Apple has released iOS 10 to the masses. Here are a few of the more important features and changes. This list is not comprehensive by any stretch!
Current Version: 10.3.3 (likely to be the final version)
Some Key Features/Changes
- Slide to unlock is dead. It’s now Press to unlock.
- Widgets now live to the left of the homescreen and lockscreen.
- Most of Apple’s stock applications are removable (Tips and Watch will be seeing a lot of removals).
- Redesigned 2 (or 3 with Homekit) panel Control Centre.
- Rich Notifications will display more information before needing to dive into the apps themselves.
- Home app makes running a SmartHome a breeze.
- Siri for apps – WhatsApp, Uber, Spotify etc. will be able to be used via Siri once those apps are updated.
- Massive overhaul of Messages – Bubble Effects, Screen Effects, Digital Touch, Handwritten Messages, Quick Feedback and most significantly the Messages app store.
- New design for Music with clearer navigation and less prominent Connect.
- Voicemail Transcription (only on certain networks) – you don’t even have to listen to voicemails anymore.
- Siri caller announcements – Siri will announce who is calling like a personal assistant should.
- Photos – Memories collect photos together and automatically creates small video clips. Facial, object and scene recognition allows you to search for all the photos you have of Cats (for example).
Performance
iOS 10 performs marginally better than iOS 9 on all the devices it supports. The greatest improvements you notice will be in animation speeds and multitasking. Battery life will be equivalent to iOS 9 in most cases.
Compatible Devices
iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6+, 6s, 6s+, SE, 7 and 7+
iPad 4, iPad Air 1 and 2, iPad Pros
iPad mini 2,3 and 4
iPod Touch (6th Gen)
Recommended?
Yes, with all the necessary caveats – if you don’t like change then it may take some time to adjust. If you don’t like minor bugs or quirks, you should wait for 10.1.