iOS 10.3: 7 new features to try right away
Apple just released the last major iOS 10 update before iOS 11. It has some useful upgrades to the Settings menu and Maps app on your iPhone or iPad.
Apple has just released the official version of iOS 10.3 for everyone, the last major software update for iPhones, iPads and iPods before the big iOS 11 roll out in June.
Don't expect obvious changes in this version of iOS, but there are a few subtle tweaks that may be worth the upgrade.
1. Apple ID Profile
There's a new profile section at the top of the settings menu with all your account information.
Click on your profile to access your iCloud, iTunes, App Store and Family Sharing information in one place and scroll down to see a list of all the Apple devices linked to these accounts.
You'll still need to log in to the Find my iPhone app on your phone or web browser to access them all, but it will save you from having to dig through the settings to access each account.
2. iCloud storage breakdown
If you pay for extra storage on Apple's iCloud, this next one will be especially useful. You can now see exactly how you're using your iCloud storage by clicking on the iCloud option in this new profile section. Tap the graph at the top of this section to figure out exactly what the storage hogs are. This gives you a device and program-specific breakdown detailing how many gigs of storage are being used by each.
If you haven't activated the two-factor authentication on your account (which you should), you'll notice a new "suggestion" section right below your profile in the main settings page. Apple may use this space to give you other suggestions to improve your device's performance, but for now this is the only suggestion that appeared on my phone.
3. Find your parked car
Like Google Maps, Apple Maps will now let you know where you parked your car. Just go to the Maps app and search for "parked car" to see where you left it.
4. Weather in Maps
If you're a fan of Apple's proprietary Maps app, you will now have a glimpse of the weather wherever you go. The latest update adds a tiny weather bug to the bottom right-hand corner of the screen showing the current weather conditions in that area. For a seven-day breakdown of the weather just 3D Touch the weather bug or continue holding to open the weather app in a new screen.
5. Find my AirPods
If you've splurged on a pair of AirPods, this feature will save you time and money. If not, just read ahead.
Sign in to your Find my iPhone app and you should now see the AirPods as one of the devices associated with your account. Click to see the last known location of the 'Pods when they were paired with your phone or ping them to make them ring. Just make sure you're not wearing them if you want to keep your hearing intact.
6. App compatibility status
Chances are, you may be holding on to a few apps that have stopped receiving updates, which could be making your phone sluggish and buggy.
iOS 10.3 makes it easy to identify the culprits right from the Settings menu. Click on the About option on your General settings and wait for the information to load. If you have any non compatible apps lying around, you should see an arrow appear next to the number next to Applications. Another click should then take you to the App Compatibilitypage listing the offenders.
The app wall of shame in iOS 10.3.
7. A better way to store your files
One of the most important changes in iOS 10.3 is one you can't really see or try. Apple is taking the first step in switching all of its devices to a more advanced file system known as the Apple File System (APFS).
Apple's new File System replaces the existing Hierarchical File System (HFS+) and has stronger encryption, storage optimization among other improvements.
What does this mean for you? What you'll notice right away is a longer installation time and a small bump in storage space. But over time this will mean improved performance over time, efficient storage and a more stable platform.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 27, 2017 and has since been updated.
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