As we await the coming of the next iPhone, we go through Apple’s developer event: WWDC 2017. In the WWDC Keynote earlier, they announced iOS 11: the newest version of their mobile operating system!
It features major improvements in terms of technologies under the hood. It also includes more features that users will love. With both of these in store for users, they will surely love using their iPhone or iPad more!
Without further ado, here are 5 things YOU need to know about iOS 11!
iOS 11 Turns Up the iPad to 11!
After the meteoric rise of the iPad during its launch, sales continue to go down. It’s not just recently, it’s been going on for years now! Apple hopes to change the tide with a major update for iPad! The iPad Pros are Apple’s big bet on replacing your laptop so it’s about time they do something with that.
With iOS 11, the iPad gains Mac-like features. One example of this is Drag and Drop. You can now drag text, images, files, and more from one app to another! Even the Dock found on the home screen is Mac-like!
The iPad now has a new app named “Files”. You get the same features that Finder for the Mac has on the Files app for iPad! Other features include a new App Switcher which keeps two apps in Split View in one place!
Since the iPad Pro is so much better with the Apple Pencil, there are also improvements with iOS that enhance it. Some of them include Instant Notes where you can continue writing notes easily. While in the lock screen, just tap using the Pencil and you’re back in your note!
Apple Brings AR to iOS!
With iOS 11, Apple provides developers with a platform that helps them create rich augmented reality (AR) experiences in their apps! It’s called ARKit!
Unlike other AR platforms, ARKit takes advantage of the specific hardware of the iPhone and iPad to make AR look and feel better on iOS! Hopefully the new iPad Pro and upcoming new iPhones can drive this to the next level!
Take More Shots from the Camera!
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are two great cameras that so happen to be smartphones! With iOS 11, both phones store photos in a High Efficient Image File Format that reduces the file size of every photo taken with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Don’t worry, other iPhones and iPads get features such as new Live Photo effects with Loop and Bounce that create continuous video loops. Another effect is Long Exposure which helps capture time and movement and show it in the Live Photo!
Do Not Disturb While Driving!
A lot of us don’t really have cars that support Apple’s in-car system, CarPlay. Because of this, we still tend to use our phones even while driving (admit it, you do). This is why Apple added a new feature in iOS 11 called “Do Not Disturb While Driving”! With this, the iPhone will automatically silence incoming alerts and notifications when it knows you may be driving. I’m glad this feature is now standard in iPhones! Now people can safely drive without worrying about their phone suddenly ringing.
There’s actually more things in iOS 11 that I can’t fit into one post right now. If you want to know more about the latest version of iOS, head on over to Apple’s website!
iOS 11 is available for the following devices:
- iPhone 5s or later
- iPad Mini 2, 3, and 4
- iPad 5th generation
- All iPad Pro models
- iPod touch 6th generation
This will be released in the fall alongside possible new iPhones. Excited for iOS 11? Sound off in the comments below!