Apple WWDC24: What’s New for iPhone Users

Apple usually uses its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to unveil significant software updates and launch new devices (such as the Apple Vision Pro in 2023).

However, this year, Apple shifted the focus away from gadgets and dedicated plenty of time to the highly anticipated main topic of WWDC24: the exciting new AI features coming soon to iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

This article will cover all the major news concerning iPhones to see what’s new on iOS 18 and how the new Apple Intelligence technology will affect iPhone users’ UX.

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1. AI as…Apple Intelligence

To better understand Apple’s new mobile features, we need to focus on the biggest news of this last WWDC: the company’s new AI, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs), Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence comprehends language and images, performs actions across mobile applications, and leverages users’ context to streamline and accelerate daily tasks.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

What’s central to this new AI-driven technology is its on-device processing, which ensures personalized intelligence without compromising user data privacy.

Focusing on this point is crucial as this feature will probably allow Apple to establish its position in the AI industry.

The intention is quickly stated: setting a new privacy standard in AI, thanks to unique data-storing models developed in Cupertino’s headquarters.

Apple Intelligence will have big repercussions on how Apple users interact with people and brands, setting a new future for digital and app marketing.

2. A New Era for Siri

Siri, Apple’s long-established digital assistant, is one of the main functions that has been incredibly improved thanks to Apple Intelligence.

At WWDC24, Apple announced that Siri is now smarter and more proficient at understanding user intent and processing complex information.

One remarkable enhancement is its ability to comprehend and address multiple related questions in succession, a feature known as “contextual awareness” within the AI field.

This upgraded Siri experience will be integrated into Apple’s core applications, while developers will also have the opportunity to leverage the new potential within their apps.

Furthermore, users now have the option to type requests to Siri, enabling functionalities such as setting alarms without eventually disturbing people around them.

Visually, Siri receives a refreshed appearance, featuring a new infinity-symbol-like logo and a distinct status alert mechanism.

Source: Figma

This alert manifests as a colorful ring surrounding the phone’s screen, indicating when Siri actively listens to user input or generates a response.

3. Introducing Genmoji

Apple is using its advanced AI technologies to introduce real-time personalized emoji creation.

The innovative feature, known as Genmoji, allows users to input prompts to generate emoji characters tailored to the mood of their message.

This functionality enables users to blend traditional emojis or create new ones that accurately reflect their intended expression.

Source: Apple Developer

For instance, users can conceive imaginative combinations that vent to their communications’ creativity and specificity.

4. Enhancing Customization in iOS 18

The upcoming iOS 18 update, which will arrive this fall, brings several changes, many of which focus on improving customizability.

At WWDC24, Apple highlighted the central theme of “enhanced customizability” and demonstrated features designed to empower users to organize their apps, personalize their device’s layout, and refine app access controls.

One notable improvement is the flexibility in arranging app icons on the screen. Users can customize their placement, color, and appearance within the familiar iOS grid layout.

Source: Apple

In addition, users can now hide apps within a secure, locked folder accessible only through Face ID verification, offering enhanced privacy for sensitive content.

Furthermore, Messages, iOS’ texting service, receives significant updates, including the new ability to schedule messages.

Users will also enjoy new text styling options, fun text effects, and the convenience of replying to messages with emoji Tapbacks, which will enhance the overall messaging experience.

Read this article to explore iOS 17 and its differences to iOS 18.

5. Expand to New Markets on Apple Vision Pro

In June 2024, Apple Vision Pro will be available in new markets, including Australia, Canada, mainland China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

This expansion allows developers to bring their apps and games to a broader audience. If selected in App Store Connect, Apple Vision Pro will automatically be available in these regions. Developers can manage their app’s availability and localize product page metadata for local audiences.

This global reach offers a significant opportunity to increase user base and engagement across diverse markets.

6. New Marketing Features in App Store Connect

Read more about the new marketing features: Featuring Nominations in App Store Connect, marketing assets and deep links.

Featuring Nominations

Apple has introduced Featuring Nominations in App Store Connect, allowing developers to highlight new content, app enhancements, or new app launches for consideration by the expert editorial team.

Developers can submit nominations with details like expected publish dates and relevant regions, helping connect great apps with potential users. This feature, which aims to provide more app visibility, will be available later this year.

Marketing Assets and Deep Links

The App Store Connect app now allows developers to generate and share marketing assets for significant moments like app launches or features on the App Store. Additionally, deep links for custom product pages enable seamless user redirection within the app, enhancing marketing campaigns.

This feature supports creating a consistent experience from the App Store ad tap to in-app navigation. Deep links are available, with Apple Search Ads support coming later this year.

7. Subscription and StoreKit Updates

Apple is also introducing win-back offers for auto-renewable subscriptions and StoreKit improvements.

Win-back Offers and Subscription Enhancements

To help retain and reacquire subscribers, Apple is introducing win-back offers for auto-renewable subscriptions. These offers, configured in App Store Connect, target churned subscribers with special incentives to resubscribe.

This feature helps boost retention by providing tailored offers visible across the App Store and within the app. Full availability is expected later this year.

StoreKit Updates

StoreKit enhancements now offer more flexibility and customization for presenting subscription options. Improvements to StoreKit testing in Xcode and the Apple Sandbox environment allow developers to simulate various purchase scenarios, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Additionally, the original StoreKit APIs will be deprecated as of June 2024, with developers encouraged to adopt StoreKit 2 for better performance and security. The introduction of Advanced Commerce APIs later this year will support complex monetization cases, providing more tools for developers to optimize their in-app purchase experiences.

Conclusion

Apple’s news from the last WWDC24 will certainly impact users’ interactions with Apple devices over the next few months, including interactions with iPhone apps and the App Store.

The new Apple Intelligence, for instance, could greatly impact how users search for an app in the App Store based on AI’s recommendations.

In the future, these practices could drastically affect the brand’s ASO strategies and Apple Search Ads.

Moreover, developers can use new features like Featuring Nominations, deep links, win-back offers, and StoreKit enhancements to boost app visibility, user engagement, and revenue. The App Store ecosystem offers growing opportunities for developer success.

Also, the new iOS 18 features will allow users to have better control over their downloaded apps by determining which apps they use more and which apps they use during certain periods of the day.

If you need help navigating the app market through tailor-made mobile marketing strategies, contact us today!