Apple released its new iPhone operating system, iOS 11, this week. Beta testers will get access to the new system later in June, but the general public will have to be patient until autumn 2017.
Experienced iPhone users will notice small but significant differences between iOS 11 and its predecessor, with the focus being on borderless buttons and bolder fonts. One of the most noteworthy changes is apparent in the Control Center, which has been completely revamped with improved functionality, a new appearance and enhanced customisation.
Apple has developed an entirely new App Store for iOS 11. For the very first time, games and apps each have their own dedicated sections. There is also a ‘Today’ view that updates every day with developer news, recommendations and similar stories.
Files, a new app which imitates macOS’s Finder, makes it significantly easier to find and manage documents. Siri also gets a brand new, more natural-sounding voice. For those who want to send money to friends, there is a new integrated user-to-user Apple Pay feature, and the revamped Messages now boasts a new app drawer to make it simpler to use apps and stickers.
The new Do Not Disturb While Driving feature helps to keep iPhone owners safe on the road, and Maps now includes indoor maps for airports and shopping malls in selected cities. Notes boasts handwriting recognition, Photos now features Live Photo editing and Apple Music enjoys integrated friend sharing.
Apart from the above, there are also some iPad-specific changes. A new App Switcher displays a tiled view of all open apps to speed up switching and the new bottom Dock can be accessed with a single swipe from the bottom of the screen.
Watch this space for more iOS 11 news.