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Apple iOS 11 Features: 42 Spectacular Tips You Should Know About

This article is more than 6 years old.

Apple

Apple announced iOS 11 at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June and it has released 10 betas for developers since then. iOS 11 has dozens of new features that will make the lives of users much easier. In iOS 11, new features have been added to Notes, Camera, Music, App Store, Photos, Calendar and many other apps. Some of the highlights in iOS 11 include functions for the iPad to make it a better laptop alternative along with augmented reality environments for apps and games. The launch of iOS 11 is expected to coincide with the announcement of new rumored iPhones and possibly new Apple Watch and Apple TV devices later today. Here is a list of some of the best iOS 11 features:

1.) AirPlay 2

Apple

iOS 11 includes a new version of AirPlay called AirPlay 2. AirPlay 2 allows users to control audio systems and speakers throughout the home. Plus you can have music start instantly on all your speakers in sync with each other at the same time, which will surely impress your guests.

2.) AirPods Control Customization

Apple

iOS 11 includes the ability to customize the controls of the wireless AirPods earphones. This can be set up by going to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods > Tap on Left or Right under Double-Tap On AirPod. From there, you can set up what function that double tapping on the left or right AirPod will activate whether it is Siri, Play/Pause, Next Track, Previous Track or Off.

3.) ARKit

Apple

iOS 11 is bringing a new augmented reality framework called ARKit, which enables developers to build immersive AR experiences in their apps faster than ever before. The ARKit blends digital objects and content with the environment around you as we have seen with the popular game Pokémon Go.

4.) Automatic Setup

Apple

When you buy a new iPhone or iPad, you can quickly set it up by holding the new device near another iOS device. This will automatically transfer your personal settings, preferences and iCloud Keychain passwords.

5.) Brand New Control Center

Apple

Apple has redesigned the Control Center in iOS 11 and it is now customizable. This means you can make it easier to set up shortcuts for your preferred settings and apps. For example, you can add the ability to dim the lights in the dining room, control Voice Memos and add a shortcut to Low Power Mode. Plus you can use 3D Touch in the Control Center to unlock more commands.

6.) Do Not Disturb While Driving

Apple

When you start driving, your iPhone will be able to sense that you are in transit and it will prevent you from being distracted with phone calls, text messages and notifications. And people that are trying to reach you will be notified that you are driving.

7.) Document Scanner In Notes

Apple

There is a new Document Scanner feature in the Notes app that can automatically detect when a photo of a document is being added to the app. Then it automatically crops the edges and removes the tilt or glare. And you can fill in the blanks or sign it with the Apple Pencil.

8.) Drag And Drop With The iPad

Apple

There is a new Drag and Drop feature for the iPad. This feature lets you easily move text, photos and files between apps. You can essentially move around anything, anywhere on the screen.

9.) Easily Share Wi-Fi Credentials

Whenever you visit a friend or family member, it can be a nuisance to find out the Wi-Fi network name and the password. iOS 11 will be fixing this problem with a Wi-Fi sharing feature. If the guest and a user connected to the Wi-Fi are running iOS 11 and higher, then the connected user can automatically log the guest in with a simple tap.

How does it work? When the guest attempts to connect to the Wi-Fi network, another device on the network will be prompted to “send the Wi-Fi password” to the guest. After the approval is submitted, the Wi-Fi password will be sent to the guest device. This is especially useful if the Wi-Fi password is a series of random characters.

10.) Editable Live Photos

Apple

iOS 11 allows users to edit Live Photos. Specifically, users can trim the video loops. And users can also select the key photo or mute the Live Photos loop sound.

11.) Indoor Maps

Apple

The Maps app in iOS 11 will provide you with indoor maps. This feature will show you detailed maps of hundreds of shopping centers and major airports around the world. This makes it easier to see which restaurants are past security at the airport and which stores are on each level of the mall.

12.) Inline Drawing In The Notes

Apple

Now when you jot something or draw something in Notes, the text around it can be moved aside to make room. And these inline drawings can be added to emails within the Mail app. Plus you can search for handwritten words in the Notes app (English and Chinese only).

13.) Instant Markup With Apple Pencil

Apple

iOS 11 brings Instant Markup to the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil. For example, you can use the Apple Pencil to mark up PDFs and screenshots with drawings and text.

