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Apple Unveils New iOS, Mac OS and Watch OS Versions at WWDC

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Apple (AAPL - Free Report) unveiled new versions of operating system software for iOS, Mac and Watch at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Jun 4.

The new version of iOS will speed up older phones. This is a notable development considering the “batterygate” fiasco, when Apple was accused of intentionally slowing iPhones with older batteries through software updates.

At WWDC, Apple stated that “apps will open up to 40% faster, the onscreen keyboard will appear up to 50% faster and the camera app will open up to 70% faster” in iOS 12.

The iPhone maker also revealed the highly anticipated “Digital Health” feature, which is expected to put a check on the detrimental effects of long-term phone use. Further, the Do Not Disturb (DND) functionality is expanding, which will now allow users to have more control over notifications.

The Digital Health tool is anticipated to improve parental control over smartphone usage of children. Earlier this year, couple of shareholders — Jana Partners and the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) urged Apple to offer more tools to keep smartphone addiction in check among children.

Moreover, Apple’s most exciting announcement was the Group FaceTime feature, which allows simultaneous video calls with 32 people.

These new features along with animated emoji’s and Me-moji’s, expanding Siri functionality and host of other features are expected to bolster stickiness of Apple users. The new features will also help the company expand its ecosystem.

Although the new macOS Mojave doesn’t have so many overwhelming features like iOS 12, it is no doubt visually stunning. The company unveiled a Dark mode — in which all Apple apps will have a dark gray color scheme. Apple is also tightening security features of its Safari browser by providing more control to the user.

Moreover, the company unveiled new watchOS, the features of which reflect Apple’s intent to expand in the healthcare market going forward.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Currently, Apple carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

NVIDIA (NVDA - Free Report) , Texas Instruments (TXN - Free Report) and HP (HPQ - Free Report) are stocks worth considering in the broader Computer & Technology sector. While NVIDIA and Texas Instruments sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), HP carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The long-term earnings growth rate for NVIDIA, Texas Instruments and HP are pegged at 10.3, 9.6% and 6.5%, respectively.
 

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