Apple’s biggest software release yet to date was released Tuesday 13 September. You can find the iOS10 update by going to Settings > General > Software Update, on the iPhone5 or newer and iPad 4 or newer.

Many of the new features are quite practical and some are just for fun. One of the most obvious changes is the “swipe to lock” that has changed to “Press to unlock” — and you can now do more on the lock screen than ever before. Other home screen swipe changes are swipe “right to left” and the camera opens, swipe “left to right” open your widgets, which contain Weather, Transit times etc.

The updated design looks elegant and artful and very pleasing to the eye — one thing that differs them from the Android competitor. The Clock app also is more easy to the eye with its soft black, white and orange tones — which is more restful on your eyes, especially in the evening. The new bedtime widget also helps you set up a scheduled sleep and wake time where a notification then alerts you to start winding down — a useful reminder for many as technology quite often keeps us awake later than we want.

3D touch, which was first introduced by the iPhone 6 and 6S, has been better utilised through iOS 10. Notifications are now more useful as you can expand them individually to receive more information, as well as mass delete when finished. Email notifications allow you to see 4-5 lines where you can then Archive, Delete, Schedule, or Mark as Read. The WhatsApp notification also allows you to reply to the message without needing to open the app itself.

Siri is also more integrated and as more third party apps utilise it, Siri will become even more useful in the future. At the moment, Siri will summon an Uber for you and has become even more visible within iMessage.

iMessage has had a major overhaul with new features many of which are strictly just for fun. These fun new features could be to draw iPhone users back to iMessage.

A short list of some of the new features:

• Write it yourself — send a message in your own handwriting and watch it animate when delivered.
• Message bubble “moods” — your message bubble can be delivered with added oomph to get your intended expression across.
• Invisible ink — send a message or photo that remains hidden, then the receiver swipes to reveal.
• When messaging a phrase like, “Happy Birthday” you can now add an animation which will take over your and your receivers entire screen.
• Personal touch — send fireballs, heartbeats, sketches and more — much like Snapchat, you can even draw over your pictures and videos.
• iMessage apps — access your favourite apps to create + share content, make payments and more without leaving messages.

The Maps app has been updated to help you better along your travels. Now when you’re planning your route, Maps will proactively suggest where to go and the fastest way to get there. You can also search along your route to see what’s around the corner, and you can also find the closest petrol, food or coffee spot etc.. Maps will update you with how much extra time it will take to arrive.

The built in HomeKit allows you to set scenes and manage all of your smart home gadgets in one place, using Control Centre or Siri.

The Photo app has been updated to categorise and organise your photos based on themes, concepts and content. You can now search your photos for specific things ie: cat pictures — and all of the pictures you’ve taken of your cat will filter through. There is also the Memories feature which lovingly organises your past photos into collages to better remember past moments.

Apple’s iOS 10 has brought some fun, practical and personal updates with their latest software update. Many are saying the most significant update Apple has had for awhile. The new software is end-to-end encrypted, so you are kept safe from spies, which unfortunately is needed more and more. The layout and design is also being hailed for its artistry and beauty — adding that bit of extra something that Apple is known and loved for.

For more information on how to update to iOS 10 or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].