It’s been a busy season for Apple, who have not only launched the highly-anticipated iPhone 7, but also released iOS10. Compatible with the latest device as well as older models, it offers a wealth of great new features. So what do we make of the update?

IOS10 is noticeably different from its predecessors, most apparently in the way it prioritizes convenience. One of the best examples of this is the 3D Touch feature, which has been updated to enable the user to clear all notifications in one go. The notifications pulldown menu now contains the “x” icon, allowing you to tap once to dismiss- much better than manually clearing one by one. We also love the fact that we can now access our notifications and apps without having to leave our lock screen. For notifications, you simply have to swipe right in order to open, and 3D Touch can be used on the lock screen in order to interact with them- for instance, messages from the app itself, Messenger and WhatsApp bring up options to reply, mute or view. For apps, iOS10 suggests your widely-used ones in the bottom left hand corner of the lock screen, so you can simply swipe up on these in order to open. And third-party apps such as Uber who have updated compatibility with iOS10, now offer features such as live updates, which can be viewed straight from the lock screen too. Within the home screen, there’s now also the ability to “peek” at apps using 3D Touch, which is a particular benefit of the weather app for example, when you want to access updates without opening the full version.

Existing apps such as Messages have been jazzed up with additional features. Messages for instance now lets users include emojis which are three times bigger than previously, and these emojis can also replace words, thanks to a more sophisticated keyboard identification system. A fun bubble effect also lets users emphasise emotive messages, while you can also make use of a new “digital ink” feature which appear in a handwritten-type font. There’s also “Invisible Ink”, which allows the sender to send a message or image that can only be viewed once the recipient taps on it. In Messages, the new QuickType keyboard has also come in useful, offering more than just predictive text. Siri Intelligence has been added to offer conversational suggestions based on the nature of the message, or to whom you’re speaking with for example. For instance, a “Where are you?” message, might bring up the suggestion to share your current location, while the technology can also check your calendar if you’re texting to make plans.

Tech-wise, a new useful app that comes with iOS10 is the Home app, which enables users to connect and control their home devices and appliances from their iPhone or iPad. This is only available for those with devices which state, “Works with Apple HomeKit”, which can be bought from the Apple store, although certain gadgets from the likes of Panasonic, Honeywell and Withings are also compatible. Appliances such as lights and thermostats can easily be activated from Siri and the Control Centre- perfect for lazy moments or ensuring peace of mind might you have accidentally left the oven on! If you own or are planning to buy compatible devices, we think it’s definitely worth updating to iOS10 for this feature alone.

In terms of other updates, we particularly love the clever new “Water detection” feature, which alerts users if their iPhone has potentially suffered water damage. The update also provides on-screen instructions about what to do, which is particularly useful in moments of rash panic! There’s also the noticeably pared down Control Centre, which has moved the “Night shift” mode icon above the additional four, and increased the size of the AirPlay and AirDrop buttons- this is especially helpful from a visual standpoint. Finally, going back to iOS10’s ability to declutter, we love the fact that we can now hide those apps we never use. Apps such as Stocks, Compass and more can simply be closed with the “x” icon, helping simplify our display.

Have you updated to iOS10 yet? If so, which of its features do you like or dislike? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please tweet to us @PracticeDigital and share your comments on our Facebook page.