Apple adds iPhone features, thin MacBook Pro
SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple didn't introduce a brand new iPhone on Monday.
But it did demo some of the 200 new features that will change the way some people use the iPhone — as well as the iPad and iPod Touch. Those include a zippy new Maps program that will replace Google's Maps app on Apple devices and a deeper integration with Facebook. Apple will also introduce its talking personal assistant, Siri, already on the iPhone 4S, to the iPad.
The changes are all part of an update coming this fall to Apple's iOS mobile software, which runs the 365 million iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches in use. By not bringing up a brand new iPhone, Apple sets the stage for a widely expected fall introduction of an iPhone 5. And it left open the possibility that those who don't want to spring for the new phone can remake an older iPhone with the iOS 6 software update.
Apple's announcement of iOS 6, introduction of a new lust-worthy MacBook Pro and a preview of its latest operating system for Macintosh computers were the high points at Monday's annual gathering of the developers who make apps for Apple devices.
The world's most-valuable company is sitting pretty right now with record sales for its iPhone and iPad. But it's facing intense competition from other technology giants such as Google, Amazon, Samsung, as the company and CEO Tim Cook seek to shift into a new era, post co-founder Steve Jobs. Jobs, who made his last public appearance last June at the developers' conference, died in October.
At its Worldwide Developers Conference here Monday, Apple showed off several hardware and software products aimed at keeping the Apple faithful excited and its developers engaged. Apple, which dominates in digital media, said its developers are paid handsomely, getting 70% of the purchase price for apps. Apple said at the conference that it has paid developers $5 billion to date.
Among the products showcased was Apple's preview of OS X Mountain Lion. The new operating system for Macintosh computers will go on sale in July for $19.99.
New Mac computers hit stores on Monday. The showpiece of the new collection is a pricey MacBook Pro that basically marries the ultrathin MacBook Air with the sharpness of the iPad and iPhone.
The new MacBook Pro "is the most beautiful computer we've ever made," said Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller.
It starts at $2,199, is almost as thin (0.71 inches) as the Air, and has a 15.4-inch screen that exploits the same Retina display technology that is on the new iPad and later iPhones. Targeted toward high-end creative pros who work on images (photographers, video editors, graphic designers, architects), the Pro claims to deliver a much sharper picture than a high-definition television.
Apple released updates to its Final Cut Pro X video-editing and Aperture photo-editing software Monday to take advantage of the higher resolution.
"Is it a notebook for the masses and consumer space? No. But is it a notebook that video professionals or media professionals are going to absolutely love? You bet," says Van Baker, an analyst for technology research firm Gartner.
To make room for the new MacBook Pro, Apple discontinued the 17-inch MacBook Pro, which had sold for $2,499, and lowered the price of the entry-level 11-inch Air by $100, to start at $999. Also, the new Air computers have faster processors and graphic chips that will make the computers zippier, Apple says.
The new Airs, now in stores, have the speedy new "Ivy Bridge" processing chips from Intel and a higher-resolution webcam. Apple says the computer will run two times faster than previous models. Baker says the Retina display challenges rival notebook makers that are typically decreasing screen resolutions. "All the rest of the notebook makers are diving for that $699, $799 price point to get underneath Apple. I just don't think that's a good way to innovate in the industry."
Other highlights from Monday:
Siri. IOS 6 features significant enhancements to Siri, the controversial talking personal assistant Apple has been touting heavily in new celebrity TV ads. When it comes to Siri, people take a "love it or leave it" attitude. But in the software update, Siri will become more knowledgeable and be capable of talking about sports scores and player statistics. And when iOS 6 arrives, Siri will lose her designated "beta" status as not-quite-finished software.
iPhone. A new feature adds the ability to text the caller from the call screen if you can't pick up the call right away. A new "do not disturb" option will silence those notifications through the night.
Maps. In a nutshell, Apple offers turn-by-turn directions with huge graphic displays and traffic information updated in real time through "crowd-sourcing" technology that factors in the traffic experiences of other drivers . One new Maps feature — Flyover — is a stunner. It features images that simulate flying over destinations. How will consumers feel about the absence of Google? "Consumers don't care who their mapping provider is, just how they get there," says Ross Rubin, an analyst at researcher NPD Group.
Facebook. The popular social network is deeply integrated inside iOS 6 and Mountain Lion. You can sign into Facebook and post updates from the Notification Center in Apple's software, as well as other apps.
FaceTime. The video chat option on Apple mobile devices and computers only works in Wi-Fi, a hindrance if you're walking down the street and want to connect via video chat with a friend. But with iOS 6, users will be able to connect via their 3G or 4G cellular connection as well.
Passbook. A new iOS 6 app provides a convenient repository for boarding passes, movie and concert tickets, hotel check-in info and so on. Some passes will show up on the iPhone or iPod Touch lock screen at a designated time or when you reach your destination. Through the app, air travelers can be notified of any flight delays or gate changes.
Shared Photo Streams. This iOS 6 feature, via iCloud, lets you select photos to share and the friends to share them with. The album is instantly available on their iOS devices.