Is iOS 10 worth the update?

Drew Patchell

8 years ago

From fun to functional, these new iPhone and iPad features are now available through Apple’s iOS 10.

iOS 10 launched early this week to coincide with the release of the iPhone 7. As with previous iOS updates, it is free for all users with compatible devices. Read on to see some of the great new features you’ll be able to access once you install the update.

Payments

Apple Pay allows you to add your credit, debit or store cards and use Apple Pay with Touch ID to make purchases easily and securely, right from your iPhone.

Accessibility

Apple leads the way when it comes to ease of access and accessibility on smart devices, and iOS 10 is no exception.

The new Magnifier feature, allows you to use your device’s camera to magnify printed text. It’s perfect for reading small text, such as the fine print on medicines.

Colour-blind users will be able to optimise their device’s displays to match their vision.

People with dyslexia will have access to improvements that will make it easier to catch typing mistakes.

Messaging

There are plenty of fun new features for iMessage.

Write on your screen using your finger and you’ll be able to send it to your friends as an animation that shows you writing the message.

Certain messages, such as “Happy Birthday!” or “Congratulations” will activate animations that fill your screen with, for example, birthday balloons.

Invisible ink messages allow you to write a message or send a photo that will be hidden until your recipient swipes over it.

Stickers are now available, which will enable you to send fun pictures within your messages – sort of like emojis but bigger, better and with more variety.

Extras

Siri is now available for any app, so the very long list of what she can do for you is now even longer.

‘Slide to Unlock’ is no more. With iOS 10, you’ll have to press the home button to unlock your device. This is expected to stop accidental ‘pocket dialling’.

Search through your personal photos by simply typing what you’re looking for, such as ‘beach’ or ‘dog’.

Apple Maps has plenty of new features including the ability to make restaurant bookings or to look for petrol stations or food options that won’t take you too far off your path.

Compatibility
iOS 10 will be available for the following devices:

iPhone 6s

iPhone 6s Plus

iPhone 6

iPhone 6 Plus

iPhone SE

iPhone 5s

iPhone 5c

iPhone 5

iPad Pro (12.9-inch)

iPad Pro (9.7-inch)

iPad Air 2

iPad Air

iPad (4th generation)

iPad mini 4

iPad mini 3

iPad mini 2

iPod touch (6th generation)