Apple unveil new iOS and Mac OS X software at WWDC

APPLE have unveiled new versions of the operating systems used by iPhones, iPads and Macs at their annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco.

Apple CEO Tim Cook at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. Picture: AP

iTunes Radio, an ad-supported free online streaming service, is among the biggest additions to the software. iTunes radio allows users to create their own streaming playlists, and listen to a vast library of music on the move.

The new version of iOS features a number of other new features:

• A settings panel, similar to that found on Android devices, will allow iPhone users to control their device’s connections, screen brightness and other key settings direct from their home screen

• The iOS photo app will be redesigned

• Siri, Apple’s voice recognition software, has been redesigned. It now features a choice of voices and languages, as well as in-car integration and a new interface

• A new security feature - Activation Lock - will disable stolen or lost phones until their owner retrieves them, even if thieves try to delete the software or wipe the phone’s memory

Apple also announced a new version of its computer operating system dubbed ‘Mavericks’, with new features including increased connectivity between different Apple devices and tools to make it easier to organise files and folders.

On the hardware front, Apple announced new versions of its Air super-lightweight laptop, and its desktop Mac Pro computer. The Pro is one-eighth the size of the previous model.