Apple on Wednesday began rolling out the second public beta for iOS 11, just a few days after showing the same love to developers.
The new update should introduce a number of bug fixes and enhancements, along with improved stability for a better day-to-day experience. And, as tester have discovered, some new changes to how users interact with iOS 11's revamped Control Center.
If you've signed up for Apple's beta program (it's free!), you should be able to grab today's update as an over-the-air download. But, be warned, as downloading beta software onto your main device can lead to issues.
Apple's iOS 11 doesn't introduce any sweeping changes, though if you're an iPad user you'll see most of the benefits. Along with a redesigned Control Center, iOS 11 also includes a smarter Siri, peer-to-peer Apple Pay, new camera features, and more.
Apple on Monday spent a lot of time talking about the big features coming to iOS 11 this fall. Among them is an emphasis on augmented reality, productivity features for the iPad, and Siri that Apple says is now more useful (because we all know the assistant is not very useful right now).
But among the myriad of updates—you can read about them right here—Apple showed off a slide that showed off many other features coming to iOS 11. Things like Wi-Fi password sharing, one-handed keyboard, SOS on iPhone, and more. So, what else didn't Apple talk about? We have the full list.
SMS fraud extension
Does that text from an unknown number look a little suspicious? In iOS 11, Apple will warn users when random SMS come that could potentially be dangerous. You can never be too careful.
Wi-Fi password sharing
Sharing your Wi-Fi password with a guest has always been a pain, but iOS 11 will finally make the process easier. We're not entirely sure how Apple plans to implement the feature, but it'll likely live inside the "Share" extension.
Redesigned Podcasts app
Like the rest of iOS 11, Apple's Podcasts app will finally get some love. Expect the app to look more like Apple Music, which seems to be where Apple's redesigned software it taking its inspiration.
FaceTime Live Photos
As our front-facing cameras improve, so do the pictures. And because people love to take photos of themselves, Apple is apparently allowing the front-facing camera of future devices to support Live Photos.
One-handed keyboard
Apple's iPhone 8 is rumored to feature a 5.8-inch display. As such, Apple is making it easier to type one handed. We've seen clever one-handed keyboards before, so it won't exactly be new to iOS users. Still, it's nice that there will be one built-in.
Type to Siri
For accessibility, Apple will allow users to type to Siri, a similar feature Google recently introduced to its Assistant software. This one is pretty self-explanatory but no less welcome.
SOS on iPhone
In a sticky situation? SOS on iPhone will likely be a quick way to alert friends and family that you need help. It isn't clear if the feature will be in Control Center, iMessage, or buried in Settings.
Flight status in Spotlight and Safari
Checking to see if your flight to New York is on time is easier than ever. Just jump into Spotlight and type in the relevant info, and voila.
iCloud family storage plans
It makes zero sense for a each individual member in a large family to have their own iCloud storage plan. In iOS 11, there will be family plans that multiple users can share together.
QR code support
Apple actually mentioned this during its presentation, saying users in China will be able to scan QR codes using the camera app. The slide above suggests it'll be available in more regions around the world.
Screen recording
Technically you can record your screen now, but you have to first plug your device into a Mac that's running QuickTime. The new update will seemingly streamline the process and record their screen right into iOS. It'll be a handy feature for tutorial videos and such.
That's just a small slice of what's coming to iOS 11. You can peep the screenshot above to see a more expanded list—it's very likely that list may not even include everything.
If you're a developer, you can download iOS 11 beginning today, with an expected consumer release coming this fall.
