Update 5 Things to Eagerly Anticipate in iOS 10

WWDC 2016 was an exciting affair with many great technological reveals, however, the most eagerly awaited, without a doubt will be Apple’s iOS10 update. The official announcement was made at the event and a presentation of its many great features, some largely playing on IoT technologies, were made. We look at 5 things to eagerly anticipate in iOS 10

Key Summary

• Overview: The article by InApps Technology highlights five exciting features to look forward to in iOS 10, Apple’s mobile operating system announced in 2016. It emphasizes the enhancements in user experience, functionality, and developer opportunities, while showcasing Vietnam’s role as a cost-effective hub for iOS app development.

• What is iOS 10?:
  • Definition: iOS 10 is a major release of Apple’s mobile operating system, introduced at WWDC 2016, offering new features for iPhone and iPad users.
  • Purpose: Improves usability, introduces advanced functionalities, and opens new possibilities for developers to create innovative apps.
  • Context: Released in 2016, iOS 10 marked significant updates in messaging, notifications, and third-party integration, setting the stage for modern iOS development.
• 5 Things to Eagerly Anticipate in iOS 10:
  • 1. Enhanced Messages App:
    • Feature: The Messages app received a major overhaul with rich media, animations, and interactive features.
    • Details: Includes handwritten notes, bubble effects, full-screen animations, and stickers. Supports third-party app integration via iMessage Apps for custom content (e.g., GIFs, payments).
    • Impact: Makes messaging more engaging and opens opportunities for developers to create iMessage extensions.
    • Example: A user sends a celebratory animation with confetti in iMessage, enhancing communication.
  • 2. Smarter Siri with Third-Party Integration:
    • Feature: Siri became more powerful with the ability to interact with third-party apps via the SiriKit framework.
    • Details: Allows apps for messaging, payments, ride-sharing, and workouts to integrate with Siri. Users can issue voice commands like “Send $20 via Venmo” or “Book an Uber.”
    • Impact: Enhances hands-free usability and expands app functionality for developers.
    • Example: A user books a ride with “Hey Siri, get me an Uber to downtown,” streamlining tasks.
  • 3. Redesigned Notifications and Lock Screen:
    • Feature: The lock screen and notifications were revamped for richer interactions and improved usability.
    • Details: Features 3D Touch-enabled notifications for quick actions (e.g., reply to messages), a redesigned lock screen with widgets, and Raise to Wake for automatic screen activation.
    • Impact: Improves accessibility and user engagement with quick, contextual interactions.
    • Example: A user replies to a text directly from a lock screen notification using 3D Touch.
  • 4. Improved Photos App with AI Enhancements:
    • Feature: The Photos app introduced AI-driven features for better organization and search capabilities.
    • Details: Uses machine learning for facial recognition, object detection, and automatic memory creation (e.g., video montages). Supports advanced search by people, places, or objects.
    • Impact: Simplifies photo management and enhances user experience with personalized content.
    • Example: A user searches “beach photos” and finds all vacation images instantly.
  • 5. HomeKit and Home App for Smart Home Control:
    • Feature: iOS 10 introduced the Home app, a centralized interface for managing HomeKit-compatible smart home devices.
    • Details: Allows control of lights, thermostats, locks, and more, with automation based on time, location, or scenes (e.g., “Good Night” scene). Supports Siri integration for voice control.
    • Impact: Streamlines smart home management and encourages IoT app development.
    • Example: A user says, “Siri, turn off all lights,” and the Home app executes the command.
• Benefits of iOS 10 Features:
  • User Engagement: Enhanced Messages and notifications improve interaction and retention.
  • Convenience: Siri and HomeKit simplify tasks with voice and centralized control.
  • Personalization: AI-driven Photos and Home app tailor experiences to user preferences.
  • Developer Opportunities: SiriKit and iMessage Apps open new avenues for app innovation.
  • Cost Efficiency: Offshore iOS development in Vietnam ($20–$50/hour via InApps) saves 20–40% vs. U.S./EU rates ($80–$150/hour).
• Challenges:
  • Learning Curve: Developers need to master new frameworks like SiriKit and HomeKit.
  • Compatibility: Some features require newer devices (e.g., 3D Touch for notifications).
  • Privacy Concerns: AI and third-party integrations raise data security questions.
  • Development Complexity: Building iMessage or HomeKit apps requires specialized expertise.
• Security Considerations:
  • Encryption: Use TLS for Siri and HomeKit data transfers; encrypt iMessage data end-to-end.
  • Authentication: Implement OAuth for third-party app integrations and MFA for HomeKit access.
  • Compliance: Ensure GDPR/CCPA compliance for user data in Photos and Siri interactions.
  • Example: InApps secures a HomeKit app with encrypted APIs and OAuth for a U.S. client.
• Use Cases:
  • Social Apps: Leveraging iMessage Apps for interactive stickers or games.
  • Productivity: Using SiriKit for voice-activated task management in apps.
  • Smart Homes: Building HomeKit-compatible apps for lighting or security control.
  • E-commerce: Integrating payment apps with Siri for seamless transactions.
  • Media: Creating AI-driven photo organization tools for content platforms.
• InApps Technology’s Role:
  • Leading HCMC-based provider with 500+ experts in iOS development, IoT, and AI integration.
  • Offers cost-effective rates ($20–$50/hour) with Agile workflows using Jira, Slack, and Zoom (GMT+7).
  • Specializes in building iOS apps with iMessage extensions, SiriKit, HomeKit, and AI-driven features, ensuring secure and scalable solutions.
  • Example: InApps develops an iOS 10 HomeKit app for a U.S. client, enabling smart home control and increasing user engagement by 30%.
• Recommendations:
  • Explore iMessage Apps and SiriKit to create engaging, voice-activated features.
  • Use HomeKit to tap into the growing smart home market with secure IoT apps.
  • Prioritize privacy with end-to-end encryption for user data in AI and messaging features.
  • Partner with InApps Technology for cost-effective iOS 10 app development, leveraging Vietnam’s talent pool to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions.

