The apps that Apple Sherlocked at WWDC 2024

Apple's new call recording and transcription feature within the Phone app differs from third-party solutions like TapeACall and Truecaller in a few ways.

Firstly, Apple's native call recording and transcription feature is integrated directly into the Phone app, whereas third-party apps like TapeACall and Truecaller require users to call another number to activate the recording. This is because Apple didn't allow third-party companies to access its calling stack in the past.

Secondly, Apple's call recording and transcription feature is expected to provide a seamless user experience, being a built-in feature of the Phone app on Apple devices. On the other hand, third-party apps may offer additional features and customization options that Apple's native feature might not provide.

Lastly, it's worth noting that while Apple's call recording and transcription feature may impact the user base of third-party apps, these apps can still offer unique features and support across multiple platforms. For example, Truecaller offers AI-powered call recording management, voice-to-text transcriptions, and smart summaries of calls.

Apple's new standalone password manager, simply called "Passwords," is set to be released with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. This app aims to make password management more visible and accessible to users. Here are the main functionalities of Apple's new password manager:

1. Dedicated Passwords App: The new password manager will be a standalone app, making it easier for users to access their stored login information. Previously, the password management feature was buried within the Settings app.

2. iCloud Keychain Integration: The Passwords app will be built on iCloud Keychain, which syncs login and password details across Apple devices. This ensures that users have their passwords available across all their devices.

3. Wi-Fi Network Passwords: The app will also store passwords for Wi-Fi networks, making it a comprehensive solution for managing various types of passwords.

4. Passkeys and 2FA Tokens: In addition to passwords, the app will manage passkeys, which use Face ID or Touch ID for website logins, and two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens, providing enhanced security options for users.

5. Breach Notifications: The app will also alert users about potential password breaches, prompting them to change their passwords for better security.

6. Password Sharing: With the introduction of password sharing in iOS 17, users can generate groups of passwords to share with others, a feature that could rival some third-party password managers.

7. Import and Export: Users can import passwords from existing password managers, making the transition to Apple's Passwords app more seamless1. Additionally, passwords can be exported to a CSV file.

8. Cross-Platform Compatibility: The Passwords app will also work on Windows PCs, making it a more versatile option for users who have devices outside the Apple ecosystem.

By introducing the new Passwords app, Apple aims to encourage users to adopt stronger, unique passwords for different websites and services, improving overall security and password hygiene.