UPDATED 02:15 EDT / OCTOBER 06 2016

NEWS

iOS 10 overtakes iOS 9 installs: Here are the features you’re missing out on

Apple Inc.’s latest operating system for iPhone and iPad users has been available to the public for the last few weeks. Since rolling out publicly on Sep. 13, iOS 10 downloads recently passed the 50 percent mark in the U.S. and according to Mixpanel the global adoption rate is sitting at 48 percent.

If you are still on iOS 9 and are debating whether the upgrade to iOS 10 is worth it, here are just a handful of the new features that will make you want to download the new operating system.

Siri-enabled apps: Uber, Skype, Cisco Spark, more

Thanks to the introduction of SiriKit at WWDC, developers can integrate the intelligence of Siri directly  into their apps. With iOS 10 installed, you can use Siri to book an Uber or Lyft ride, send a WhatsApp message, make Square Cash payments, and find photos on Pinterest.  

Microsoft Corp. also recently updated its Skype app to allow Siri to make calls for you, integrate Skype contacts and the ability to enjoy a regular call experience thanks to CallKit.

For enterprise users, iOS 10 also brings Siri integration to the Cisco Spark app and Vonage Essentials product.

Give Siri access to third-party apps

When you install a Siri-enabled app on your device you will need to enable them to work with Siri. To do this, go to the Settings app > Siri > App Support. Go through the list and toggle the apps that you want to use Siri with.

New feature-rich Lock screen

iOS 10 lock screen

The Lock screen in iOS 10 brings a host of new features, including widgets, and Lock screen notifications. The widget feature in iOS 10 allows you to customize the widgets you will use the most, including the ability to see upcoming appointments, recent notes, the ability to control your music, and more. Read our article to learn how to enable and disable widgets, as well as how to completely remove them from your Lock screen.  

Good night’s sleep with Bedtime Clock

iOS 10 includes a new Bedtime button in the Clock app. The Bedtime Clock allows you to set the time you want to wake up, on which days, and the amount of sleep you want to get each night. Based on the reminder that you set, a silent notification will alert you when it is time to go to sleep to ensure you get your allocated amount of sleep. Follow the steps in our article to set up your Bedtime Clock and get a good night’s sleep.

Real-time collaboration

iOS 10 brings real-time collaboration to Apple’s Notes app, allowing you to invite any of your contacts to collaborate on a specific note.

In the Notes app, open the note that you want to collaborate on, or start a new note. Tap the Add People icon > select a contact and send the invite. You can send the invite to more people by simply tapping the “Add People icon. You will also see a list here of the people you have already invited.

iOS 10 bug: Missing “Add People” icon

Like any new operating system, iOS 10 has some bugs, one of which is the “Add People” icon not appearing in the Notes app for collaboration. If this is the case for you make sure you have iCloud enabled and the Notes app has access to it.

If that doesn’t work, make sure you backup your existing notes to your iCloud account and follow these steps:

  1. Delete the Notes app.
  2. Restart your iPhone.
  3. Download the Notes app from the App Store.
  4. Set up the Notes app and grant it access to iCloud.
  5. In the Notes app, tap the Upgrade button.
  6. Restart your iPhone again. The “Add People” icon should now appear when you access the Notes app.

Real-time collaboration on iWork apps

With the launch of macOS Sierra, Apple also introduced real-time collaboration on iWork apps for Mac, iPhone and iPad users.

Message features: full-screen animations, quick reactions, more

The Messages app in iOS 10 got a full variety of new features, including the ability to send full-screen animations when celebrating a special occasion, animated message bubbles with invisible ink, a Tapback feature that provides you with quick reactions to messages, and more. Read our article to ensure you get the most out of the new features in the Messages app.

Delete built-in apps

Like any operating system, iOS comes with its fair share of built-in apps, including Calculator, Reminders, iCloud Drive, Mail, Maps and more. Previously there was no way to remove these apps if you didn’t use them, and had to be happy with them sitting in an unused folder.

With the introduction of iOS 10, Apple has made it possible to remove certain built-in apps.  

Improved Maps app

iOS 10 - book table

Apple opened up its Maps app to developers, which means that integration of various third-part apps, including the ability to make a restaurant reservation with OpenTable or book an Uber or Lyft ride, without leaving the Maps app.

The Maps app in iOS 10 also becomes more intuitive with the ability to provide you directions to your next location based on your routine or appointments in your calendar. The app will also search for gas stations, coffee shops, etc along your route and let you know what the time impact on your overall trip will be if you stop at one of these places.

If you have Apple CarPlay, Maps will also give you turn-by-turn directions, read out on your car’s instruments.

Images via Apple

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