As the excitement builds towards Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, reports suggest that a significant upgrade is on the horizon for one of Apple’s less celebrated apps. The Calculator app, while not the most thrilling software in Apple’s suite, is tipped to receive its most substantial overhaul in years.
Revamping the Calculator app
Dubbed ‘GreyParrot’, the upgrade to the Calculator app is said to be a nod to the African grey parrot, renowned for its intelligence. According to AppleInsider, the key feature of this update is the introduction of Math Notes. This new addition aims to bridge the gap between the Calculator and Notes apps, facilitating seamless data transfer between them. Furthermore, a fresh sidebar is expected to display the history of calculations, possibly accompanied by a dedicated button, enhancing usability significantly.
Alongside these functional enhancements, the visual aspect of the Calculator app is also slated for an overhaul. The redesign will reportedly feature rounded buttons and darker shades of black, aligning with the aesthetic of the iOS version of the calculator. Another user-friendly update includes the ability to resize the Calculator window, with button sizes adjusting accordingly—a functionality currently unavailable.
Simplifying currency and unit conversions
The forthcoming updates are not just about aesthetics and functionality. They also aim to streamline the process of currency and unit conversions. According to the report, users will soon be able to access conversion options directly, bypassing the need to navigate through menus and pop-up dialogues to select different types of conversions.
The rationale behind these enhancements is clear. Apple is seemingly determined to compete more effectively with alternatives like Microsoft’s OneNote and the third-party CalcBot app for macOS. Given the basic nature of the Calculator app’s current features, this upgrade is poised to bring it up to speed with its competitors.
While there is no definitive confirmation that Apple will implement these changes, the likelihood remains high. We can expect to hear more details about the Calculator app’s overhaul, along with other updates to macOS 15 and iOS 18, at WWDC 2024 on June 10.