WWDC 2019 Part 2: MAC Innovation And A First For The iPad

The legendary tablet finally gets its own operating system

- Benjamin Kerry & Gavin Lenaghan

THE LEGENDARY TABLET FINALLY GETS ITS OWN OPERATING SYSTEM

Last week, we looked at a number of key events from day one of WWDC 2019, Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. However, so much was revealed – even just on the first day – that we couldn’t possibly cover it all in a single article. In Part 2 of our WWDC 2019 review (or version 2.0 if you like!), we’ll take an in-depth look at two more key software announcements from day one, and round up the highlights from the rest of the event that ran from June 3 to 7.

iPAD SOFTWARE TAKES A GIANT STEP FORWARD

We’ll begin with some incredible news for iPad users, who are finally getting their own dedicated OS. The annual developers’ conference is traditionally the place where Apple announces updates to its operating systems, iOS and macOS – and the Cupertino firm didn’t disappoint with either expectation. However, the biggest surprise of the opening keynote came when senior vice president of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, announced iPadOS; the first operating system specifically for iPad owners.

“The time has come to recognize the platform in a special way,” he said, in a move that finally transforms the iPad into something more than a large iPhone. When iPadOS lands later this year, compatible devices will immediately function in their own unique way, distancing themselves from the iPhone and edging closer to performing every function you’d expect in a laptop.