S5E12 | How can the increasingly mediocre WWDC come up with something new?
Key
- WWDC 2021: Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, focusing on software updates and developer tools.
- iOS 15: A mobile operating system featuring minor improvements and user - experience optimizations.
- Universal Control: A seamless cross - device control function between Mac and iPad.
- M1 Chip: Apple's self - developed chip that enhances device performance and energy efficiency.
- Excode Cloud: A cloud - based continuous integration development tool provided by Apple.
Abstract
Apple's annual event, WWDC 2021, mainly focused on software updates but was generally regarded as "boring". iOS 15 only had minor improvements, with the highlight being the Universal Control feature, which enables seamless control of an iPad using a Mac's keyboard and mouse. Despite the powerful performance of the M1 Chip, the iPadOS software ecosystem failed to fully leverage its potential. At this conference, there were updates to developer tools, and Excode Cloud was launched to improve development efficiency. FaceTime attempted to make inroads in the social field but faced fierce competition. Overall, this WWDC lacked stunning innovations and was more about the optimization and integration of existing technologies.
Insights
This WWDC 2021 reflected the impact of the pandemic on the technology industry. The demand for remote work spurred improvements in collaborative functions. Apple's ability to integrate its software and hardware ecosystem remains its core competitiveness, but it also faces controversy over the closed nature of its ecosystem. The updates to developer tools indicate Apple's emphasis on the developer ecosystem, but how to price and promote Excode Cloud remains a challenge. Whether FaceTime's social attempt can succeed depends on its ability to find a differentiated advantage in the highly competitive market.
Opinions
01 "iOS 15 Lacks Innovation"
iOS 15 is more about minor fixes and fails to bring about major innovations like iOS 14, making it difficult to meet users' expectations of Apple.
02 "Universal Control Is a Highlight"
The Universal Control feature enables seamless collaboration between Mac and iPad, enhancing the user experience and having certain practical value.
03 "Apple's Closed Ecosystem Is a Double - Edged Sword"
Apple's closed ecosystem has advantages in terms of security but also limits users' choices, sparking controversy over monopoly and openness.
In - depth Analysis
WWDC 2021: Apple's "Incremental Progress" and the Future of Its Ecosystem
The 2021 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has come to an end. Different from previous years, this year's WWDC seemed to have less of the "One more thing" surprise and more of an "expected" calmness. Although Apple introduced new initiatives in software updates and developer tools, overall, this WWDC was considered "boring" by many and lacked eye - catching innovations.
iOS 15: Steady and Minor Improvements
As the core of Apple's ecosystem, every update of iOS attracts much attention. However, iOS 15 didn't bring about revolutionary changes but was more about optimizing and improving existing functions. For example, FaceTime added the SharePlay function, allowing users to watch videos or listen to music with friends; the Notification Center was redesigned to filter according to the user's Focus mode.
These improvements undoubtedly enhance the user experience, but compared with iOS 14, iOS 15 seems a bit "conservative". Some comments suggest that this might be related to the impact of the pandemic, as remote work has affected Apple's R & D progress to some extent.
Universal Control: Breaking Device Barriers and Improving Collaboration Efficiency
One of the most - watched features at this WWDC was Universal Control. This feature allows users to use a Mac's keyboard and mouse to seamlessly control an iPad and even drag files between different devices. The launch of this feature undoubtedly breaks the barriers between Apple devices and improves users' collaboration efficiency.
In fact, some third - party software had already achieved similar functions before, but the experience was not perfect. Relying on its advantages in the software - hardware ecosystem, Apple is expected to turn Universal Control into a truly practical and smooth - running feature.
M1 Chip: Powerful Performance, Ecosystem to Be Improved
Last year, Apple launched its self - developed M1 Chip, which was a huge success on Mac and iPad Pro. The performance and energy efficiency of the M1 Chip far exceed those of similar products, bringing an unprecedented experience to Apple devices.
However, compared with the powerful performance of the M1 Chip, the iPadOS software ecosystem seems a bit lagging. Although the iPad Pro has powerful hardware, there is a lack of applications that can fully leverage its potential. Some comments suggest that iPadOS is holding back the M1 Chip and limiting the development of the iPad Pro.
Excode Cloud: Empowering Developers and Improving Development Efficiency
In addition to the consumer - oriented feature updates, Apple also launched Excode Cloud at this WWDC. It is a cloud - based continuous integration development tool designed to help developers build, test, and deploy applications more efficiently.
The launch of Excode Cloud is undoubtedly an important empowerment for Apple's developer ecosystem. However, how to price and promote Excode Cloud and how to integrate it with existing developer tools are still issues that Apple needs to address.
FaceTime: Breaking into the Social Field, Facing Many Challenges
In the social field, Apple has never made a breakthrough. At this WWDC, FaceTime tried to make efforts in the social field by adding features such as SharePlay and link invitations.
However, FaceTime faces huge pressure from competitors such as Zoom and Discord. These competitors have certain advantages in terms of functions and user experience. Whether FaceTime can stand out in the highly competitive market depends on its ability to find a differentiated advantage.
The Future of the Ecosystem: The Battle between Openness and Closedness
Apple has always been known for its closed ecosystem. This closedness has advantages in terms of security and user experience, but it also limits users' choices, sparking controversy over monopoly and openness.
In recent years, Apple has gradually tried to open up its ecosystem. For example, FaceTime allows Android and Windows users to join calls; Siri also starts to support third - party devices. However, these openings are still limited, and Apple still firmly controls the dominance of its ecosystem.
In the future, how Apple will strike a balance between openness and closedness will directly affect the future development of its ecosystem.
Forward - looking Thinking
WWDC 2021 was a conference of "incremental progress". Apple optimized and integrated existing technologies but lacked stunning innovations. Facing increasingly fierce market competition, Apple needs to be more proactive in embracing innovation and breaking the barriers of its ecosystem to maintain its leading position.
In addition, with the rise of Chinese technology, there may emerge a technology giant in the future that can rival Apple. This company may, like Apple, have a powerful software - hardware ecosystem and surpass Apple in some fields.