Apple iOS 11 upgrade: features and compatibility

Multi-tasking feature for iPad using iOS 11

Apple is set to launch its latest software upgrade, the iOS11, on September 19, 2017. This will be available to download on all compatible versions of the iPhone, iPod and iPad (see below). The company’s latest offering comes just a week after the global launch of its three new phone variants – iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X – along with Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple TV 4K.

Here are the main features of the iOS 11:

Files feature

The new Files app enables you to organise your files better, no matter where they are located. Files can be organised in one place and there’s a dedicated place for the most recent files, so you won’t waste time searching for them. It organises files from various sources like the iPad and other iOS devices, Dropbox, Cloud etc.

Dock

The Dock feature in the iPad allows you to toggle between apps instantly. It is placed at the bottom of the screen as a blue file icon. With one touch, a window pops up showing your favourite or most recently-used apps. Apps that have been opened recently, and apps that are currently open on the iPhone or Mac appear on the right side of the Dock. The Dock makes multi-tasking easier. You can open a second app from the Dock and both apps can be used simultaneously in a split-screen format.

Drag and drop

A new feature for the iPad. You can move files, photos, and text from one app to the other. If you want to attach a picture to your email, just drag and drop the picture from your album.

Apple Pencil

An enhanced feature for iPad Pro users who also have the Apple Pencil. This is useful for inline notes, say if you are sending a picture to someone and you want to circle one particular object to get his/her attention. With the Inline Drawing feature, if you write or draw something in the Notes app, the text around it can move automatically aside.

 

Do Not Disturb

A very useful tool, while driving. The iPhone can detect that you may be driving, through vehicle movement or Bluetooth connections, and notifications will be automatically silenced to keep the screen dark. Users have the option of sending an auto reply to their contacts to let them know they are driving and will respond at a better time.

Redesigned app store

The new-look app store is meant to make the experience of discovering new games and apps easier. You can read more about how the apps were created by checking out interviews with the developers. There is also a dedicated Games tab.

Photo features: Loop and Bounce

Play around with your photos with these new features. Using Live Photos, you can use the Loop feature to create a video loop, like watching a Vine video. With the Bounce feature, once an action plays out – for instance a person jumping into a pool-- the video rebounds back to the start, akin to pressing the rewind button. There are also new photo filters that are geared to make Portrait shots look even more professional.

Siri

The personal assistant is set to become even more efficient as it will now be possible to translate US English into Mandarin, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Augmented Reality

View virtual content on top of real-world scenes. A fine feature for designers.

Compatibility

iPhone: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s

iPad: 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation, 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 5th generation, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2

iPod: iPod touch 6th generation