Since Apple released the well anticipated iOS 13 and Watch OS 6 updates yesterday, I've had the opportunity to put it through a week of testing.
If you have an iPhone SE, 6S, and everything after that (the 7, 8, X, XR, XS) and have been thinking about updating, go ahead! You're going to enjoy the new life it breathes into your Apple devices.
NOTE: Just to be on the safe side, be sure to back up all the valuable data on your device and keep the phone plugged in while it updates. Better safe than sorry, trust me.
Since a majority of our users are iOS users, I'm sure you're wondering, "What do I get from this update and why should I even bother?" Well, I'm glad you asked.
Let's start with the top features from iOS 13.
- You now have a system wide Dark Mode. Let's sign a petition and dark mode everything!
- Swipe Keyboard. Try swiping a word on your keyboard! It's an easier and faster method for typing with one hand! They call it 'QuickPath'..
- Faster FaceID. Apple claims 30% faster!
- New Built-In Photo and VIDEO Editing Tools. If you're a digital creative, you're going to appreciate this!
- Find My (Now combines Find my iPhone and Find my Friends). Now, even if your iPhone is not connected to the internet you'll be able to tell where it is.
- Files. Now you have the ability to connect external drives and USB's natively. Along with unzip capabilities.
- Safari. You now have access to a built-in download manager! Along with upgraded browser capabilities.
- Reminders. App Updates.
- Notes. App Updates.
- Mail. App Redesign
- Siri. Siri now sounds a lot better!
- Better Screenshots.
- Control your Contact Information Persona. If you someone adds you as a contact, the name and image you want will automatically pull into their contact.
- Memoji Stickers. Extend your Animoji persona and create new Memoji stickers.
- Sign In with Apple. Before you had the option to make an account, or use the convenient Sign in with Google and Sign in with Facebook. Now, there's a new way to sign in!
- Use your Gaming controllers. If you enjoy mobile games, now you can connect your favorite Xbox or PS4 Controller and start gaming!
Next we got Watch OS 6.
- New Watch Faces. Cool new styles to try!
- Dedicated App Store. All the more apps for your watch!
- Noise Level. If you spend too much time in a loud environment, you'll be notified!
- Voice Memos. Got a quick thought? Narrate it to your new best friend.
- Cycle Tracking. Apple's big on Health
- Calculator. Calculate right on your wrist! Take it a step further and now you can easily know how much the tip will be and how to evenly split the bill.
- Activity Trends. Because the more health data you have, the more you strive to succeed!
There were minor bugs I have seen or had colleagues report to me. However, Apple has released iOS 13.1 today, and it should squash all the bugs (if any) and provide improvements to your overall experience. Apple also released iPad OS today and I will be going over it next week!
Have you updated to iOS 13.1 yet? If so, what are you currently enjoying about it?
Saandhyarag Sasidhar
Student Operations Manager
Web and Digital Strategies
