Apple takes on Dropbox and WhatsApp

Apple has taken on Dropbox and WhatsApp with a series of software upgrades that mimic the rival apps' services, BBC News reported.

At its annual conference for software developers, the firm unveiled iCloud Drive, an internet-based storage app, and improved integration for calls and messages across Apple devices.

Apple also updated both its mobile and desktop operating systems.

The company introduced HealthKit software that works with third-party wearable health devices.

A parallel app, called Health, measures users' personalised healthcare statistics, and even contacts their hospital directly if it notices irregularities.

"The announcements represent an ambitious move to diversify the Apple ecosystem into a number of new segments," said Geoff
Blaber, an analyst at the CCS Insight consultancy.

"Critics will complain of no new devices but the Worldwide Developers Conference creates the foundation for the products Tim Cook is promising in the second half of the year."

Apple's iMessage app was given extra features, some of which are similar to rival service WhatsApp, recently acquired by Facebook for $19bn (£11.3bn).