Slated New Functionalities Arriving in iOS 13
With iOS 13, Apple is rolling out a plethora of new features and enhancements, leaving its previous focus on bug fixes and performance improvements behind. Here's a rundown of the major changes set to grace your iPhone or iPad this fall.
Turbocharged speed
Apple is eager to make iOS 13 lightning-fast. Expect smaller app sizes, twice as snappy app launches, and overall better performance for a seamless user experience.
Dark Mode's nighttime debut
Rumors of iOS finally getting a reputable dark mode materialized following macOS Mojave's introduction last year. In iOS 13, the much-anticipated dark mode becomes a reality, providing an easier-on-the-eyes interface for those who like working or browsing in the wee hours.
Apple's app redesigns
While not all native iOS apps are getting a facelift, you might find yourself feeling like they have, thanks to the revamped interfaces and features in Safari, Mail, Notes, and many more.
Apple Maps overhaul
With an all-new design, more detailed imagery, and copious amounts of U.S. coverage, Apple Maps will begin to rival its competitors in the mapping war. Even more, the app will offer a Street View-like feature called Look Around, allowing you to view locations in real life.
Reminders remastered
Reminders get a complete overhaul in iOS 13, boasting a simpler layout, easier scheduling of reminders, and the ability to see everything at once.
Enhanced data privacy
In line with Apple's privacy focus, iOS 13 introduces a system to clarify when and how your location info is being shared—especially with third-party apps. Now, you'll also be able to share your location just once, granting third-party apps explicit permission each time they request it.
Sign in with Apple anonymously
Front and center in Apple's privacy improvements is the new Sign in with Apple feature, allowing you to log into apps using Face ID without extra tracking details attached to your account. In situations where an app wants to send you information, Apple even creates a random email to send the news, which you can control individually.
HomeKit encrypted security cams
Another privacy enhancer is HomeKit Secure Video, which encrypts footage captured by security cams and sends it locally before it leaves your home, ensuring that not even Apple can decipher the footage and that it won't count against your data storage limits.
Messaging updates and new styles
No iOS update would be complete without some photo improvements, so Apple is adding a new portrait lighting option called High Key Mono and an interface for editing videos, as well as rotating vertical videos with ease, and automatically deleting duplicates or unnecessary photos.
Locked Apps and Swipe-based typing
Locks your specific apps to prevent others from accessing sensitive information without your permission, while Swipe-based typing is introduced to improve typing speed and convenience.
RCS messaging support and new Tap to Cash feature
iMessage gets many updates, including the ability to schedule messages, enhance text formatting, and create custom emojis using Apple Intelligence. The RCS messaging standard will also become compatible with iOS 18, enabling better interoperability with Android. Lastly, Tap to Cash allows users to pay someone back for a shared expense by tapping their iPhones together.
Starlink integration and additional data privacy enhancements
Participating T-Mobile iPhones using iOS 18.3 will utilize SpaceX satellites to maintain connectivity when in areas with minimal cell service, especially for emergency calls and texting. Apple also introduces approval requests for app permission to access your personal data, as well as a feature to let you see details about how often apps access your data.
Enrichment Data:
Following the release of iOS 13, Apple unveiled several significant updates in its subsequent releases such as iOS 17 and iOS 18. Below are the key features and enhancements introduced in those versions:
iOS 17:
- Redesigned Control Center, Live Voicemail, Audio and Video Messages on FaceTime, Messages Updates, Standby Display Mode, AirDrop & NameDrop Sharing, Autocorrect Enhancements, Health App Improvements, Security Enhancements, Photos Redesign, Home Screen Customization, Game Mode, Locked Apps, iMessage Updates, RCS Messaging Support, Tap to Cash, and Starlink Integration.
Data Privacy Enhancements:
- App Privacy Report, Hide My Email, Approximate Location, Recording Indicators, and iCloud Private Relay.
Dark Mode:
While the text below does not specifically mention iOS 13, Dark Mode initially debuted with the release of iOS 13, providing users with the option to switch to a darker interface for better visibility in low-light environments. However, detailed enhancements and updates to Dark Mode for later iOS versions are not specified.
In the realm of tech advancements, Apple's future plans include integrating Dark Mode more deeply into its technology, making it a prominent feature across various platforms. Moreover, the company is investing heavily in the development of its apps, aiming to enhance user experience and boost performance, setting a high standard for tech innovation.
