With the annual launch of new iPhones, we also get treated to a new iOS update from Apple. What new features can we expect from the latest OS?
Dark mode – Apple are making a big deal of the new ‘dark mode’ option which basically gives you a black background on the native Apple applications such as messenger, calendar, settings, App Store etc. Third party applications have been encouraged to implement a dark mode option on their apps and I would expect these to follow through soon. You also get a whole host on new wallpapers that will compliment your dark mode iPhone. I must say, I do like the dark mode option and I have opted to keep it on all the time. However if you prefer you can choose to have the dark mode scheduled in the evening and switch back to normal mode in the morning.
Dark Mode feature looks great
The Photos app has also had a welcome face lift. The search function has been refined which makes it easier to find older photos as well as browse more recent snaps. A neat feature is the auto-play of live photos and videos and you browse through your library. Its no deal breaker, but it does look pretty cool.
We have new features and options on the camera, not surprising as Apple pushed the new camera feature on the iPhone11 , 11 Pro & Pro Max as being a key feature. Its the Portrait mode that you will notice the most difference, as you can now virtually adjust the position and intensity of the studio lighting. This works well if you want to move the light closer for a smooth sharp look, or distance the light for a more subtle picture.
New features in Portrait mode
Theres a host of Privacy and Security enhancements. The main one you will notice is the new Bluetooth location privacy settings. You’ll get a message from an application like FaceBook asking for permission to use Bluetooth! Reason being Bluetooth has enabled companies to track your location over Bluetooth by using beacons in stores, shopping centres, even on the streets if your phone is within range as you walk by. You can reject the request and still continue to use your standard Bluetooth equipment without any interruption. The good news is, that you’ll also get an update from any applications that are using Bluetooth in this manner, showing you a map of how often it recorded your position and if you’re happy to continue being recorded. Its actually a smart move from Apple – being more transparent around which applications are tracking you and making it easy for the customer to chose if they want to opt in or not.
Applications will ask for permission to use Bluetooth
Finally, Apple say that iOS 13 helps slow the rate of battery ageing by reducing the time your iPhone spends fully charged, Apps launched up to twice as fast as before and Face ID is now 30% faster to unlock. I hadn’t notice Face ID to be slow in the past but Apple must have thought they could do better.
iOS13 has only be out for the general public for less than 24 hours so we’ll see how the phones perform on this new update over the next few weeks or so.
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