It?s official. Last week, Apple announced iOS 10 will be released this fall and the beta has already been out for over a week now. All the changes and updates brought on by iOS10 will certainly pave the way for new apps and ideas. We put together the top 5 features we?re looking forward to (in no particular order).
- Expanded iMessage Capability
Apple has really added a lot of new features to iMessages that extend far beyond your traditional text threads. The new iOS showcases a more animated iMessage experience that includes handwritten messages, animated message bubbles, invisible messages/images, and more. The biggest change is the addition of iMessage Apps that gives users the ability to access other apps from within iMessage.
- Siri + Apps
This one?s pretty straightforward. Siri will now work with third-party apps making voice commands even more useful than before.
- Native Connected Home App
The ?smart home? idea is nothing new. Apple?s new Home app hopes to bring all your home automation apps and HomeKit compatible devices into a single screen on your phone, making it a much simpler process.
- Apple Pay Web Integration
Local and retail merchants are making efforts to accept Apple Pay, but user adoption has been lagging since it?s initial release. Will this new e-commerce functionality finally make Apple Pay practical AND easy to use?
- Third-Party Apps in Maps
Lastly, Apple is now adding third-party app actions to be taken from within the Map app. This will allow users to call an Uber ride, make a restaurant reservation with OpenTable, etc.
I think the recurring theme we?re seeing is Apple opening the door for third-party app developers to integrate and interact with native iOS apps. Do you agree with our list? Is there something else we forgot? Let us know?your thoughts!