iPhone lovers can look forward to fantastic new gadgets as firm unveils new software
We count down the 15 reasons you're going to love iOS 10
RUMOURS are swirling that the iPhone 7, due in September, will look just like the current model.
But at least Apple fans can look forward to a raft of new features thanks to revamped phone and tablet software, iOS 10.
It was unveiled last week at Apple’s Worldwide Developers’ Conference in San Francisco, along with new software features for other gizmos.
Here are some of the most exciting changes announced.
1. FANCIER MESSAGES: Major changes to the iPhone’s most used app. Big focus on emoji — they are three times bigger plus you get suggestions to turning keywords into an emoji.
Lots of other new features too, such as hand-written replies and invisible ink that hides a message until it is swiped over.
Third-party developers can create apps that work within iMessage.
So with OpenTable you and pals can decide on a restaurant – voting on options, for example – from within iMessage.
Similarly, so-called rich links mean if you send a webpage or a video the recipient gets a preview and can view it without clicking to open in another app.
2. RECOGNISE PEOPLE IN PHOTOS: Facial recognition means photos can be grouped according to who is in the snap.
But the app can also recognise other stuff like footballs, sea and sun loungers – and cluster photos based on what you are doing and with whom.
3. MAPS ARE SMARTER: Google Maps is still better than Apple’s version but this helps close the gap.
Navigation includes traffic and you can zoom in and out to see the route ahead (something, bizarrely, which you can’t do now).
4. APPLE MUSIC REVAMP: All new re-design with a less cluttered look.
Within Library, it is much easier to find just your downloaded songs which until now have been tucked away.
There are also lyrics. Meanwhile, the unpopular Connect feature loses its own tab.
5. MORE NEWS: The app now has 2,000 publications including The Sun. The For You section is split up into topics such as top stories, sports, tech rather than articles being jumbled up in a long feeds)
6. CONTROL YOUR HOME: A new Home app lets users who had smart gadgets control them easily.
At the moment not many people have stuff such as web-connected cookers, fridges, lights, door locks and thermostats, but they are becoming more popular.
Even John Lewis is pushing them. This app will be the place to control them.
7. MORE WAYS TO CALL: Yes, some people still use their iPhone to make phone calls.
There is a voicemail transcription service so you can see what people want you for when in a meeting.
Also calling from other services such as WhatsApp is now built into the iPhone app.
Related stories
8. DO MORE FROM THE LOCK SCREEN: Engage with notifications on the home screen, such as replying to messages, seeing progress on your Uber or getting more info on a news alert.
Plus new feature called Raise to Wake might sound minor – lift up your locked phone and it wakes up so you can see all your notifications.
But it addresses a big gripe. An unwanted side effect of the speedy fingerprint scanner is that, when users hit the home button to light up the screen to see notifications, it unlocks the iPhone and clears them.
9. SIRI WORKS WITH OTHER APPS: Siri until now has only worked with Apple’s own apps.
Now it also works with others – so you can order a taxi with Uber, send messages via WhatsApp and search photos on services such as Pinterest.
10. QUICKTYPE NOW SMARTER: Improvements to feature that, at the moment, suggests words or answers based on context when typing messages or emails.
It now does more. So if someone texts to ask where you are it offers the option to send your location.
Or if you get a message such as “What is Mr Money’s email”, Siri can offer to send the information.
11. HANDS-FREE MACS: Siri, the voice-controlled “personal assistant” that started on the iPhone, comes to Mac laptops and computers.
You can now bark orders such as “check the football scores” or “find files I worked on yesterday”.
12. UNIVERSAL CLIPBOARD: Copy and paste across your iPhone, iPad and Mac computer.
13. APPLE PAY ON THE WEB: Buy stuff online in the Safari browser, on a Mac, PC or iPhone, and many sites will offer an Apple Pay option.
You need to have your iPhone or iWatch nearby to approve a purchase.
14. WATCH TO BE FASTER: Sluggish apps turned out to be the main drawback of the Apple watch’s battery life.
An update promises to make them load seven times faster.
15. WATCH – POTENTIAL LIFESAVER? New SOS feature calls 999 (or the relevant number in any country) with a long press of the side button.
Also sends location to emergency services, and your emergency contact. Can also share medical info.