Apple has previewed iOS 10, its most significant release yet, at the WWDC 16 event. Along with the introduction of iOS 10, Apple has unveiled numerous new features, including opening Siri, Maps, Phone, and Messages to developers, creating new opportunities.
New Features in iOS 10
Personal and Meaningful Messages
With iOS 10, messages become more personal and animated. The update allows users to send celebratory animations like balloons, confetti, or fireworks, use invisible ink to reveal messages with a swipe, and add handwritten notes for a personal touch.
Siri Opens to Developers
Siri becomes smarter with iOS 10. It can now work with your favorite apps, allowing developers to enhance applications and enable users to interact with them via voice commands.
Visual Enhancements in Maps
The Maps app has been redesigned for simplicity and user convenience. It’s now open to developers, allowing apps like OpenTable to integrate reservations directly into Maps. Services like Uber and Lyft enable users to book rides without leaving the app.
Relive Your Memories with Photos
Photos now includes a feature called Memories, which automatically resurfaces forgotten moments, events, trips, and people from your archive. It creates curated collections and includes Memory Movie—an automatically edited video with theme music, titles, and cinematic transitions.
Home App for Easier Home Automation
The Home app allows users to set up, manage, and control their home devices from one location. Users can group accessories to work simultaneously with a single command or manage them individually via Siri. The app supports remote control via Apple TV and automated triggers based on time, location, or actions.
Features Not Highlighted at the iOS 10 Launch
Clear All Notifications
A long-awaited feature, iOS 10 allows users to clear all notifications with a single tap.
Close All Safari Tabs
Users can now close all open tabs simultaneously in Safari by long-pressing the tab management button in the bottom right corner of the interface.
New Location for the Search Box
For frequent users, the “Search” feature is now accessible directly from the notification center.
Updated “Back” Button
The new “Back” button is more compact and includes a bold return arrow. It also displays Wi-Fi and signal strength icons next to it.
New Ad Space in the App Store
Apple allows app developers to purchase advertising space in the App Store. A blue banner will help users identify ads easily.
Enhanced Apple Maps
New features in Apple Maps include avoiding toll roads and highways and displaying weather conditions along your route.
Quick Email Filters
Users can quickly filter emails by tapping the filter icon in the bottom-left corner of the inbox. Options include unread, flagged, VIP, and more.
3D Touch for Flashlight
Users can adjust flashlight intensity directly from the Control Center using 3D Touch.
Access to Pre-Written Handwriting
Users can quickly access previously written messages in iMessage by turning their device sideways.
Personalized Read Receipts
iMessage now allows users to send read receipts for specific conversations, offering more privacy and control.
Clear App Cache
iOS 10 introduces the ability to clear app caches, addressing app storage bloating issues.
Availability
The iOS 10 update will launch alongside the iPhone 7 in September. Supported devices include iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad 4, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and iPod touch 6.
Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to explore iOS 10’s exciting new features!