iOS 13

If there’s a place to start with a first post, it’s this. iOS 13, Apple’s latest update.

Apple released it’s latest ‘end of year‘ update on September 19th 2019, 6pm UK time. In anticipation for it’s release, as everyone is downloading the latest update, there will always be a delay in the process. Tip: wait until around 7pm/8pm to update your device so it doesn’t take 2 hours.

So, what does the new iOS entail? Well, the first (and probably obvious) thing, Dark Mode. Yes, you’ve heard it right, Apple have finally added the ‘dark mode’ effect for those tired eyes, and if you like things not shining in your face 24/7. The biggest feature of the newest update. The theme itself is true black, white writing which can also help with your eyes if you’re lying in bed at night and don’t wish to become blind by your iPhone.

To enable Dark Mode, simply go to the control center, tap and hold on the brightness and switch Dark Mode on. Tip: You can also customise how often you use dark mode to only appear once the sun has set, which is handy if you only prefer using this at night.

The New Photos Tab

This is something that you’ll distinctly notice within the update, the new tab on your photos. The tab will make it a lot easier for you when browsing your photos, making it a lot more organised and in place. You can organise the photos by date, month, year and days.

Once you’ve updated to iOS 13 and click onto your photos, you’ll see the ‘Photos’ tab at the bottom, where you’ll be able to keep your photos in check and organised.

Photo and Video Editor

Now, when you go to the ‘Edit’ menu while viewing a photo or video, there’s a new editor. This redesigned feature is more straightforward, easier and simple. You’ll have a range of new tools that you can use, sliding to make any changes.

iOS 13 also adds new elements such as adjusting the vibrance, white balance, sharpen, definition, noise reduction and Vignette. Apple also allows phone owners to set the intensity of filters.

In the video editor, you can simply change the aspect ratio, crop or rotate. The editor will also have it’s own adjustment tools to make that video just how you’d like it.

Download Files on Safari

Apple has finally caught up and instead of using Chrome or Firefox, you can now download files straight from your Safari. When you come across a download, a pop up will appear and there you go. To view any downloads, simply go to your iCloud Drive.

Tighter Location and Bluetooth Controls

Some apps have been using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi data as a workaround for tracking your iPhone’s location. In iOS 13 you can now disable Bluetooth access for apps that you don’t trust. Although some apps require the Bluetooth access to connect to any offset devices.

One thing that has also been revamped is the ‘Location Services’ feature. An app can now no longer get access to constant background location tracking instantly after it’s installed. When you first see the pop up, you’ll notice that the ‘Always Allow’ button won’t be available.

Memoji Stickers

With the latest update, Apple has also created some stickers for your Memoji. Each one you’ve created, you can add an emoji with it. To find this to add to a text, just tap on your emoji button and it’ll simply appear. There you can decide what sticker you would prefer to use.

A Place For A Better Maps

Within the update, the Maps app has also had a touch to it. Thanks to Apple’s new mapping project, the maps data in popular western cities has been very much improved.

The Maps app also has a favourites section where you can highlight a place for quick access. You can also use the Collections feature to create a collection of places that you want to visit.

Remind Me

The Reminders app has also had quite the update, the redesign is pure and precious, as you’re now greeted by a dashboard with smart lists at the top. Here you can create multiple grouped lists, which can each contain tasks and subtasks with attachments.

Audio Sharing

With this new feature, you can connect more than one set of AirPods to one device. So if you and a friend want to pair them to your iPhone, you can now do this! If you both have the latest iPhone, you can just put your friend’s handset over yours to get a popup for sharing audio.

Silence the Unknown!

One of the best features to come out of this update is that you can now silence unknown callers! Yes, you read that right! Once activated, this feature will automatically silence calls from any unknown numbers or numbers that aren’t in your contact list. This can be a start to getting rid of those unwanted robot or spam calls to your iPhone!

New Text Editing

iOS 13 takes text manipulation to a much simpler level! The first change that you’ll notice is you can now tap and hold on the cursor to pick it up and move it around

Another change that’s very handy for when you’re texting at night, you can now swipe your thumb across the keyboard to create words! You can also swipe on a block of text to instantly select it!

Silence!

Another noticeable yet neat feature is the new HUD display for putting your iPhone on silent and adjusting the volume. Instead of this taking up half of the screen and waiting for it to disappear, it’ll now only appear at the top and/or side of your screen, completely wiping out the wait, especially if your mid-video on YouTube.

Smarter Battery

With this feature, simply go on to your settings > Battery > Battery Health, you’ll notice a new toggle called ‘Optimized Battery Charging’. This feature is designed to reduce battery aging.

For more information on the latest iOS update, visit Apple