iOS 11 Features: WWDC 2017 has just been concluded, and the Cupertino-based Titans have finally taken the cover off everything that we are going to see in the iOS 11. It now looks like there are a number of new improvements to look forward to, but what has us really excited is the fact that there are so many fully new additions.
One of the highlights of iOS 11 is that it has brought back the focus on the iPad- Apple’s winning tablet that was largely left out with last year’s OS. However, all that seems to have changed, and iPad owners can now make use of the same conveniences as those of the iPhone. And there’s more on that front too. So let us take a comprehensive look at all the new features that this year’s iOS 11 is coming with when it releases.
iOS 11 Features
iOS 11 Features (More Innovation Less Administration)
iOS 11 for iPad
This year’s announcement brings the iPad much closer to its smartphone counterpart in terms of ease of use as well as added features. The newly redesigned Files App in the iOS 11 aims to make managing your files much easier, and not just on your iPad. Every file that you may have on your other iOS devices, or iCloud, or even Dropbox can all be found in one place.
There is an enlarged Dock for the iPad in the iOS 11 too, which will not only help you gain easy access to more of your favourite apps, but with its intuitive interface, suggest you to add others based on your recent usage streak. The Dock will be accessible from any screen.
The Drag and Drop feature in the iPad will now allow users to move files to any locations they want with a single lingering touch. This can be done with anything, and also aids in multitasking. In fact, the latter is the motto with the iOS 11. And multitasking is made more fun by allowing users to be active on more than one app at the same time and view them both in split display. The App Switcher has been redesigned to suit this purpose too.
Last but not the least, there are substantial upgrades for the Apple Pencil- one of the best things about the iPad. With the iOS 11, the iPad’s trusty stylus gets a lot more versatile. For instance, you can draw up a file of your choice and mark it up as easily as you would with a piece of paper and a pen. Scanning a document, marking it up with the Pencil, and sharing it is just as easy.
Another neat feature of the Apple Pencil is that users can now simply start taking notes on their iPad without having to go through unlocking their device. Just tap on the lock screen and start scribbling. It will all be saved automatically in the Notes app.
iOS 11 Features for the iPhone and Beyond
Now moving on to what users of Apple’s iconic smartphone can get with the coming of iOS 11, there is a lot to celebrate on this front. Take a look at the list below to see all the new inclusions, uogrades and more.
Camera and Photography
The new Camera app in the iOS 11 is aided with a sophisticated coding technology that will let users take great pictures at half the file size without the need to compromise on the quality. The upgraded camera also comes with a lot of new built in filters to ensure that you have the best, most natural looking pictures when you click some with your iOS device.
In additions to that, Live Photos will now let you make the most of its effects not just running them through Loops, but with Boubce, you will be able to roll them back and forth for a fetching effect. There is also the Long Exposure feature that is designed to give users a sense of perception of time and movement.
ARKit
ARKit is Apple’s new platform that will let developers create the most innovative AR-enable apps for the iOS 11. As we all know, Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, had made his interests in the field of AR very clear, and noted analysts around the world have been assuring us that Apple would take the lead in the field in 2017. Well, that looks like it is underway, so users can expect to see a lot of interesting AR apps on their iPads or iPhones.
Revamped Apple Store
The all-new Apple Store comes with different sections to help users find exactly what they are looking for. Moreover, there will be a regularly updated recommended section which will house direct recommendations from Apple employees. New tabs will be added too, such as “Games” and “Today,” which will help users make the most of their looking for a new app.
Siri
Apple’s sophisticated voice AI assistant will be even more upgraded in the iOS 11, thanks to the thorough reworking that the company has put it through. It is clear that Apple wants to make Siri the best among the crop of voiced AI assistants that has been creeping up recently. Being something of a pioneer in the field, we trust that Apple would want to secure their place at the top of the AI game, and the plan seems to be working.
Besides doing the things that it has been doing all along, Siri in iOS 11 will be equipped with machine learning abilities to aid it acquaint itself with its user’s regular habits over use. In this way, Siri will be able to address the needs of its user even before it is asked to do something. There is also real-time translation available on the software, so if you want to ask Siri how to say something in a language other than English, the assistant will give you an immediate answer. Supported languages include Chinese, Spanish, French, German and Italian during the initial stages.
Another fantastic iOS 11 feature is Siri’s new found ability to respond to texts. Under the ‘Accessibility’ option you will find the ‘Type to Siri’ tab. Go ahead and switch it on, it’ll make Googling things easier.
Upgraded Maps
With the coming of iOS 11, Apple will address some of the issues that have been widely criticized by users for not being able to keep up with their competition. One of those services is Apple Maps, which just was not as sophisticated as Google’s mapping services. But after Apple’s announcement, users can rest assured of the brilliant new features being introduced inside Apple Maps to make it a navigator’s dream. With the new indoor mapping technology, users will be able to navigate their way through airports and shopping malls and know exactly where they want to find a store or a restaurant they wish to visit. Coming to outdoors additions, Apple Maps has now got Lane Guidance, which means that driving through narrow lanes will be much easier with the app.
It’s worth mentioning that the mall layouts are limited to only a handful of cities around the world and those cities are London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Jose, and Washington DC.
Also the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature is definitely one that’ll be revered in the days to come. It’s an automatic prompter that alerts you to activate the feature whenever you get into a car. You can choose to disable it if you take a cab or are not driving the car by yourself.
Redesigned Apple Music
With the new Music app, users will now get brand new profiles which will make it easy for you to keep track of what your friends are listening to. You will be able to see the music that is being listened to repeatedly by others, and that may help you get heed of some great new music. And to find out what your friends are listening to, you need to head to the "For You" section of Apple Music and tap on it. A list of profiles of the friends you follow appears. It’s worth mentioning that in the new Apple Music, you can set your profile to public and private.
Redesigned Control Centre
One of the things that was highly in demand for iOS users was an improved Control Centre that will afford more customization, and Apple has delivered on that. The newly built Control Centre will not only allow users to set it up exactly as they wish to, but also help them use it control any external element that is connected to their iOS device. So be prepared to adjust the lights in your room from here, and use 3D Touch to add more commands than what you are used to.
Wrap Up
As we can see, the iOS 11 is coming with loads of new updates. From what it appears, the new platform will allow more customization, more functionality, and a lot more in terms of security. Simplification is definitely Apple’s main motto with the iOS 11, but with generous doses of fun. We are especially looking forward to getting acquainted with some brand new AR apps. We hope the developer beta turns out well, and the final version, when it is rolled out in fall 2017, will be nothing short of glorious.