When Apple makes big announcements at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), it can sometimes feel like the company forgets about its Aussie customers on the other side of the world. And 2015 has been no different.
For the full details of Apple's WWDC news, check out Mashable's run down. But for those Aussies who didn't stay up late watching the San Francisco live stream, here's what we know so far about Australian availability and pricing for some of the big ticket items.
Spoiler: We don't know much.
1. iOS 9
Aussie iPhone users will be able to download a free upgrade to the iOS 9 operating platform in the spring.
This is intelligence in iOS 9. #WWDC2015 https://t.co/0nFlfaEFK5— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) June 8, 2015
The change from iOS 8 won't be dramatic, but it will include a smarter Siri, a predictive caller-ID function and a very welcome new low-power mode that should give users three extra hours of battery life.
2. Transit directions in Apple Maps
People from Baltimore to Berlin, and even parts of China, will soon be able to get bus, train and subway transit directions in Apple Maps. Apple has even apparently mapped subway stations, so the app can advise which exit to take based on where the user is heading.
Finally, they are adding transit support to Apple Maps. FINALLY.— Christina Warren (@film_girl) June 8, 2015
There's no word when this capability will land on Aussie shores, but it's gotta be soon, right? Right, Apple?
Apple Maps gets “Transit” — a public transit map for those of us without cars http://t.co/w7rgXYlJB7 #WWDC15 pic.twitter.com/nKA3ucsPMN— Mashable (@mashable) June 8, 2015
3. Apple Music
With a guest appearance by rapper Drake, the launch of Apple Music is definitely the most exciting moment of the WWDC.
The Apple event today went from 0 to 100 when Drake showed up http://t.co/rc1qnhemJW pic.twitter.com/FTnl9uZPUn— Mashable (@mashable) June 8, 2015
The new app will be available on Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad, as well as Android phones. The music streaming service will include a new global radio station called Beats1, and artists will be able to share their creations directly with fans through a service called "Connect."
The platform will launch globally on June 30. While in the U.S. it will cost $9.99 a month for an individual plan or $14.99 for a family plan, with a three-month free trial, Apple is advising Australians that "local pricing will be available closer to launch." Factoring in Goods and Services Tax, it's likely the hit Down Under will be around A$11.
Needless to say, established streaming service Spotify -- which costs A$11.99 here -- is not impressed.
This is perfect. RT @moneyries Spotify CEO's two-word response to Apple Music http://t.co/d0JnqB1Sa7 #WWDC pic.twitter.com/bhFrLZRtOP— Pete Pachal (@petepachal) June 8, 2015
4. WatchOS 2
The new WatchOS 2 update will be a big help to Apple Watch app developers.
On the smart watch's first iteration in April, most third-party apps had to rely on a Bluetooth-connected iPhone for functionality, rather than being built into the product itself. Now these apps will have native access to the watch's internal functions, including its Taptic Engine that allows subtle taps to be given in place of notifications.
The free upgrade will be available in the Australian spring.
A quick loo at Apple Watch watchOS 2 features. #WWDC2015 https://t.co/4y2oXnloc2— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) June 8, 2015
5. OS X El Capitan
The new version of Mac OS X, OS X El Capitan, has been unveiled Monday, although Australians will have to wait until the spring for a free upgrade.
El Capitan is a peak in Yosemite. Which makes sense.— Christina Warren (@film_girl) June 8, 2015
OS X El Capitan pic.twitter.com/poy5yan82E— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) June 8, 2015
Apps should launch 1.4 times faster with OS X El Capitan, and the update will let Apple users multi-task by sitting two apps side by side with a new feature called Split View. For those who want to watch Netflix while buying socks on Amazon, consider your prayers answered.
There's even a fancy new font called San Francisco.
First Look: Apple drops Helvetica for San Francisco in #iOS 9 http://t.co/c4YRNViEzn— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) June 8, 2015