Described as the “Biggest Software Release Ever for iPad and New AR Experiences Among Hundreds of Updates,” Apple’s iOS 11 will be released this fall and is considered a major update to the world’s most advanced mobile operating system.
The new fall release is iPad’s biggest software release ever. IPad’s multitasking abilities have increased with a customizable dock facilitating easy accessibility to apps and documents. An app switcher allows you to switch between pairs of active apps. Another useful iPad feature is the new Files app, an app that centralizes files:
“Whether files are stored locally, in iCloud Drive or across other providers like Box, Dropbox and more, and with Drag and Drop available across the system, moving images and text is easier than ever.”
Apple Pencil supports inline drawing and an Instant Notes feature.
ARKit is a new developer platform using built-in camera, powerful processors and motion sensors in iOS devices to bring high-quality AR (augmented reality) experiences to Apple consumers with
“virtual content on top of real-world scenes for interactive gaming, immersive shopping experiences, industrial design and more.”
Siri, the “most popular personal assistant in the world” has become more natural and expressive, and thought provoking primarily because of advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
In iOS 11, a number of camera features have been introduced as well. In portrait mode, optical image stabilization, True Tone flash and HDR are implemented. Other outstanding camera features include new Loop and Bounce effects that create continuous video loops, Long Exposure which can capture time and movement, Memory movies that are optimized to play in both portrait and landscape orientation, and a new technology called High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) that reduces the file size of every photo taken.
With Apple Pay you can pay or receive payments from friends and family using messages and with Siri, can pay someone using the credit and debit cards stored in Wallet. Do not disturb while driving is safety feature included with iPhone which can “detect when you may be driving and automatically silence notifications to keep the screen dark” with option of informing other phone users of your current inability to talk on the phone at the moment.
Other significant changes and/or advancements include App Store redesigned, App Store for iMessage redesigned app drawer, Control Center with more customization, Apple Maps with indoor maps, Home supports with more categories of accessories, AirPlay 2 with multi-room audio, Apple Music offers more ways to discover music, Improved Apple News and A one-handed keyboard mode on iPhone.
A number of developer iOS kits and tools were elaborated on as well. Including Core ML, HomeKit, SiriKit and MusicKit.
