Last week during Apple’s announcement about the iPhone X, and iPhone 8, they also announced that they would be releasing iOS 11 to the public on September 19. This has been a long time coming, as Apple officially announced iOS 11 during WWDC in June. Some of you have probably tried out the beta version, so I’m sure you’ve had a chance to work through some of the kinks and let Apple know what you think about it. But for the rest of you, here’s what you can expect on Tuesday.
As far as the precise times go, that’s unknown. But we suspect that Apple will be releasing it around 10 am PST, which is based on previous major releases from Apple. Again, this is based on the fact that Apple has released a major software update at this time since 2010. If you’re wondering what time you will get the update, have a look at the table below to find out when you can expect to see it.
iOS 11 will be available for:
- iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation, 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 5th generation, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2
- iPod Touch 6th generation
What’s great about this update is that you don’t need a new phone to experience the new features. If you can’t remember what was announced in June, as far as the features go, we’ve got you covered. Of the new features, here are some to note:
Augmented Reality
You might remember the Pokemon Go app, that was a major hit a year or so ago. But now, you can get ready for what analysts believe could be as many as 10,000 new AR apps. The idea for AR is that you’ll be able to mix your reality, with animation. You might remember Apple’s demo of AR back in June showed an image of a table. The table was real. But they added a coffee cup with steam coming out of the coffee cup. It looked real. And part of it was real, but not the whole thing.
Control Centre Update
Control centre has been redesigned, allowing oyu to change settings for the tools you care about most. The familiar feature that is available by swiping up from the bottom of the screen currently has Airplane Mode, DND, Flashlight, Camera etc. But in iOS 11, you can add things like Voice Memos or home automation tools.
Apple Pay for Friends
If you owe your friends money, you can easily pay them back using iMessage. This is similar to the Venmo app, but unlike Venmo you don’t need to install another app. And Apple already has your banking information through Apple Pay.
Do Not Disturb
In order to help with distracted driving, Apple has a new feature that lets you turn off your notifications and other disturbances while you drive. But you do have to agree to turn it on first.
New Filters and Compression for Photos
iOS 11 introduces a new system that effectively makes the file size of your photo smaller, but it will retain its quality. Which is going to allow you to take more photos. And of course, Apple has added some new filters to make your image that much more fun.
A New, Expandable Keyboard
Apple says that the keyboard will allow you to type with one hand. Which will automatically move the keys closer to your thumb. I’m interested to see how this will work, because I feel like they’re already closer to my thumb when I use my phone in portrait mode.
A Smarter Siri
This has been a long time coming, I think. And Apple will need to put their money where their mouths are with this one. Especially since they are coming out with their “Home” device later in the year. So yes, Siri has to be smarter in order to work with that device.
All of these features can be enjoyed with the new iOS, coming to you on Tuesday, September 19. That’s incredibly close, folks, and I for one can’t wait!