“Monday, June 6th was already a holiday, but for Apple fans like those at Root3, it was a double celebration! We were front and center, virtually, to not miss any of the WWDC22 announcements. What innovations does Apple bring to iOS and iPadOS this year? And what name did Apple’s crack marketing team come up with for the new version of macOS? In this blog post, we’ll share the innovations that caught our attention the most.
Passkeys
Almost everyone uses them: passwords. However, the concept of a password is outdated and relatively vulnerable because they are often reused or weak. Fortunately, the solution and revolution are on the way! Thanks to collaboration within the FIDO Alliance, of which Apple is a member, the WebAuthn protocol has become an industry standard that utilizes public-key cryptography. The major advantage of WebAuthn is that leaking passwords is no longer possible, and a different certificate is used for each website. The implementation of this on Apple platforms is called Passkeys. These Passkeys are automatically generated and stored in iCloud Keychain and can be used for easy and secure login using methods such as Touch ID and Face ID. The good news is that this technique works cross-platform, including on Windows. Apple encourages web developers to quickly incorporate WebAuthn support so that you can take advantage of Passkeys on as many websites as possible.
Here’s an example of how the login process works:
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022/10092/
iPadOS 16 multitasking
We’re starting to see why the iPad operating system has its own name. While many innovations also apply to iOS/iPhone, iPadOS stands out! Apple is increasingly focusing on delivering a desktop computer-like experience. For the first time, there is full support for using external displays. The previously introduced support for a mouse or trackpad makes it a true hybrid experience. Multitasking in iPadOS is becoming more advanced by enabling working with windows. Stage Manager helps you organize windows and maintain an overview of your work. The Files app receives various improvements, making it resemble macOS Finder more closely. For example, there are more file sorting options, and changing file extensions becomes possible.
Enrollment Single Sign-On is a great step forward for both iOS and iPadOS. It simplifies logging in to a device using a Google or Microsoft 365 account. You can read more about it in our summary of macOS Ventura below.
Of course, we also look at everything from a personal use perspective. We’re particularly excited about the customizable Lock Screen, features that help organize and plan emails, and the ability to edit sent iMessage messages. We’re also impressed by the completely redesigned Home app, now with Matter support, which brings structure to the many home automation options.
Platform Single Sign-On
Single Sign-On Extensions have been available since macOS Catalina for Identity Providers (IdP). Microsoft, among others, has implemented this as a preview within the Company Portal app, reducing the frequency of Single Sign-On prompts within apps and websites. Apple is now expanding this framework so that users can log in to the macOS Login Window using their Identity Provider credentials, such as Microsoft Azure or Google Workspace. Additionally, the Mac password can be automatically synchronized with the IdP, and login methods like Touch ID and Apple Watch are supported.
We’re excited to see which Identity Providers will implement these functionalities and when we can benefit from them.
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022-10045/?time=681
Apple Configurator for iPhone
Last year, Apple introduced Apple Configurator for iPhone, allowing administrators to manually add macOS devices to Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. This year, Apple adds the ability to add iOS/iPadOS devices using the iPhone app. Previously, a Mac with Apple Configurator was required for this process. This is convenient for organizations that exclusively work with iOS/iPadOS!
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022-10045/?time=2225
Continuity Camera
In macOS Ventura, Apple introduces the ability to use your iPhone as a camera. By using the same Apple ID on both devices, the iPhone camera becomes automatically available. Since the iPhone generally has a much better camera, this significantly improves the quality of your video calls. Third-party accessories are already being developed to attach the iPhone to your MacBook screen. With your iPhone’s wide-angle camera, Continuity Camera automatically keeps you centered in the frame and can even capture both yourself and your table simultaneously.
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022/10018/
System Settings
In macOS Ventura, System Preferences has been renamed System Settings, and this new app will look very familiar to iOS and iPadOS users. Apple has been moving towards uniformity among its different platforms in recent years. Components will be easier to find and located in similar places as in iOS and iPadOS. Here’s an example:
Rapid Security Response
For both macOS Ventura and iOS/iPadOS 16, Apple will apply important security updates faster outside of regular software updates, without requiring a restart. Previously, the Mac had to restart, and this could take some time before the user could resume working. This is a welcome improvement for both the CISO and end-users!
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022-10045/?time=1018
Managed software updates during PowerNap
macOS Monterey introduced the ability to offer users several options to delay software update installations. After these options expire, macOS will automatically update during the night. We have encountered many challenges in practice, especially with MacBooks. But there’s good news for macOS Ventura: managed updates during PowerNap or sleep. Updates will now also be performed when a MacBook is in sleep mode or using PowerNap. This gives administrators more options to install updates overnight without inconveniencing the end-user.
Apple will also provide more reporting to show how many postponement options an end-user still has available and when the next attempt will be made to install the update.
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022-10045/?time=885
Enrollment Single Sign-On
Specifically for User Enrollment (BYOD), a new Single Sign-On feature is introduced in the form of Enrollment Single Sign-On. This allows OAuth 2.0-based account-based enrollment to be initiated through the Identity Provider’s app. The user only needs to log in once, taking the onboarding experience to an even higher level.
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022-10045/?time=361
Sign in with Apple at Work & School
Sign in with Apple has been around for a few years but has so far only been available for personal Apple IDs. Starting in the fall of 2022, Sign in with Apple will also support Managed Apple IDs. This means that it’s now possible to use Sign in with Apple with an Apple ID associated with work or school. In addition to the easy and secure login method, Sign in with Apple at Work & School also provides identity and access management to keep your organization or app secure.
Video: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022/10053/
MacBook Air redesign with M2 chip
Rumors had been circulating that Apple would introduce a redesigned MacBook Air in 2022, and they did just that. The new MacBook Air looks completely different and features the new M2 chip, which is up to 1.4 times faster than the M1 chip. Notably, MagSafe has also made a comeback, the unique magnetic connector used to charge the MacBook Air. We expect the new MacBook Air to be a huge success that may overshadow the MacBook Pro in many organizations.
Other notable improvements:
Managed Device Attestation: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022/10143/ What’s New in Privacy: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2022-10096 Requirement for internet access in Setup Assistant Accessory security MDM Friendly Migration Assistant
For all the innovations, watch the WWDC22 Keynote or follow the tech sessions in the Developer App!
WWDC22 Keynote: https://www.apple.com/apple-events/ All videos: https://developer.apple.com/videos
For more information, please contact +31 85 400 30 30 or [email protected]“