iOS 9.3
Apple detailed a few improvements coming to iOS 9.3, available to download from today. Night Shift automatically adjusts the tint of the display throughout the day, increasing the warmth towards bedtime to reduce blue light exposure and make it easier to get to sleep.
The Notes app sees further improvements after becoming one of the most-used components of iOS 9. Notes can now be protected with either a password or Touch ID, adding extra security to sensitive information stored in the app.
Apple News, another app introduced with iOS 9, has become the source of news for 50 million people, according to Apple. The app is gaining new features with iOS 9.3 to make it more personal and useful. A new curated section will highlight top stories to make it easier to find something to read, adding to the content in the app.
Car Play is now supported by over 100 car manufacturers, representing every major marque from across the world. Maps and Health gain improvements and functionality enhancements too, adding to the capabilities of two more popular stock Apple apps.
Apple TV
On stage, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasised the success of the new Apple TV, launched last year. Apps for key services including Netflix, Hulu, History Channel and CBS are now available, letting people access more content from one device. A software update today will further expand Apple TV’s functionality with a selection of new features.
Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, will become even smarter, capable of searching for apps in the store as well as media. Users will be able to dictate text to Siri instead of typing with the remote control, adding an alternative input method that could prove to be simpler to use.
The interface has a new multitasking switcher based around the card design used in iOS. It is accessed by double-pressing the remote’s Home button and facilitates quickly switching between apps. Users can also create folders of apps on the Apple TV’s home screen, another feature borrowed from iOS. It will help prevent Home from getting cluttered with lots of unrelated apps, an annoyance for users until now.
Apple Watch
Apple also unveiled a selection of new bands for the Apple Watch today. The colourful new bands form a “Spring Selection” that lets owners of the wearable customise their style with distinctive new materials and feels.
A woven nylon edition will be available for the first time alongside a collection of new colourful sport bands and a space black version of the popular Milanese loop. Additionally, Apple announced that the Apple Watch now starts at $299, lowering the price of the wearable to make it more accessible. It could also be a sign of Apple wanting to clear stock of the smartwatch before the Apple Watch 2 lands later this year.
Apple March 2016 Live Event
Today’s March live event, the first of its kind for Apple, introduced several new devices and brought refinements to existing ones. Software updates for iOS and tvOS add additional functionality to current products and new band options let Apple Watch owners try a new style this spring.
Apple also launched the iPhone SE today, its first four-inch iPhone in three years, and a 9.7-inch version of its iPad Pro premium tablet. We’ve detailed both of these devices in their own articles on Digital Journal so be sure to read these too to get the full lowdown on Apple’s announcements today.
