The Five Coolest Features in the New iOS 9.3
Apple opened up the public beta for the new iOS 9.3 last night. It looks to be a pretty solid mid-cycle update. The most notable addition is the Night Shift screen controls, a much-needed feature to automatically dim your display depending on the time of day.
If you’re so bold, you can sign up for the preview over on Apple’s website. Or, if you’re like us and too scared to update your emojis, here’s a rundown of the biggest features you’re missing out on.
Night Shift will help you sleep better
It’s pretty well documented that reading on your phone before bed will keep you awake. The blue light emitted by the display acts kind of like the sun, stimulating your brain to be more active and alert. Supposedly, it’s something to do with a predatory defence mechanism.
Night Shift automatically adjusts the temperature of your screen’s light depending on the time of day. At sunset, the display will shift to softer yellow light instead of the standard blue. Aside from getting a better night’s sleep, there’s numerous health benefits from this as well, like reducing your risk of diabetes.
WiFi Assist gets a much-needed update
WiFi Assist made waves a few months ago, and not for reasons Apple had hoped. One of the most maligned features in recent memory, WiFi Assist automatically switches you over to data when it detects a weak WiFi signal. It’s great in theory but can often lead to some surprising data charges. The iOS 9.3 update will let you know how much data the feature has cost you, giving you a better idea of what to expect and when you should just turn it off completely.
News now has gestures and personalization
Our favourite news app just got even better. You can now swipe to save, share and like a story within News. Articles in the “For You” category are now better tailored for your interests and reading habits. Apple has also added suggested trending topics and new Editors’ Picks.
Notes gets password protection
Whether you use Evernote, Simplenote or just plain old Notes, you’re likely writing down some sensitive material on your phone. And you should probably lock that info up with some kind of password protection. This update brings the popular iOS app in line with other services, even going a step further, in fact, by enabling the still-super-cool Touch ID.
3D Touch coming to more stock apps
Rejoice, you can now check your portfolio without even opening Stocks. Settings, Health, the App Store and Stocks have all added new pop-and-peek 3D Touch shortcuts, letting you do more right from the home screen.
Expect the full launch of iOS 9.3 to roll out in a few weeks. Last time around, the public launch occurred six weeks after the the open beta began. Let’s hope this one doesn’t take so long.
