Apple has promised that its users won’t have to wait too long until the unveiling of the iOS 13. But even before official specs are available, there is already plenty of information that got leaked. That gives iOS users some insights into what to expect from this update. As it turns out, this is a significant update as there are lots of improvements and new features coming!
Are you excited to see what this new software update will bring? If you are too impatient to wait for the official announcement from Apple, here are a few information that news sources report ahead of the release.
Dark Mode
The Dark Mode feature is one of the features and updates that were leaked ahead of the iOS 13 official launch. This update is long overdue, according to many Apple users. Mac users enjoyed this feature first during the Mojave update in 2018. Since then, mobile users were keen to know when the functionality will become available to their iOS phones. It seems that this request has finally been granted as Dark Mode will become available on the Apple smartphones.
The initial leaked reports claim that the Dark Mode will be accessible via the Control Center menu. Once this mode is turned on, it will automatically change the themes on your entire system. It will give priority to black and grey schemes, and that will reduce the power consumption on OLED display devices (like iPhone XS).
New iOS 13 Wallpaper
Another information that got revealed in the leaked iOS 13 update is the new wallpaper. That is nothing new as there is always a new wallpaper with past iOS updates. This year is no different. While there are no credible leaks yet as far as what type of wallpaper users can expect, many are speculating that it is a chance to showcase the Dark Mode.
Screen Redesign
Another major update that users can expect for iOS 13 is the redesigned home screen. Since 2007, the iOS has always featured a tiled display. Some reports claim this home screen redesign was planned to be part of the iOS 12 update but got pushed back. This particular update, while long overdue, can be maximized using the iPad screen.
The concept behind the redesign is “glanceable information.” It, therefore, suggests that iOS developers are hoping to make information more accessible to the iPhone and iPad users. That is a welcome change from the iOS app grid that is starting to become stale, as most users would claim.
Improved Bedtime Features
Having access to your smartphone is essential so you can keep up with daily life. But when it is time to head to bed and relax, mobile phones can cause stress and deprive you of quality rest. iOS developers understand this challenge, and it seems that they want to incorporate this as part of the improvements to the new update.
The current version of the iOS offers basic sleep tracking (via the Bedtime feature on the Clock app). But it is most likely that the developers will expand on this feature in the iOS 13 update.
According to recent updates, it will have the capacity to modify device functionality once this feature is turned on. When you switch on Sleep Mode on iOS 13, it will trigger Do Not Disturb. This function will consequently turn off all notifications on your smartphone and will dim the lock screen. This feature will limit the number of distractions for you while you go to sleep at night, and also prevent sleep disruption.
Native Swipe Keyboard
Speaking of significant updates, this is one of the things that iOS users will be excited about in the new operating system. The iOS 13 update is reportedly going to introduce a native swipe keyboard that is similar to the SwiftKey app (in iPhones).
To type, you have to slide your finger across the keyboard. There is no need to lift your finger as you type out words. That is a perk that will make iOS users who are typing on large screens happy.
New iMessage Features
The iMessage features are also likely to obtain upgrades with the coming of iOS 13. The improvements take cues from the other cross-platform messaging apps such as GroupMe and WhatsApp. One of the essential updates you can expect is that you can add a display name and profile picture.
According to leaked reports, you will also be able to control who sees this information. You will be able to set limits on whether individual contacts (such as a friend of a friend) can see them and restrict them for strangers.
Another interesting information about the iMessage platform is the ability to drop stickers to conversations. These are animated stickers with GIF-frame type of motion. These stickers will be available even when you share your message on other platforms aside from iMessage.
Health Monitoring is Improved
One of the most exciting iOS 13 leaks details about the minor tweaks on smartphone use for better health monitoring. In particular, it focuses on two areas concerned with the use of the iOS smartphone. The first one is related to the hearing section, wherein users can get improved volume controls when using headphones. This upgrade is supposedly designed to prevent long-term hearing damage.
Another section focuses on period tracking that could integrate functionalities from third-party apps such as Clue and Ovia.
What’s New with Siri
Although not yet confirmed, reports indicate new upgrades to the Siri functionality. The iOS 13 update reportedly will make it easier to communicate with Siri (as compared to the current version). This part is a bit vague, but as one of the most critical components of the iOS system, you can expect some improvement.
The iOS 13 Official Release
According to Apple, the iOS 13’s official reveal to the public is on June 3, 2019, via the developer beta launch. The event will serve as the formal “first look” into the update. This sneak peek will only be the initial release as they intend to do a final version sometime in September. The release will also coincide with the announcement of the new iPhone models this year.
There is, however, a public beta launch on June 25, which allows a few testers to get hands-on experience. The final developer beta launch will be in early September.
Given that there are a ton of new features and lots of new things to expect, fans have a lot to get excited about. iOS 13 is a free software update that will bring more advanced and better functionalities to your iPhones and iPads.