What’s New In Your iPhone Software Update

If you are an iPhone user than you may have already pressed install on Apple’s latest software update. This recent software update (iOS 13) supports the new products and features Apple rolled out in September which includes a new series of Apple watches (Series 5), an impressive iPhone 11, and enhancements to their built-in apps. You may not want to go out and buy the latest devices but I do recommend that you check out what’s new in the apps. Here is a review of what you can expect on some of our favorites.

Photos

The new iOS 13 focuses on managing your photos better than ever. Upgraded features include a new photos tab, enlarged photo previews, Live photos coming to life as you scroll through your images and, my favorite one, duplicate or blurry photos are hidden so you can focus only on the best ones. A new Portrait photo effect can make you look even more beautiful. 

Privacy

Apple enhanced their Face ID feature and bluetooth connectivity (what connects your phone to your car and nearby wireless items) for more security. The upgrade to bluetooth provides control over sharing your location with apps you use when you are on the go.

And speaking of security, the days of remembering your password to sign into apps and Apple-related content are over. A quick tap on the “Sign in with Apple,” button uses Face ID or Touch ID to bypass a lock screen.


“We are very careful about what features we add because we can’t take them away.”

steve jobs, apple inventor

Maps

The upgrade to Maps offers more realistic views of the road and its surroundings. Explore your destination before you arrive with some impressive 3-D and 360-degree views. You can share your ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) with family and friends which is updated if you hit a traffic jam! For travelers, flight information and updates is more seamless.

Siri

Siri has made friends with more third-party apps. That favorite podcast found in your watch’s Outcast app is now easily accessed with one Siri command. That also includes third-party music, audiobooks, and radio apps.

Messages & Reminders

Send more expressive icons in your messages using the new range of sticker packs based on your Memoji and Animoji characters. Your friends are going to love hearing from you!

The Reminders app has been a lifeline for me some days. The list of “to dos” received a facelift this update. Color coding, shared reminders with friends, tracking and list organization tops the list. You can now link photos, document scans and web links to any reminder.

Voice Control

And finally, your phone’s interpretation of your voice commands is better than ever. That means the next time you create a Message and say “Tap Send”, Siri now understands contextual clues and does not add those words to the text. No more backspacing for me.

The best way to learn more about how your apps work is to practice using them. Spend some time with your device and give these new features a try.

Note that the iOS 13 update is not for every iPhone and only supports models iPhone 6S, iPhone SE or newer. Those with older iPhones should just stay at the current iOS 12 version or think about an upgrade (Is It Time For An Upgrade?).  

For a complete list of new iOS features and compatible devices visit Apple’s website.