chip. iPad gets even more productive with iOS 11 coming this fall, adding features like Files app, customizable Dock, improved multitasking and deeper integration of Apple Pencil.

The redesigned Retina display in iPad Pro features ProMotion, a new technology promising refresh rates of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling, greater responsiveness and smoother motion content. The powerful new 64-bit A10X Fusion chip claims to offer performance that is faster than most PC laptops and tackle complex tasks like editing photos and 4K video, rendering 3D images or gaming. The Pro gets a 12-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, along with a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. Touch ID on iPad Pro is said to be more responsive and it also gets an embedded Apple SIM and support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi and LTE Advanced. 

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro comes in silver, space gray, gold and rose gold and starts at $649 (approx Rs 41,700) for the 64GB with Wi-Fi model and $779 (approx Rs 50,100)  for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is available in silver, space gray and gold and starts at $799 (approx Rs 51400)  for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $929 (approx Rs 59800) for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. 

iOS 11

iOS 11 is among the biggest announcements at the WWDC 2017. It will be coming this fall and will run on the latest portfolio of Apple devices. Some of its key highlights include the Files app that lets you browse, search, and organize all your files in one place. The new Dock will let you open and switch apps with just a swipe. You can open a second app right from the Dock, and both apps remain active in Slide Over as well as Split View.

Drag and Drop comes to iPad, allowing you to move text, photos, and files from one app to another. Now you can mark up a PDF or screenshot faster and more easily, says Apple. You can jot something down in notes and the new Document Scanner can automatically sense and scan a document, crop the edges, and remove any tilt or glare.

iOS 11 introduces ARKit, a framework that brings augmented reality to hundreds of millions of iOS devices, allowing developers to build unparalleled AR experiences. It will be adding Apple Pay to Messages and the camera will get new filters, among other upgrades. Finally, Siri has been improved for a more natural experience. iOS 11 will also let you customise the redesigned Control Center and you can use 3D Touch in Control Center to unlock even more commands.

HomePod

In the bid to compete with Google Home and Amazon Echo, Apple has introduced the HomePod. According to the company, HomePod is a combination of Apple-engineered audio technology and software to deliver the highest-fidelity sound throughout the room, no matter where it’s placed.

 It is smart enough to sense where in the room it’s playing. It will take voice instructions and respond too. To be available in December, the HomePod comes with Siri's intelligence and it also responds to touch. It can handle everyday household questions and tasks. It can also control smart home accessories.