Fast forward a few versions and, as of September 13th, 2016 Apple’s latest version of it’s mobile operating system is iOS 10 which claims to be more expressive and efficient. In Apple’s words, it is supposed to be more personal, more powerful and more playful.
However, a new operating system does not necessarily translate into an improvement. Sometimes users are taken aback by the various changes. The question of whether one should bother updating is thus not an uncommon one. In this article we will therefore be exploring 9 features that will make it worth your while to make the jump to iOS 10.
Before We Start
I just thought I should point out the devices which iOS 10 is compatible with before we begin. Here you go:
iPhone 7iPhone 7 PlusiPhone 6siPhone 6s PlusiPhone 6iPhone 6 PlusiPhone SEiPhone 5siPhone 5ciPhone 5iPad Pro 12.9-inchiPad Pro 9.7-inchiPad Air 2iPad AiriPad 4th generationiPad mini 4iPad mini 3iPad mini 2Pod touch 6th generation
Note: For more details on compatibility, click here. Also note that after updating to iOS 10 you will not
1. Rich Notifications
Rich notifications basically make more content visible within notifications, ultimately making it easier for users to respond to messages.
Also, as seen in the above Messenger example, you can even reply without having to open the app itself.
2. iMessage Overhaul
A number of changes have been made to iMessage which allow users to be more expressive.
Respond With Handwriting
Firstly, if you want to add a more personal touch to your messages, responses can be made with handwriting instead of text.
Digital Touch
In addition, users have the ability to respond to messages using Digital Touch as well. You will have different variations of gestures to choose from which will trigger the sending of different icons. Alternatively users can simply make quick sketches as responses.
Intelligent Emoji
If you select the emoji button after typing a body of text, iMessage will automatically scan the text for words with emoji equivalents. The words are highlighted and tapping on them allows the users to choose an appropriate emoji icon.
Respond With Tapback
A quick icon response can also be sent out by double tapping on received messages. This could be convenient while on the go with little time to type out a message. The available icons are highlighted below.
iMessage Apps
Additionally, persons have the option of accessing content for use in their messages from the iMessage App Store. This can be accessed by pressing the App Store icon next to the text input box or from within the regular iOS App Store.
3. Siri Improvements
The ever popular iOS assistant has a few tricks up it’s sleeve as well.
Ask Siri To Take A Selfie
Try it, it works! If you ask Siri to take a selfie, your Camera app will open and the front-facing camera will activate itself.
Suggested Corrections
If Siri mishears you, you don’t need to manually edit the phrase that you spoke. Siri will automatically make alternative suggestions that you can choose from as seen below.
Let Siri Find Your Car
If you ask Siri where your car is, it is now capable of giving the car’s last known location.
Third Party App Integration
Finally, Siri is now capable of communicating directly with third party apps in iOS 10.
4. Set Your Bedtime In The Clock App
Getting enough sleep is important for a healthy life. The Bedtime feature is capable of setting a recurring wake-up alarm and it will also give you a reminder when it’s time for bed.
5. Hide Default Apps
Have you ever wished that you could get rid of some of the default apps that came with iOS that you never use? I mean they’re just taking up precious screen real estate. If this is the case, you will be pleased to know that this is at least partially possible in iOS 10. You can then reinstate the app at a later date via the App Store if you care to. You will notice however that this does not work with all of the default apps. You cannot hide Photos, Camera, Contacts, Clock, Photo Booth, Find iPhone or Health. Hiding Settings or the App Store is not possible which is a good thing as they are quite essential.
6. Adjust Flashlight Intensity
For devices with 3D touch capability, the intensity of the flashlight can be modulated from within the control center. Pressing hard on the flashlight option in Control Center brings up a menu displaying 3 different intensities; low, medium and high.
7. Intelligent Photo Search
iOS 10 is capable of analyzing the objects that make up your photos. For example, if you were to search for desks, photos with desks in them should subsequently appear.
8. Pick Up iPhone To View Notifications
From the iPhone 6S and up, including the iPhone SE, when you pick up your device it will allow you to view the lock screen and your notifications without having to press any buttons.
9. Type In Two Languages Without Switching Keyboards
iOS 10 makes it easier than ever for persons who speak more than one language to communicate with their iOS device. With iOS 10 you can now type in 2 languages at the same time without having to switch between different keyboards.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it guys. These are some of the more exciting features of iOS 10. Overall, the update seeks to make it easier to interact with their devices and to communicate with others. So what do you think? Do the new features work for you or do you prefer iOS 9? Give it a try and let us know. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