14.) Instant Notes With The Apple Pencil

Apple

When you tap your Apple Pencil on the Lock Screen, the Notes app will immediately open. This makes it much more efficient to instantly get organized and retain your ideas.

15.) iPhone Storage Management

Running out of storage space on the iPhone can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, iOS 11 can automatically detect which apps you do not use often in order to help you save space. This feature is called “Offload Unused Apps.” And it will retain the documents and data of those apps in the device so those apps fully restore if you re-download them. The deleted apps will be grayed out in the iPhone Storage screen and it can be reinstalled with a simple tap.

Usually, one of the culprits of storage consumption is photos and videos sent through Messages. The iPhone Storage feature allows you to review large attachments in Messages and automatically save messages and attachments in iCloud. And there is an option to automatically delete conversations that are more than a year old.

16.) Lane Guidance In Maps

Apple

The Maps app in iOS 11 has been improved to help you avoid missing a turn or exit by showing you the lane that you should be in while driving. Plus the Maps app will also show you the speed limit of the road you are driving on.

17.) Lock Screen Notifications Improvements

Apple

iOS 11 improves the Lock Screen in a way that brings all of your notifications in one place. You can see all of your notifications in one place by pulling it down like a cover sheet from the top of the screen. This allows you to see all your most recent and missed notifications in one place. When you swipe down on the screen to access notifications, it will show the Lock Screen. And the Today view will appear with a side swipe similar to the way it works on iOS 10.

18.) Major Live Photos Changes

Apple

Apple is making Live Photos more creative and expressive than before. The most notable changes are that you can adjust Live Photos in three different ways: Loop, Bounce and Long Exposure. The Loop feature allows you to turn Live Photos into fun video loops. And the Bounce feature allows you to make your Live Photo bounce back and forth. Plus the Long Exposure feature allows you to capture time and movement elements as reflected by streak and blur effects.

19.) Memories Video Improvements

Apple

Apple has made a subtle improvement to the Memories videos that are automatically generated in the Photos app. In iOS 11, the Memories videos will be automatically optimized while watching it in portrait or landscape mode.

20.) Message App Syncing Across Multiple Devices

Apple

The Messages app will have better syncing across multiple iOS devices in iOS 11. This means if you delete a message on the Messages app on your iPhone, then it will also delete on the iPad and the Mac and vice-versa. This feature is supported with end-to-end encryption.

21.) Multitasking In The iPad

Apple

iOS 11 makes it easier to multitask with the iPad. You can open up a second app right from the Dock and both apps can be controlled with Slide Over and Split View. You will be able to drag the second app with Slide Over to the left. And there is a newly designed App Switcher so you can get back to your favorite App Spaces. The new App Switcher feature looks similar to the Launchpad on the Mac:

Apple

22.) Music - Social Features

Apple

Apple is making it easier to discover music as new social features are being added to the Music app. The Music app also has friend recommendations and verified accounts. And Apple Music users can now set up profiles to showcase the playlists, albums, artists and stations that they listen to. Plus there is a new Music API for developers to build apps that can utilize the Apple Music service, including 40 million songs, For You recommendations and recent searches.

23.) New Files App For iPad

Apple

iOS 11 includes a new Files app for the iPad. With the Files app, you can search, browse and organize all of your files in one central location. This includes files that are stored locally and in the cloud. This includes files that are stored in cloud services like Apple iCloud Drive, Dropbox and Box. And you can bookmark your favorites files in a folder on the sidebar of the Files app called "Favorites." Plus you can tag files in certain colors just like what you can do on the Mac. This will feel similar to the Finder app on the Mac.

24.) New iPad Dock

Apple

In iOS 11, the iPad has a new Dock. The Dock will be available from any screen with a quick swipe. And you can add many more app shortcuts to the Dock. On the right side of the Dock, you will notice suggested apps to open based on the ones you opened recently and the last ones you were using on your iPhone and Mac.

25.) New Messages App Drawer

Apple

Apple has redesigned the app drawer in the Messages app so it is easier to share stickers, emoji and games with friends. The new layout of the App Drawer is definitely much more intuitive so you can easily share content from Messages apps.

26.) News App Becomes More Personal

Apple

Apple has improved the News app by showing you stories that are more personalized to your tastes. Plus editors will curate a different topic every day in a new tab called Spotlight. And there will be a daily selection of the most interesting videos in the Today View.

