iOS 13 Review: Every Feature You Need to Know

On Monday, at WWDC 2019, Apple previewed its new software version, iOS 13. With Dark Mode, it brings a dramatic new look to your iPhone and offers you novel ways for browsing and editing photos, for signing into apps & sites, and for navigating the world using a brand-new map. This update promises you faster speed and greater responsiveness as it features optimizations across the system for improving application launch, cutting down on sizes of app downloads and making the Face ID option even faster.

In the keynote, describing iOS 13’s features and capabilities, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, said:  “iOS 13 brings new capabilities to the apps you use every day, with rich updates to Photos and Maps, and privacy-protecting features like Sign In with Apple, all while delivering faster performance,” “We’re excited for customers to experience what’s coming to iPhone this fall and can’t wait for them to see how great everything looks in Dark Mode.”

Let’s now put these features in the spotlight as we explore the improvements and changes iOS 13 brings to your iPhone.

iOS 13: Key Features

• Due to improvements to the way apps are architected, the new operating system version will come with up to 2x faster app load time
• iOS 13 offers a new Dark Mode, which lets you save battery life when you make your photos, messages, etc. pop
• It comes with a Quick Path keyboard feature that allows you to enjoy swipe typing
• There is a new “Sign in With Apple” option that enables you to sign into applications smoothly without the need to put your privacy at risk of intrusion.
• In the update, Siri will sound less like a robot because of a major improvement made to its text-to-speech capability
• Reminders are getting more intelligent since they now have the ability to recognize dates and times, automatically
• The rejiggered Maps application now provides you with a lot more detail as well as new features, such as Collections
• The Photos app will come with new browsing features for getting rid of clutter, like Month and Year views highlighting your best pictures
• Memoji will offer more personalized and customizable options, in addition to makeup and accessory features
• In the new iOS 13, you can finally be allowed to select a Wi-Fi network in Control Center

iOS 13: Beta Version

For users that are daring enough to participate in testing unfinished versions of the new iOS update, the company released beta versions available of the OS to developers on Monday, June 3, and this program requires a Developer Account that goes for $99. Apple will release iOS 13 public beta version in July. You can get it here.

Faster Performance

The device maker states that it has made faster performance a priority once again. For instance, when you unlock your iPhone via Face ID, you will notice it is 30 per cent faster. Also, app downloads are made faster, and Apple ensured that apps have 50 per cent smaller sizes. Also, updates are smaller in sizes by 60 per cent, resulting in launch speeds for apps that are 2x faster.

Dark Mode

With Dark Mode in iOS 13, you can enjoy more immersive content with your home screen featured in a dark background, along with all kinds of applications, including photos and messages. The idea behind Dark Mode is to have your content pop more, but Apple did not reveal any information on potential battery life savings on those iPhones that sport OLED screens.

Dark Mode — the maker explains — can be scheduled to be automatically switched on at sunset (this is quite a neat option). Apple is providing the functionality for developers so that they can try to give their applications a Dark Mode make-over.

Swipe-Enabled QuickPath Keyboard

We have little news for you about this feature. The option allows you to swipe to type with the stock keyboard that comes with iOS 13. This functionality has been present in Android smartphones for years. Do note that the trace typing is put on by default, and you will not be able to turn it off. Despite this downside, it is cool to know you can type more easily using just one hand on bigger mobile devices phones, such as the iPhone XR as well as iPhone XS Max.

Sign in with Apple Privacy Feature

Apple is enhancing protections to make your privacy stronger. In one of such changes, apps can only request your location once. Also, you will be able to get background tracking alerts. Furthermore, the manufacturer wants to lock down side doors, which are using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

The most remarkable of these privacy changes in iOS 13, however, has to do with a new sign-in option for bypassing Google and Facebook. This feature is known as “Sign in with Apple,” and it is a simple API that lets you log in without having any personal information revealed. If an application asks for your name and email address, Apple will allow you to create an anonymous random email address, which forwards messages to your real email address. And there can be a random email address for each application. This makes it easier for you to get rid of those apps that you do not want troubling your inbox.

“Sign in with Apple” also works well on devices that have Touch ID and Face ID, so you needn’t get a newer iPhone or iPad.

Rebuilt Map App

According to the company, it has driven more than 4 million miles while trying to redesign its Maps app from scratch. The overhaul includes more extensive road coverage, more accurate pedestrian data, more detailed landcover, and more precise addresses. It will be completed by the end of this year in America and introduced in other countries next year.

Maps also comes with a new binoculars button that is equipped with a look-around window, giving you a three-dimensional view of your surroundings and making it easier for you to explore. Turning your device to landscape mode will enable you to zoom down the street. In doing so, you can also tap on labels if you want to learn more about landmarks and businesses nearby.

Another feature of Maps is Collections, where you can group things you find interesting in those cities you live in or visit most. There is a Favorites feature for storing the places you visit often, allowing you to call up directions with just a tap.

A More Intelligent Siri

Siri shortcuts are becoming smarter with suggested routines. The virtual assistant will also sound more natural with an improvement made to its neural TTS (text to speech). The company showed off a quick demo, and Siri’s voice sounded a lot more like that of a human.

Other Features to Note

• Revamped Reminders feature
• HomeKit
• More personalized and customizable Messages and Memoji stickers
• New improvements in Photos and Videos editing
• Enhanced Airpods capabilities
• Revamped CarPlay interface
• A better Activity app

iOS 13: Release Date & Availability

For the major part of iOS 7-year history, Apple has released the official finished build of its key software updates to the public midway through September in the same year it made the World Developer Conference announcement. In this arrangement, Sept. 13 (iOS 10 in 2016) was the earliest it has hit the markets, and Sept. 19 (iOS 6 in 2012 & iOS 11 in 2017) was the latest. We will get more information on the exact date of the software release at the same time the manufacturer will launch every one of the new iPhones that it has been working on, to be made public in fall.

iOS 13, Apple confirms, will power the iPhone 6s and later models (with the iPhone SE inclusive). Those iPhone models released in 2015 and before that, such as the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus as well as iPhone 5s, are not compatible with the new software upgrade.