At the last WWDC 2017 held on June 5, Apple unveiled a preview of its mobile operating system, the iOS 11. On the surface, iOS devices owners now just got more bragging rights over their Android devices owners.
The bragging rights is rightfully so, given the killer features that comes to your iPhones and iPad with the new operating system. However, there are some issues with the iOS 11 that still leaves a lot to be desired. Then again, there is always two sides to a story; the pros and the cons.
In this article, we are going to delve into the iOS 11 and weigh the pros versus the cons and see which side carries the day.
The Pros of iOS 11
Augmented Reality: iOS 11 is the first operating system by Apple to bring augmented reality to Apple-devices. Indeed when iOS 11 finally rolls out, with it, will be a new ARKit; a framework that will make it possible for developers to design virtual reality experience on the Apple devices.
Apple Pay: Because Cash is already on the brink of endangered species, Apple wants to wipe it completely off the face of the planet. That is why it has made Apple Pay easier to use on the upcoming iOS 11. Apple Pay has been integrated into Messages allowing you to send and simply receive money as sending/receiving an SMS from your friend. That is to say, you can send/receive Apple Pay money right from the Messages and even use the fingerprint authentication right on the app.
Better, Smarter, Siri: Thanks to Apple’s new integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence on Siri. The Siri that will come with iOS 11 will be more intelligent, and more intuitive than any Siri version you have ever interacted with before on an iDevice. Siri will also have a new translation feature that will enable you to translate spoken words from one language to another; well, with a limitation on the number of supported languages of course!
Improved Camera for better Photos: Apple has already made a brand for its iDevices when it comes to photo capturing abilities. However, with the iOS 11, Apple wants to push that limit to the very best possible on the available hardware. iOS 11 will comes with an enhanced camera fitted with new professional and quality filters. Some of these features include the ability to edit live photos. Perform loops, rewind, and long exposures among others.
Improved Messages experience: As we mentioned earlier, the new Messages in iOS 11 will come with Apple Pay capabilities. In addition to that, your messages will be backed up and synced to the iCloud automatically. That means, when you change from one iDevice to another, you will no longer have to worry about transferring your messages from the old to the new device.
Customized Control Center: We love shortcuts, generally in life and in also our gadgets. Apple has integrated better shortcuts in the iOS 11 to allow you to get to what you want faster. In the current iOS 10, shortcuts are spread across 3 screens, but in iOS 11, everything is in a single screen. In Android, users’ hearts were won by how Google improved the control center. It seems, on this one, Apple is taking some tips off the Google-Android books.
Advanced iPad: iOS 11 just might tilt the balance (on the debate on computer versus tablet for work and play) in favor of your iOS tablet. The new OS brings a lot to the iPad with regards to good work and play experience. It has a new dock that will enable you to switch between apps easily and a new Files option so you can find all your files in one place. It also has a drag and drop feature to improve your multitasking experience.
Lock Screen: The OS will give you all your notifications right there on the lock screen. Meaning you will never have to miss a thing. You can always opt out of the lock screen notifications by selecting the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, to stop more notifications. Perhaps at night or when you are busy driving.
Brand New Store: With iOS 11, iDevices are getting a new look on the App Store. A look that will make viewing apps within the Games, Apps, and popular downloads tabs are easier to view.
Auto App deletion: This feature first came with iOS 10, where you can delete apps that come with your iDevice out of the box. iOS 11 has taken it a notch higher, any app you no longer use at all will be automatically deleted to leave more room for apps you use. The OS will still maintain your data and settings from the automatically deleted apps so you can get right where you were when you install the app(s) again.
Apple Maps: Apple Maps now has a 3D feature to allow you a better view and navigate local places. iOS 11 brings lined outdoors and will give you information on where to turn in addition to the guidance warnings and speed limits.
Screen Recording: To record your iDevice screen in the old days, you have to connect your device to a Mac computer and using QuickTime do some screen recording. This latest OS comes with Screen Recorder feature at the control center; it is just a few taps away.
One handed keyboard: These latest iPhone comes with a bigger screen, but they are awful at typing on. But with iOS 11 one-handed keyboard by Apple is coming to the iPhones. Allowing you to switch from the normal keyboard to the one-handed keyboard quickly.
Battery Management: Apple says iOS 11 will give you the maximum hours per battery bar. Ideally, the OS will kill most background applications that consume too much power and have a longer battery life.
The Cons of iOS 11
The new App Store ‘hides’ some apps: While it will be easier to find popular apps easier on the new redesigned App Store, it will get somewhat more tasking to find the less popular ones. Despite the fact that some unpopular words could prove very useful to some people.
The OS only supports 64-bit apps: Ideally, this should be good news since it means users’ security is at top notch levels. However, there are still many apps still running under 32-bit versions. That means if you are still using 32-bit apps, without 64-bit version upgrade, then do not update to iOS 11 when it rolls out.
Not all iPhones versions are supported: The last mobile OS offing, iOS 10, only supported iPhone 5 and later versions. In the upcoming iOS 11, Apple has ended support for iDevices like the iPhone 5, 5C and 4th Gen iPads. That means you need a more recent iPhone version to have the OS on your iDevice.
