iOS 11: The 11 best features of Apple’s new software

Peer-to-peer Apple Pay

Apple is adding a highly anticipated feature to Apple Pay, its payments system, that allows users to pay one another within iMessage. The peer-to-peer payments can be made and verified through biometric security, such as Touch ID or Face ID. The service will be available across iOS devices and the Apple Watch when iOS 11 is released next month.

New-look control centre

Apple is refreshing its iPhone Control Centre in iOS 11. The redesign has a simpler look, fitting on a single page with sliders and key functions.

Using 3D touch, users can press for further details and more depth of options and information. The overall look is de-cluttered compared with iOS 10.

Maps

Apple is adding to Maps a speed limit guidance and lane navigation while driving.

Maps in iOS 11 will also include detailed floor plans of airports and shopping centres, allowing users to better plan their trips. This will be coming to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports initially.

In addition to the update in Maps, Apple is rumoured to have created an augmented reality tool that could guide users around by superimposing directions onto the real world.

Do not disturb while driving

Apple will introduce a new driver safety feature in iOS 11. The feature, called “Do Not Disturb While Driving”, can detect when owners are driving and triggers the new mode.

It turns the user’s iPhone screen black and gives them the option to send automatic replies telling contacts they are on the road.

Smarter Siri

Apple’s Siri virtual assistant is getting a makeover in iOS 11. The new Siri, with more natural male and female voices, can translate speech, including English, French, German Chinese, Spanish and Italian. It can also be used for task management, to take notes and to scan QR codes.

The intelligent assistant will monitor what users do across their devices to learn how we use apps and services. In iOS 11 Siri can spot interests, such as what news articles you read, and make recommendations from these.

The upgraded Siri will also power Apple’s HomePod speaker, which will go on sale in the UK in December.

Redesigned messenger

Apple’s iMessage will now synchronise messages across devices, so deleting a message in one app will delete it across all devices. It will also feature a new toolbar for emoji and stickers within iMessage.

Another major update is the addition of Apple Pay as an app to iMessage. Users can instantly send payments through iMessage. If another users sends a message asking for a payment, Apple Pay can immediately recommend making the payment so you can quickly reimburse friends.

Better camera and photos

The iPhone camera is getting a series of updates in iOS . It will be improved with better compression for captured videos and pictures that will offer the same image quality at half the size on the user’s device.

Apple has implemented changes to its portrait mode, including better low light photography through its dual cameras. Live photos will now enable “Loop” and “Bounce” effects to create continuous video loops.

The Photos App will also be able to create memory movies based around memories, photos of pets or friends.

Updates for iPad

Apple has taken inspiration from macOS in iOS 11 for iPad. The updated software includes drag and drop, a new way to switch between apps and a tool bar that are all reminiscent of their equivalent functions on Mac computers.

The tool bar can predict what apps it thinks users are going to want to open next, and drag and drop lets them open side bars easily.

iOS 11 for iPad also includes a files section that pulls all files on a device from Apple and third party apps. It can bring files from OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox and puts all files into the one place for easy organisation.