Tag: iOS 13

Apple’s users are constantly getting excited for the next big thing in the world of technology. This year, that big thing is actually going to be two things: firstly, the much-anticipated release of iOS 13 will bring a slew of quality-of-life upgrades to the ever-popular iPhone family. Secondly, the new iPhone 11 is rumored to be bringing even more revolutionary changes to the formula started with the iPhone X’s unique redesign of the iPhone model.

Today we’re talking about the biggest reveals from iOS 13’s developer beta and the news from the upcoming iPad OS updates. If you’re a fan of Apple, or you’re considering picking up an iPhone or iPad, there’s a number of awesome new features coming down the pipeline to look forward to. Let’s break it down.

iOS 13 and iPad OS Context

This might sound dramatic, but iOS 13 is a huge crux point for Apple. The Cupertino-based company has its work cut out for it going toe-to-toe with Android. Google’s smartphone OS: Google owns 90% of the market share when it comes to smartphone install base. That’s due, in large part, to Android’s place as an open system than can run on third-party smartphones.

Apple’s iOS, of course, can only be found on Apple’s own iPhone or iPad devices. This means that, while being incredibly popular in the US, they’re far from ubiquitous in regions like China and India. iOS 13 is Apple’s big push to make their OS the best, judging from tons of oft-requested features finally making their way to the system. Let’s talk about what’s new.

Dark Mode

The most exciting new feature, for us, is system-wide dark mode. This means that the background of various apps and the general system menus and dialogue will be darker in tint and tone when dark mode is enabled. Apps that are already capable of operating in dark mode will be automatically switched over to that setting when you flip the system-wide switch. We’re also hoping that the setting will be able to detect sunset times and automatically switch on or off depending on the time of day.

Why use dark mode, you ask? There are a number of benefits associated with it. Firstly, it helps conserve your battery when your screen isn’t having to illuminate so much. Secondly, it’s easier on the eyes when it’s dark out to see a darker image onscreen. Finally, it’s better for your natural circadian rhythms to not stare at a screen that lets out light the same color as the sun’s light.

New Siri Voice

Siri’s aged pretty poorly in light of Alexa and Google Assistant. The latter two virtual assistants sound natural and respond to a variety of voice commands, while Siri sound like a computer from an old sci-fi movie and only answers very specific commands. iOS 13 is bringing a huge overhaul to Siri to make her more competitive as a virtual assistant, both in iPhones and as the brains inside of Apple’s HomePod smart speaker.

Better, Faster, Stronger

General updates like speed and performance are coming in iOS 13. The race to be the fastest and easiest-to-use OS continues this year as Android is pushing ahead with Android Q, their newest OS, which promises to be the fastest Android update yet. iOS 13 promises even more security features, too, including “Sign in with Apple,” which will help to keep your personal info safe from prying eyes.

Other great new features include customizable “Memoji,” allowing you to create your own emoji avatar and animate it with your own face. This is akin to the Animoji features found in the iPhone X back in iOS 12. Other quality of life upgrades, like blocking unknown callers, are coming to the phone as well.

Every year or so, a new update for Apple’s cellphone operating system, iOS, begins making the rounds. This time around, it’s lucky number 13, and there’s a wealth of new features and quality of life updates coming down the pipeline for Apple’s OS. Today we’re giving you the scoop on the newest iOS update so you know what to expect when the operating system goes live later this year.

iOS 13 Beta

Dark Mode

Dark mode is coming to iOS! Let that sink in for a moment. Real dark mode support from Apple! That’s a first for the nearly 13-year-old OS, but we’d rather see it get here late than never. While some people might not care much about the option for a dark mode, it’s a big deal for some users.

Some people just don’t like the harsh, bright backgrounds of most apps. Other people don’t like being blinded by the brightness of some white-background apps in the middle of the night. Others still just like to keep it dark, man. No matter your reasoning for wanting dark mode, it’s coming as an OS-wide option for iOS 13. Frankly, this is the one we’re most excited for.

QuickPath Swipe Keyboard

A feature that Android users have long enjoyed is the swipe-based keyboard. While Apple offers a great number of security features and clean UI, the option for a swipe keyboard has long been iffy at best. However, the new QuickPath swipe keyboard in iOS 13 will do its part to change that!

Early reviews from beta testers have stated that the swipe keyboard is responsive and works great in most scenarios. More complex words, uncommon names and acronyms are still a little more difficult to get to work, but the same can be said of any swipe keyboard. Thankfully, it seems to be a far better option for iOS users that want a swipe-based keyboard for quick texting than installing a third-party app.

FaceTime Attention Correction

FaceTime attention correction, as its called, is coming to iOS 13. This means that when you’re on a FaceTime call and you’re looking slightly to the side or down to see the person you’re talking to, the phone’s system will automatically center your view so your attention appears to be on the person you’re talking to.

This means that you’ll not have that strange, slightly-off look when you’re talking to your friends or family on the new iOS. Neat!

New Siri Voice

Siri’s new voice will sound more natural and less robotic, according to Apple. This is great for people who use HomePod or AirPods, as it means that when Siri is reading off longer sentences, she’ll sound more natural. For instance, people who use AirPods might want Siri to read their texts to them, and she’ll sound much more natural and normal while doing so.

Likewise, Siri can now better differentiate between different voices. For instance, when you’re using your HomePod, and you ask Siri to read your calendar, she’ll pull up the correct one for you, not your spouse or kid’s calendar!

iOS 13 Release Time Table

The beta for iOS 13 launched in late June, and it’s likely that the iOS update will be hitting phones sometime in mid-September. While there’s no official release date as of yet, it would be unusual for Apple to not ship the new iOS with this year’s new iPhones. Historically, the newest iPhones launch yearly in the middle of September.

We don’t know about you, but we’re absolutely thrilled that Apple is introducing an OS-wide Dark Mode, so we’ll be updating as soon as the new OS launches!