Apple finally fixes its ‘ducking’ autocorrect problem

It’s about ducking time.

Apple’s new iOS 17 operating system, which launches this fall, will no longer automatically change your salty language to something more innocuous — or at least it will, once it gets to know you.

The updated keyboard will soon incorporate AI to better learn your texting habits and the words you frequently use, including swears and slang, while fixing those you commonly misspell.

“In those moments where you just want to type a ducking word, well, the keyboard will learn it, too,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software during the annual Worldwide Developers Conference last week.

The same update will allow in-line predictive typing — tap the space bar and the AI will finish your sentence for you. It also incorporates a new speech recognition model for improved dictation.

The autocorrect and keyboard changes appear to also apply to the new MacOS Sonoma and iPadOS 17, both of which will also launch in fall.

The announcement, made during WWDC last week, came amidst news of their long-awaited mixed reality headset, a new MacBook and more. Here’s what else you need to know.

Apple’s Vision Pro VR Headset finally announced

After years of delays, setbacks and complications, Apple CEO Tim Cook finally revealed the company’s first attempt at a mixed reality headset — and it can be yours for just over $4,700 ($3,499 U.S.) early next year.

“It’s the first Apple product you look through, and not at,” Cook said, adding the goggle-like device is capable of “seamlessly blending the real world with the digital world.”

While it’s presented as an augmented reality device — digitally modifying the real world instead of creating unique virtual environments — users can also switch to full VR mode.

The Vision Pro has no controller; apps can be interacted with through eye movements and finger taps or flicks, as well as voice commands. The headset is compatible with iPhone and iPad apps, as well as exclusive apps on its own app store. These can be displayed at any size, anywhere within wearer’s field of vision.

The headset’s front is glass with an aluminum frame, displaying to others pass-through video of the wearer’s eyes when in AR mode and an opaque screen in VR. The device can also connect to a MacBook, allowing wearers to expand their computer display alongside the headset’s native apps.

The Vision Pro contains five sensors, 12 cameras and a fan-cooled computer. It’s apparently able to scan your face, creating a hyperrealistic “persona” to use in video calls.

New MacBook unveiled

Apple’s MacBook Air lineup is getting a new member, and it’s available for preorder now. The company revealed a 15-inch version of the popular laptop, which weighs just 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) and starts at about $1,750 ($1,299 U.S.).

Powered by Apple’s M2 chip, the laptop boasts up to 18 hours of battery life and is 12 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, according to the company. It features up to 24GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage.

It also has a fan-less-design, cutting down drastically on noise. Other details include a Touch ID sensor, two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, a 1080p camera and a spatial audio system working through six speakers and a three-mic array.

Apple iOS 17 will shake things up

iPhone users are getting a bevy of new features with the coming of iOS 17, Apple’s newest mobile operating system launching this fall. These include a real-time transcription feature for voicemails and voice messages, turning your voice to text for ease of use.

If you’re still keen on texting, autocorrect has been upgraded, now with in-line predictive typing and better grammatical accuracy. It can also learn your favourite words — cusses included.

The company also added filters to iMessage, allowing one to search through previous texts for specific keywords. Other updates are cosmetic, like turning a user’s contact cards into full-screen “posters” that appear when they call.

Users will also get a new app called Journal, an end-to-end encrypted diary that automatically suggests memories to add. These can include multimedia like music, photos and more. Voice assistant Siri will also get a boost, recognizing back-to-back commands. You no longer have to say “hey” in “hey Siri” for the assistant to activate.

macOS Sonoma arriving this fall

Apple also unveiled a new operating system for the MacBook, named macOS Sonoma, with headlining features including interactive desktop widgets, Apple TV-like screensavers, a new CPU-and-GPU-optimized Game mode and more.

The widgets, which can include to-do lists, weather forecasts, different time zones and more, can fade into the background when the user opens a window or app, allowing for fewer distractions. Widgets can also be imported from your iPhone without having to install them on your laptop.

It also includes many of the features in iOS 17, like iMessage filters. As is tradition with macOS updates, Safari will also get a tune-up, like improvements to Private Browsing that better protects from trackers. The web browser will also allow users to create different “profiles” for different topics, allowing one to divide their browsing into categories like work or entertainment.

New “milestone” update for Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is receiving an update heralded as a “major milestone” in the device’s development. watchOS 10 is currently available for developers to play with; it will launch for users this fall.

The company has redesigned the watch face to include widgets like Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps and more so that wearers can access the information at a glance. Additionally, a new feature called “Smart Stack” displays context-sensitive, timely information according to the wearer.

The update will also feature new watch faces, a new app focused on mental health, new features tailored toward bikers and cyclists including topographic maps for U.S. users, a new Vision app that measures ambient light and much more.

Other updates

An assortment of other software updates were announced, including for the iPad. iPadOS 17 is arriving this fall and will include more personalization options like custom lock screens and enhanced functionality for widgets. The Health app is also coming to the iPad.

AirPods will get an update featuring adaptive audio that adjusts for the noise environment one is in. Meanwhile, Apple TV will become compatible with FaceTime, allowing you to chat with loved ones on the big screen.

Which update are you most looking forward to?

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