Apple iOS 11 release date and the top hidden features coming to your iPhone and iPad
APPLE'S iOS 11 was revealed at its yearly WWDC developers conference with a release date expected later this year. Here's the best new features coming to your iPhone and iPad.
Apple's new iOS 11 has just had its official unveiling and it looks set to transform how millions will use their iPhone and iPad.
Although it's not yet confirmed, this new operating system will likely be released in the autumn alongside Apple's rumoured iPhone 8.
If you can't wait that long Apple will be releasing its public beta version of iOS 11 in the coming weeks which can be downloaded here.
So, if you own an iPhone or iPad, here's the best new features coming in iOS 11.
Siri gets more useful
Siri was first launched in 2011 and, since it first appeared, Apple has busy been improving its personal assistant.
In iOS 11 Siri gets even more features and using the latest advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, Apple has baked in new male and female voices.
These are more natural and expressive, adjusting intonation, pitch, emphasis and tempo while speaking, and can translate English words and phrases into Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
Siri extends beyond voice, using on-device learning to deliver more personal experiences and offers suggestions based on personal usage of Safari, News, Mail, Messages and more.
For example, as Siri learns topics or places a user is interested in while browsing Safari, they will be suggested when typing in Mail, Messages and other apps.
Apple launches powerful new desktop in the iMac Pro
iPad gets a major upgrade
If you own an iPad there's some very good news as iOS 11 transforms this popular tablet with a huge range of new features.
iOS 11 makes multitasking on iPad even more powerful with a new customisable Dock that provides quick access to frequently used apps and documents from any screen, and a redesigned app switcher makes it easier to move between pairs of active apps, used in Split View and now Slide Over.
The new Files app keeps everything in one place, whether files are stored locally, in iCloud Drive or across other providers like Box, Dropbox and more, and with Drag and Drop available across the system, moving images and text is easier than ever.
Apple's stylus Pencil is now more deeply integrated into iPad with support for inline drawing and a new Instant Notes feature opens Notes from the Lock Screen by simply tapping Apple Pencil on the display.
Finally, letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation marks are now all on the same keyboard — no more switching back and forth. Just flick down on a key to quickly select what you need.
Professional Camera & Photos Features
The iPhone is the world's most popular camera and this snapper gets some bonus extras in iOS 11.
Portrait Mode images can be taken with optical image stabilisation, True Tone flash and HDR, so every shot looks even more professional.
Live Photos are more expressive with new Loop and Bounce effects that create continuous video loops, while Long Exposure can capture time and movement. In Photos, Memory movies are optimised to play in both portrait and landscape orientation, and more memories, such as photos of pets or birthdays, are automatically created.
With iOS 11, Apple introduces a new technology called High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) that reduces the file size of every photo taken with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Pay Friends with Apple Pay
Apple Pay has seen huge growth in the UK and when iOS 11 launches later in the year it will add the ability to send friends money via the service.
Apple Pay users will be able to make and receive payments with friends and family quickly, easily and securely.
They can send money and get paid right in Messages, or tell Siri to pay someone, using the credit and debit cards they already have in Wallet.
When users get paid, they receive the money in their new Apple Pay Cash account.
They can use the money instantly to send to someone, make purchases using Apple Pay in stores, apps and on the web, or transfer it from Apple Pay Cash to their bank account.
Do Not Disturb While Driving
iOS 11 introduces a new way to help drivers stay more focused on the road with Do Not Disturb while driving. iPhone can detect when you may be driving and automatically silence notifications to keep the screen dark.
Users have the option of sending an auto reply to contacts listed in Favourites to let them know they are driving and cannot respond until they arrive at their destination.
More bonus features in iOS 11
• Control Centre offers more customisation, enabling quick access to frequently used controls all on one page, and a new Lock Screen delivers a more convenient way to see Notifications all in one place.
• Apple Maps adds indoor maps for major airports and shopping centres around the world and lane guidance to avoid missing a turn or exit.
• App Store is redesigned to make discovering apps and games easier than ever before. Through in-depth features and interviews, App Store editors will uncover the stories behind iOS developers and the incredible apps and games they create.
• App Store for iMessage has a redesigned app drawer for more convenient access to apps and stickers, so it’s easier to decorate messages, share a song and more.
