During the 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple showcased an array of fresh features emulating functionalities found in third-party apps, illuminating their strategic focus on expanding their native apps. Despite controversial reactions, Apple’s “Sherlocking” practice of integrating third-party app features into their own systems presents a variety of new tools and enhancements for users to enjoy.
Among the highlighted updates are improvements to Siri and Safari, with the former now permitting integration with third-party apps, and the latter embracing a built-in translation tool competing with Google Translate. Similarly, the Apple News app now boasts an AI-curation feature to suggest news stories based on user reading habits, mirroring third-party news aggregation apps.
Fitness+ now personalizes workout routines, a feature readily available in other fitness apps. This practice of assimilating features strengthens Apple’s control over the technology market, potentially enticing users away from third-party apps and towards Apple’s own services.
In addition to these advancements, Apple’s phone lineup now offers built-in call recording and transcription services. This marks a drastic change from previously stringent restrictions on call stack access, allowing users to manage their call information directly on their device, boosting convenience and enhancing security.
The company also introduced the ability to mirror iPhones on Macs, significantly improving user productivity and inter-device compatibility.
Expanding native apps with third-party features at WWDC 2024
Previously necessitating physical link-ups and apps like Bezel, this service enables users to remotely control and transfer files.
With Apple’s latest updates, window tiling capability, long favoured by Windows and Linux users, can now be enjoyed on Mac. Nevertheless, third-party apps offering this functionality may retain their appeal due to superior customization options.
In a step forward, Apple introduced an exciting AI engine for custom emoji creation, fulfilling longstanding user requests for personalised emojis.
These WWDC 2024 upgrades underscore Apple’s established approach of merging third-party application features into their platforms. This integration of new features solidifies Apple’s commitment towards progression. To remain competitive, third-party developers will need to innovate, ensuring the continued evolution of sophisticated applications and tools for users.
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