27.) Pay Friends Through Messages

Apple

One of the most highly anticipated features in iOS 11 is the ability to pay and receive money with Apple Pay through the Messages app in a conversation. You can use Apple Pay with your credit or debit card to send money instantly. And you can request and receive money easily as well. After you get paid, the money is stored in Apple Pay Cash, which becomes instantly available for sending to someone or spending with Apple Pay in stores, apps, the web or for transferring to your bank account.

28.) Professional-Quality Filters In Camera App

Apple

Apple has added professional-quality filters in iOS 11. As a result, portrait photos will look more expressive and skin tones will look more natural. And Apple is adding next-generation compression technology so that you can take photos with the same quality at half the file size.

29.) QuickType Keyboard - iPad Improvement

Apple

Now you will see letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation marks all on the same keyboard. And you can type them in without having to switch back-and-forth. Simply flick down on a key to quickly select the character you want (compatible with all iPad models except 12.9-inch iPad Pro).

30.) QuickType Keyboard - iPhone Improvement

Apple

Apple has added a new feature that makes it easier to type on the iPhone with one hand. In iOS 11, when you touch and hold down the emoji key you can select an option called one-handed typing. This will move the keys closer to your thumb.

31.) Revamped App Store

Apple

Apple is revamping the App Store app to make it easier to discover new apps and games. There will be daily stories curated by experts in the Today tab and a dedicated Games tab. There is also an Apps Tab that will be organized based on various themes. The new App Store also includes expanded enhanced search results, which will show editorial stories, lists and tips.

32.) Revamped Podcasts App

Apple has updated the design of the Podcasts app in iOS 11. In iOS 11, the Podcasts app has a design that is similar to Apple Music and the new App Store app. This means the fonts are bolder and album art stands out more. Plus the navigation is more intuitive than before.

33.) Screen Recording

iOS 11 has the ability to record what you are doing on the screen. This will make it easier for users to create tutorials, create demos of apps they are using and record gameplay.

34.) Siri As A DJ

Apple

Siri has become much more intelligent in iOS 11. And when you combine Siri with Apple Music, the digital assistant can become your own personal DJ. That means when you tell Siri to play music, you should hear a song that you love. Plus you can ask Siri questions like “who plays the guitar in this song?”

35.) Siri QuickType Improvements

Apple

Siri has also become smarter when it comes to suggesting the names of movies, places and content that you recently viewed. And if you are telling a friend that you are on your way, it will suggest your estimated arrival time.

36.) Siri Real-Time Translation

Apple

Thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence, Siri has become more expressive with a natural sounding voice. Plus you can ask Siri in English to make translations in real-time in Chinese, Spanish, French, German or Italian. However, Apple has this feature in beta right now so it has not been perfected as of yet.

37.) Siri Suggestions In Safari

Apple

Siri can now make search suggestions in Safari based on the content that you were reading. Siri will even ask you if you want to add events to the Calendar app when you confirm an appointment or book a flight.

38.) Siri To Start Suggesting News

Apple

The more you use Siri, the smarter it becomes. As Siri starts searching for topics that you are interested in, it will start suggesting them in the News app. This makes News more personalized based on your tastes.

39.) Siri Will Suggest Payments In Messages

Apple

As mentioned earlier, you can send and receive money through the Messages app. So when you are having a discussion about money in the Messages app, Siri might suggest you to use Apple Pay to send or receive money. And Siri will be able to respond to voice commands regarding payments.

40.) Speaker Support In The Home App

Apple

In the Home app for iOS 11, AirPlay 2 makes it possible for multi-room support for your smart speakers. This means you can control the volume and playlists for the speakers in each individual room from within the Home app.

So you can control the music in the living room and the kitchen at the same time from the Home app.

41.) Type To Siri

Apple

If Siri is having a hard time understanding you, then you can type out the command. And then Siri will respond to your queries after you hit the Enter button. You can activate this feature by going to the Settings > General > Accessibility > Siri. Then toggle on Type to Siri.

42.) Volume Indicator Change

One of the best changes in iOS 11 is that the volume slider no longer layers at the center of the screen. The volume indicator in iOS 11 now appears in the form of a sleek bar at the top-right corner of the screen. I'm sure many iOS 11 users will appreciate this feature.

What are your thoughts about these new features? Are there any specific features that you will enjoy using? Please leave a comment with your thoughts!