Mira’s Portfolio

Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference), is set to take place from June 9-13, in California. This annual event is where Apple traditionally unveils new software, tools, and technologies for developers – including previews of the next iOS version(s). Last year, Apple Intelligence was described as the highlight of WWDC, and was a heavily anticipated release. However, after it was rolled out to users’ devices, it was heavily criticized, and many were underwhelmed with its limited capabilities, and overall poor performance. Apple’s AI tools are set to be a hot topic once again at the conference in 2025, as they are expected to introduce AI-Powered Battery Optimization, and AI-Based Health Coaching this year. Additionally, Apple is expected to unveil its new IOS system – IOS 26 (now named for the upcoming year as the version number) – which features a “massive interface redesign”. The new operating system will reportedly have a massive visual overhaul, and is expected to be the biggest shakeup to the iOS look and feel since iOS 7. Most notably, it will likely feature live translations in messages, full screen animated album art in apple music, an updated CarPlay interface, and a rumoured apple games app (that will act as a standalone gaming hub, replacing game centre). Lastly, there have been leaks suggesting the airpods will receive significant updates, including camera controls (the ability to control your iphone or ipad cameras via airpods), sleep detection (features that detect when the user falls asleep to pause audio), and volume adjustment gestures though head movements.

 I always enjoy following Apple’s WWDC and September launch events, so I was excited to see what Apple is expected to unveil this Summer. On a personal note, I always despise updating my phone to the latest operating system, and my Dad thinks I’m insane for not doing so. Maybe it’s a boomer tendency of mine, but I just don’t enjoy getting used to new visual changes on my device, despite the security fixes new updates bring. In fact, I am still on IOS 17.6, and my phone is trying to force me to update as I type this. While I don’t think I’ll be updating my phone to ios 26 anytime soon, I don’t mind the name change, and am cautiously optimistic about the ai battery charging. I think it has the potential to be a great feature. I also really appreciate the idea of airpods using sleep detection to pause music, as I often fall asleep with my airpods in, and do not need music playing all night. While I look forward to following this conference, I hope that Apple comes out with something big – really big – in September. I feel as though a major addition or physical design change is long overdue.

Deliveroo has initiated its first drone delivery service in Dublin, Ireland, partnering with Irish drone operator, Manna. The trial, launched on June 5, 2025, is currently underway in the Blanchardstown area. Customers within a 3km radius of Manna’s local hub in Blanchardstown can order from participating restaurants, and drones can deliver orders in as little as three minutes, flying at speeds up to 80 km/h. Upon arrival, the drone hovers at approximately 14 meters above the ground and lowers the food using a secure, biodegradable tether bag. The drone is equipped with backup systems and a parachute, and is monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight, in lieu of delivery drivers. By bypassing road traffic, drone deliveries aim to reduce delivery times and lower carbon emissions. This service is particularly suited for suburban areas, with the ultimate aim of unlocking new customers that may be more challenging or remote to otherwise reach. By bypassing road traffic, the drone deliveries can also significantly cut wait times and support the merchants in growing their sales by reaching a wider network of customers. 

I’m excited to see how this trial goes, as I really do this could be the future of delivery services. I’m curious about the type of drones they use, and if they have object avoidance capabilities. I’d assume so. I’d also be curious to know what the battery life is on each drone, and what happens if they go flat. Do they drop or simply “return to home”? I also wonder if it would interfere with anyone’s quality of life, although if it’s flying at 14m I don’t think people would notice or hear it. As someone who has a drone, I think this project has amazing potential, but would definitely require skilled operators to monitor the flight paths. Also I wonder what would happen if the delivery location for a house was in a no fly zone? Perhaps this is not as big of a concern in Dublin, but many neighborhoods in Vancouver (even in the westside) are technically close to the airport, and drones are unable to fly in those regions.