Apple Unveils iOS 13 Featuring Dark Mode, Swipe Keyboard, Performance Improvements, and More

[MacRumors]

Apple today previewed iOS 13, which will introduce a new Dark Mode to iOS devices and several performance improvements across the board, including faster Face ID, slimmer downloads and updates, and quicker app launches.

Dark Mode has been implemented across the iPhone and iPad operating system and its native apps, including the appearance of notifications, widgets, calendar, and notes. Dark Mode is also available to third-party app developers for integration into their own apps, and can be scheduled to turn on automatically at sunset or at a certain time.

Apple has also added a swipe to type feature to the stock iOS keyboard called QuickPath, which brings easy one-hand typing to the iOS keyboard by continuously swiping through the letters of a word, and Memoji are automatically made into sticker packs built into the iOS keyboard, so they can be used in Messages, Mail and other apps.

iOS 13 will also bring new sharing suggestions for Messages - users can automatically share a user's name and photo, or customized Memoji or Animoji, to easily identify who is in the Messages thread.

A new sign-in feature allows users to log in to third-party apps with their Apple ID, Notes has a new Gallery View, more powerful collaboration with shared folders, new search tools and checklist options, and time-synced lyrics are coming to the Music app.

Elsewhere, Siri has a new, more natural voice, and Siri Shortcuts now supports Suggested Automations that provide personalized routines for things like heading to work or going to the gym. And with AirPods, Siri can read incoming messages as soon as they arrive, from Messages or any SiriKit-enabled messaging app.

In addition, the Files app is gaining the ability to share folders with iCloud Drive and access files from external storage devices like SD cards and USB flash drives, while new Location Services options include a new one-time location option and more information on when apps are using location in the background.

On the performance front, Face ID is now 30 percent, downloads are 50 percent smaller, updates are 60 percent smaller, and app launches are twice as fast as iOS 12.

iOS 13 will also bring an easier Photos app browsing interface and new editing tools, a revamped Reminders app, and enhanced Apple Maps features.

"iOS 13 brings new capabilities to the apps you use every day, with rich updates to Photos and Maps, and privacy-protecting features like Sign In with Apple, all while delivering faster performance," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "We're excited for customers to experience what's coming to iPhone this fall and can't wait for them to see how great everything looks in Dark Mode."

Developer betas of iOS 13 are already available, while the final public version will be released this fall.

Article Link: Apple Unveils iOS 13 Featuring Dark Mode, Swipe Keyboard, Performance Improvements, and More

 

[cableguy84]

Looking forward to dark mode

 

[dominiongamma]

No dark mode for lock screen or home screen?

 

[scrapesleon]

I think we overhype dark mode the swipe keyboard looks nice

 

[AvisDeene]

Has it been announced which phones will not be eligible for this upgrade? I’m holding on to my iPhone 6s + until it no longer works, and I’d like to use dark mode if possible.

 

[mikeyteh]

Safari even snappier in dark mode.

 

[Mick-Mac]

All I want in the 21st century is an iPhone keyboard with an added number row across the top. ALL iOS devices have enough room to support that and I'm just so sick and tired of bouncing back and forth between alpha and numeric keyboards just to enter addresses and dates and passwords etc. It just kills me that this isn't available. Screw swiping until this happens...

 

[adnbek]

And calls that still take over the screen no matter what...

Come on Apple, you can fix this!

Imagine shooting a very important video and a call comes in. Boom! Your recording is interrupted. Awesome.

 

[Deadeyeshark]

Has it been announced which phones will not be eligible for this upgrade? I’m holding on to my iPhone 6s + until it no longer works, and I’d like to use dark mode if possible.

Think they said anything with an A9 chip or above.

 

[one more]

Think they said anything with an A9 chip or above.

This was about Animoji’s and stickers, not the entire iOS. We’ll have to wait till the end of their presentation to find out.

 

[douglasb7]

Have we seen all that will be delivered to the new iOS? Dark Mode is needed. But really, customizable is really lacking. This new iOS is NOT progressive or intuitive. Apple is lacking truly innovative software. This is not a .dot update... this was supposed to be huge. Very soft landing. Almost boring.

 

[one more]

They forgot to mention device support for any of the new systems?!

 

[palmerc2]

I've never used a swipe keyboard, solely because I recall reading if a 3rd party keyboard is used they can track every character you type...forget that!

I'll give this one a go.

 

[YoitsTmac]

All I want in the 21st century is an iPhone keyboard with an added number row across the top. ALL iOS devices have enough room to support that and I'm just so sick and tired of bouncing back and forth between alpha and numeric keyboards just to enter addresses and dates and passwords etc. It just kills me that this isn't available. Screw swiping until this happens...

you can use third party keyboards that give you this option

 

[longhorn2004]

What is the big deal about dark mode? Is it an aesthetic thing?

 

[Zachari]

Have we seen all that will be delivered to the new iOS? Dark Mode is needed. But really, customizable is really lacking. This new iOS is NOT progressive or intuitive. Apple is lacking truly innovative software. This is not a .dot update... this was supposed to be huge. Very soft landing. Almost boring.

Accurate. Was hoping for 2 features... non intrusive phone calls, and non intrusive volume HUD. Apparently that was a big ask.

EDIT: I was too quick to judge, big volume HUD is GONE in iOS 13!

 

[x-evil-x]

Is dark mode in safari?

 

[Zachari]

What is the big deal about dark mode? Is it an aesthetic thing?

Easier on the eyes and saves battery.

 

[benface]

Apple Unveils iOS 13 Featuring Dark Mode, Swipe Keyboard, and Faster Performance

"Faster Performance" is a pleonasm; you should write "increased performance", "improved performance", or "better performance" instead.

 

[bodonnell202]

Has it been announced which phones will not be eligible for this upgrade? I’m holding on to my iPhone 6s + until it no longer works, and I’d like to use dark mode if possible.

You are covered. While they didn't mention it in their presentation it is in the press release that is on their website. For iPhone A9 devices and newer are getting iOS 13, with the iPhone 5s and 6/+ dropped.

 

[MisterSavage]

I can't live without swipe typing at this point. Glad it's finally available in the default keyboard.

 

[bn-7bc]

Easier on the eyes and saves battery.

Is it relay that much of a battery saving if you do not have an OLED screen? For OLED screens i get it, a oixel that is turned off conserves no power, put for normal screens, , yea maybe a bit bout the back light still has to be on anyway right? I'm clearly no expert on this so anyone fell free to correct my assumptions

 

[AvisDeene]

You are covered. While they didn't mention it in their presentation it is in the press release that is on their website. For iPhone A9 devices and newer are getting iOS 13, with the iPhone 5s and 6/+ dropped.

Thanks! You just made my day! I can still squeeze out a few more years out of this phone. Hopefully it’ll last until Apple comes out with a microLED iPhone.

 

[bodonnell202]

Is it relay that much of a battery saving if you do not have an OLED screen? For OLED screens i get it, a oixel that is turned off conserves no power, put for normal screens, , yea maybe a bit bout the back light still has to be on anyway right? I'm clearly no expert on this so anyone fell free to correct my assumptions

You are correct, no power savings with LCD displays, only with OLED displays.

 

[spinedoc77]

What is the big deal about dark mode? Is it an aesthetic thing?

It's an eye thing, you know not being blinded when viewing your device in the dark. My wife will also appreciate it as I won't be keeping her awake at night. Battery improvements will be nice, although I'm sure just minimal and icing on the cake. But really getting rid of the blindingly bright UI will be nice, just hope that devs play nice and update their apps as well.