Introduced on June 5, 2017 at the annual WDC, iOS 11 is Apple’s next-generation version of iOS. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said the update is the best and most advanced operating system to date.

iOS 11 brings some subtle design changes to the interface elements throughout the operating system. Text is bolder, some of the basic apps have had a new look, and the Lock screen and Control Centre have been entirely redesigned.

iOS 11 Features: Whats new?

Messages
Apple iOS 11 puts a bigger focus on apps and stickers, featuring a redesigned app picker, but the best update is iCloud syncing meaning messages will sync when you set up a new phone, and if you delete on one device it’ll disappear everywhere.

Apple Pay
iOS 11 will allow you to use Apple Pay to pay other people directly using a new app that sits in iMessage. Transferred money will go into a new Apple ‘Cash Card’.

Siri has a new voice
Apple has updated Siri voice search to be a lot more lifelike. One of the coolest features lets Siri translate your voice and speak out the response, which is great for the serial traveller. There is also deeper app integration and ‘on-device’ learning.

Control Centre
The redesigned Control Centre now has a huge focus on 3D Touch interactions for things like controlling your music and accessing shortcuts. Notifications will now appear within the control center making access easier.

Camera and photos
Apple is doing some interesting things with the way it deals with photos in iOS 11. It moves to HEVC for video capture – the same standard Netflix uses for its 4K broadcasts – and this should help videos take up much less space on your device. Photos can now take advantage of HDR and OIS which should hopefully mean better exposure and colours in your shots and better photos in low light conditions.

Maps
Line guidance is coming to navigation and indoor maps for a certain number of airports is also in the works. A new ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode that understands when you’re driving and will block incoming distractions is also baked into iOS 11. Will it take over from the better navigation apps out there like Google or Waze? I doubt it for now!

Apple Music
Apple Music now features some social aspects and you can share your music with other users right from the app. You’ll also be able to see what your mates are listening with a new tile on the homepage.

Anything for publishers I hear you ask?
Well the answer is yes, just! If you’ve ever used Apple Music, you’ll feel at home with the new App Store design in iOS 11. It has a similar UI, with big art, bolded text and more defined categories. The Today tab is a daily destination with original stories from Apple’s editors around the world, featuring exclusive premieres, new releases, a fresh look at our all-time favourites, an App of the Day, a Game of the Day, and more. Stories share Apple’s unique perspective on apps and games and how they impact our lives, using artwork, videos, and developer quotes to bring your apps to life.

A deeper product page experience
Product pages now offer more opportunities to showcase your apps with additional app previews, localisation, and new text fields. Show more of your user experience with up to three app previews that autoplay, so customers can quickly see how your app works . You can also localise all your app previews and screenshots.

The new subtitle field allows you to convey your app’s essence and unique qualities in a few words, and promotional text lets you share the latest news about your app, such as timely marketing messages, limited-time events, and announcements of new content.

Promoting in-app purchases
Now customers can browse in-app purchases directly on the App Store and start a purchase even before downloading your app, helping your app’s content gain exposure. You can promote up to 20 in-app purchases, including subscriptions, on your app's product page. They can also appear in search results and may be featured by apples editorial team.

Enhanced search
Expanded results and new user interface make your content more discoverable and help customers easily find the content they're looking for. Search results now include developers, in-app purchases, categories, editorial stories, tips and tricks, and collections.

If you have any questions regarding the iOS update or the new features within the app store, please contact your Client Services Manager.