Apple Unveils OS X Yosemite and iOS 8

Apple on Monday introduced new operating systems for its Mac computers and mobile devices, including a series of changes intended to help Macs work more seamlessly with iPhones and iPads.

The new Mac system, called Yosemite, includes a new design that streamlines the toolbar for using the computer’s calendar, clock and calculator. It also includes new icons. The new mobile system, iOS 8, adds functions like a smarter keyboard and new features for emails and text messages.

The announcements were made at the company’s annual software developer conference here. Apple also introduced a system called Continuity, which makes it easier to juggle content across different devices. For example, a user can connect a Mac and an iPad, making it possible to compose an email on a Mac, and then swipe up on the iPad screen to resume writing the same email. A phone conversation on an iPhone can be transferred to a Mac, too. The company’s iCloud online storage service received some attention, too. The company said it was adding a new feature called iCloud Drive, which allows users to store files online and access them across different devices, similar to the service offered by Dropbox, a start-up based in San Francisco.

In iOS 8, the mobile device keyboard has been expanded to improve what is called predictive-typing suggestions. When a user is typing, the keyboard tries to predict the next word the user will type to help save time. It can also predict responses to incoming messages — for example, if a spouse asked, “Do you want to go to dinner or a movie?” the messaging app will provide potential responses to pick from: Dinner, a movie, or “I don’t know.”

Apple also updated the messaging system to make it quicker to respond to text messages. When a text arrives, the message will pop up on the top of the screen; the user can simply swipe down to type a response rather than open the texting app.

The new Mac system and iOS 8 will release as free updates in the fall. Fans and customers anticipating new iPhones or a smart watch will have to wait — Apple did not introduce any new hardware on Monday. The company has traditionally reserved fall and winter for its biggest product announcements to target the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. Though, the focus was more on developers, and Mr. Cook and his team outlined a host of new features for them. Mr. Cook said the new tools would help developers “make things they haven’t dreamed of and to push to a whole new level.”

App developers will now be able to take advantage of the fingerprint sensor on the latest iPhones for things like letting people log into their apps. Craig Federighi, the company’s senior vice president of software engineering, who delivered most of the keynote presentation, said that developers would not gain access to the fingerprints themselves — a user’s fingerprints will remain securely stored inside the iPhone’s processor, he said.

Apple also introduced HomeKit, a set of tools for developers to make iPhones more integrated with the so-called smart home, or wirelessly controlled home appliances like light bulbs, thermostats or door locks. One tool will allow Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, to communicate with these devices — saying “Get ready for bed” could dim the lights, close the garage door and lower the thermostat, for example.

Apple also introduced Swift, a new programming language for Macs and mobile devices. The company said Swift would help developers write more reliable code by eliminating common programming errors. Developers at the event on Monday expressed excitement about Swift. Miguel Rodriguez, a developer for Noma Systems, which makes apps for fashion brands like Zara, said he found the Apple event impressive, and was especially interested in the programming language.

Mr. Rodriguez said Swift contained some features that the current programming language used by Apple, Objective-C, had lacked. But, he said, the new language is “still familiar and it still looks the same.”

For Mac operating system, OS X

The next Mac operating system will be named Yosemite, after the national park.
Yosemite will have a translucent design. The notification centre will use that design, for instance, to give you an advance look at your calendar, weather and other information.
You'll be able to search for content on the computer and on the internet at once, similar to a feature that came with Microsoft's Windows 8.1 system.
Apple is expanding its iCloud storage service so that you can store and sync files of any type, not just the ones designed specifically for iCloud. It's similar to how services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft's OneDrive let you work with the same files on multiple devices more easily.
A Mail Drop feature will make it easier to send large files. Instead of pushing the entire file by email and overloading mail servers, the Mac will create a link that the recipient can click for the full file.
The Mac's Safari web browser will have more privacy controls and ways to share links more easily.
The free Mac update will be out this fall. A version is available for developers Monday. This summer, Apple will also make a test version available to selected customers who aren't developers.

For iPhones, iPads

Like the new Mac OS, the iOS 8 system will have a universal search tool to cover both files on your device and content on the internet. It will also get the iCloud Drive service.
A "quick type" feature promises predictive typing suggestions. For example, if you start typing, "Do you want to go to," the phone will suggest "dinner" or "movie" as the next word. Currently, the suggestions are limited to spelling corrections.
A "do not disturb" feature will make it easier to stop notifications on a conversation with just a swipe, while a "tap to talk" feature records and sends audio messages to a recipient so you don't have to type.
IOS 8 will have a built-in health-management tool to help people track their vital signs, diet and sleeping habits. Apple's chief rival, Samsung Electronics Co., incorporated fitness-related features in its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S5.
Apple announced new technology for controlling garage doors, thermostats and other home systems, although the company didn't say how all the pieces will be linked together through what it calls HomeKit.
The new software will likely come with new devices for the holiday season, with free updates available for recent models.
Apple will also let app developers sell bundles at discounted prices.
The fingerprint security system on the iPhone 5s will be accessible to apps written by outside parties. Previously, it was limited to Apple functions, such as unlocking the phone and verifying iTunes purchases.