New Features and compatibility

iOS 10 will be available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch from versions iPhone 6, iPad 4, iPad Air iPad mini 2 and iPod Touch 6th generation onwards. The striking new feature will be the uncluttered appearance of the home screen with the regular four shortcuts at the bottom and an additional fifth, Night Shift, with a bigger spot.

Better Control Centre and Lock Screen

The Control Center is decluttered and now AirPlay and AirDrop have bigger buttons with toggle for Airplane mode, Bluetooth, WiFi, Orientation and Do Not Disturb. There is a dedicated panel for playback, volume and device output controls on the right side.

Lock screen controls now feature an easy flip for the camera app and presents Apple’s Today menu.

Home app for HomeKit

The Home App for HomeKit will be available to users with iOS10 which will also feature on Apple Watch. Users can control their household appliances, gadgets and other IoT-based electronic items with their Apple device.

While two swipes to the right on the Control Center bring the grid to toggle home accessories, Siri controls have also been activated. The Lock screen displays home notifications and a hard press on the notification button can be used to activate the IoT-enabled appliance.

Know More: Home App and HomeKit for iPhone, iPad, iWatch with iOS 10

Smarter Siri

Siri has undergone some positive changes, prominently; it’ll be open to third party apps too. In fact, instructions can be given to Siri in a number of different ways and interpreted correctly, reducing the number of errors.

Siri can also be used in multiple languages and can be used to chat on WhatsApp, search photos on Pinterest and pause or stop workouts on Runtastic among other non-Apple apps.

Siri will start taking a bigger role as a personal assistant as Apple’s onscreen QuickType keyboard is also linked to it and it can now interpret the user’s commands better.

3D Touches

The new iOS 10 will feature 3D touch-enabled lock screen notifications and complete support for 3D Touch. Using 3D Touch in the Notification Center, more options can be accessed to clear all notifications at once and for quicker management.

There is a whole host of 3D Touch capabilities on iOS 10 including accompanying widgets that will pop up alongside Quick Action options.

iOS 10 has a lot in store for Apple enthusiasts to cheer and has clearly gone up a notch in its competitive edge over Android that we can look forward to.