After seven (yes seven!) beta releases, iOS 10.3 is ready for the masses. But before you install it, be sure to back up your device—and we really mean it this time, because iOS 10.3 comes with an all-new file system under the hood, as well as some cool new features. Here are a few of the most note-worthy upgrades.
Find My AirPods
The AirPods are truly wireless, meaning there are no wires to get tangled up in, but also no wires to keep these earbuds from getting lost. Thankfully, Apple addressed this situation by integrating a Find My AirPods feature into the Find My iPhone app.
After pairing your AirPods, the Find My iPhone app will automatically keep track of your precious earbuds, so you’ll never have to go rummaging through couch cushions on a mad AirPod hunt again.
New Podcast widget
In the iOS 10.3 update, you will be able to add a Podcast widget to Control Center, allowing you to quickly continue to listen to your favorite podast or launch the next one on your list. This widget looks very similar to the Music widget, but instead of your recently played albums, you will get to see the cover art of the podcasts you’re subscribed up.
To add the Podcast widget, swipe right from the Home screen, swipe all the way down past all your existing widgets, and tap “Edit.” On that screen, find the Podcast widget and tap the green “+” sign. This screen also lets you rearrange the layout of your widgets.
Apple ID profile in Settings
After you install iOS 10.3, the first thing you will see in Settings is a new section with your name and photo. This new section houses all your most vital information that’s linked to your iOS device, including your Apple ID, your iCloud and iTunes info, and your App Store settings.
In this section, you can update your payment information, check your iCloud storage, set up Family Sharing, and see a list of all the Apple devices that are registered to your Apple ID—including Macs, iPads, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches.
Write a review in-app
iOS 10.3 also gives developers the option to ask users to write a review without leaving the app. This way, users will be encouraged to leave more reviews and ratings without having to switch to the App Store.
In addition, app developers will also be able to respond to these reviews and everyone will be able to read the response, making the app review process more of a forum.
Faster-changing app icons
Before iOS 10.3, developers had to push out a new version of their app if they wanted to introduce a new app icon. But in iOS 10.3, app icons can be changed more frequently, at the developers’ discretion.
Hourly Weather forecast in Maps
You’re now able to get more details about upcoming weather in the Maps app. Simply use Touch ID on the weather icon to the right of the screen to see what the weather is going to be like in that particular location in the next six-hour period.
Apple Updates to CarPlay
This update also gives CarPlay improved app-switching capabilities. Now you can quickly switch between your media, messaging, and travel apps without having to go to the Home screen first.
In addition, the Music app has added an Up Next screen so you can see all the music that’s in your queue. Plus, you can access album view from the song screen.
Switch to Apple File System
One of the most significant changes in iOS 10.3 is also perhaps one of the least noticeable. Apple has made a switch in the iOS file system, going from outdated HFS+ system to the new Apple File System (APFS). Using APFS may result in free storage space on your device.