iOS 13 is a huge release full of new features and major app updates. It’s made only bigger by its association with the launch of two new Apple subscription services: Apple Arcade and Apple TV+.
When you finally update your iPhone or iPad, you may be overwhelmed. Don’t know where to begin? Let this serve as your iOS 13 (and iPadOS 13) hub. You’ll find up-to-date links to all our related FAQs, guides, tips, and how-tos.
FAQs
iOS 13 FAQ—Everything you need to know about the major features of iOS 13, when it is being released, and how to install it.
iOS 13.1 FAQ—Apple will follow iOS 13 with another release just 5 days later, bringing multiple features that were pushed back from the iOS 13 release.
Apple’s fall OS update schedule—The release of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS are all staggered throughout the fall. Some devices get updates at a later date, and some major features aren’t coming in the initial releases. This timeline will help clear things up.
Apple Arcade FAQ—Apple’s game subscription service launches together with iOS 13. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Apple TV+ FAQ—This subscription video service will be home to big-name original shows, and is launching on November 1. While not part of iOS 13, it will require iOS 13, iPadOS 13, or macOS Catalina to access.
Guides
Our favorite iOS13 hidden features—The little things that weren’t announced on stage at WWDC, but make us love iOS 13.
Everything new with CarPlay—The in-dash experience is getting a big overhaul in iOS 13.
New Apple Maps features—Everything new in the Maps app.
The new Reminders app—iOS 13 brings with it a complete overhaul of Reminders. This guide walks you through 10 major changes.
Activity Trends—Apple Watch fans will love the new Activity Trends in the Health app. Quickly see if you’re making progress or not.
App Store changes—The App Store is getting a visual refresh and reorganization in iOS 13. Here’s what you need to know.
New Augmented Reality (AR) features—Developers will have access to new features when they make AR apps.
iOS 13 privacy protection—All the new ways Apple is helping to protect your privacy.
How iOS 13 is faster than iOS 12—iOS 12 was the fastest iOS yet…until iOS 13!
Optimized Battery Charging explained—There’s a new feature in iOS 13 that helps your battery hold its charge better over time. This is how it works.
Everything new with the keyboard—QuickPath, language detection, floating iPad keyboard, and more.
Siri support for third-party media apps—You’ll be able to use Siri to control apps like Audible, Pandora, and Spotify (those apps will need to update to add support).
Tips and How-tos
Customize your iMessage profile—You can now set an image and name for others to see in iMessage, and even use your Memoji or an Animoji as your photo.
QuickPath swipe keyboard—You can now swipe to type! Here’s how it works.
Dark Mode—Here’s how to turn on Dark Mode on your iPhone or iPad.
Maps Favorites and Collections—You can group up locations to share with others or access more quickly.
Pair your PS4 controller—You can use your PS4 controller with your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.
Pair your Xbox One controller—You can use your Xbox One controller, too!
New gestures for undo, cut, copy, paste—Manipulating text gets a little easier.
Look Around in Maps—Apple finally gets its own Street View feature, and it’s pretty good.
Automatically close Safari tabs—You can set Safari to close tabs that are older than one day, one week, or one month.
Quickly connect Bluetooth devices—You can connect to paired Bluetooth devices from the Control Center.
Quickly join Wi-Fi networks—Join Wi-Fi networks right from Control Center.
How to use Sidecar—Turn your iPad into a wireless secondary display for your Mac.
Silence Unknown Callers—A great new feature to help cut down on all those spam calls.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor
I have written about technology for my entire professional life - over 25 years. I enjoy learning about how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.