WHAT IS NEW IN iOS 13? (PLUS OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW)

In our previous post, we covered everything you needed to know about the new Android 10, including all the exciting new features. iOS 13, which is the latest version of Apple's operating system for their mobile devices, is now ready to be pushed out to users.If you remember, Apple hosted their keynote event at Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park, Cupertino, CA on September 10, 2019 where they announced numerous new products (including the new iPhone 11 series and Apple Watch Series 5) and services (including the Apple Arcade and Apple TV Plus).
In the wake of these product announcements comes the release of the all-new Apple's iOS 13. If you're an iPhone user and have been wondering what the new iOS has in stock for you, then here are some key pieces of information (in Q&A format) about the new operating system (OS).
 

WHAT'S NEW IN iOS 13?

Apple's iOS 13 comes with some blockbuster features and upgrades. But out of those, Dark Mode is likely the most standout feature.The Dark Mode feature is a refreshed colour scheme which changes the onscreen appearance of pretty much all of Apple's applications. The applications themselves have been made compatible with this new version of iOS.How the Dark Mode feature works is that it changes the hues from bright white and light grey to black and dark gray on all supported apps, possibly saving battery power and making the display easier to view in darker environments.
 

Along with Dark Mode comes many other new features, including an improved Photos app and a new typing experience via QuickPaths. This new typing experience allows for an easy one-hand typing on the iOS keyboard by continuously swiping through the letters of a word.
Another key area is privacy as Apple have now added privacy-protecting features like Sign In with Apple. Also, new location services controls have been added to limit data sharing with apps and give users more control over the way they want to share location data with apps. 
Users will now be able to use a one-time location option which only gives access to apps to view location just once. Also, if an app running in the background uses location data, the user will be notified.Additionally, iOS 13 is also expected to be big on performance. Apple says that apps will load at a more rapid rate and its Face Unlock security should also be more seamless.
In summary, here's what Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, has to say about the new features of iOS 13:
“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. 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.”
 

OTHER IMPORTANT iOS 13 Q&A
 

WHAT DEVICES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH iOS 13?

Of course, this is Apple's product so it'll be available to almost all modern iPhones. Specifically, iOS 13 requires iPhone 6S or later, iPad Air 2 or later, the new iPad mini 4 and iPhone SESo as an iPhone user, you need any of the following devices to enjoy iOS 13 — iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and iPhone SE. It also supports iPod Touch (seventh generation).What about other Apple devices? Well, since Apple no longer supports iPhone and iPad from more than the last four years (depending on the device category), iOS 13 won't be available on these older devices that support up to iOS 12. Those are iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and mini 3.
 

WHEN IS THE RELEASE DATE AND TIME FOR iOS 13?

iOS 13 was first announced back in June at Apple's WWDC developers conference and after that, they went on to release the first beta version.During the company's keynote event on September 10, Apple confirmed that they'll release the new software on Thursday, September 19 and start upgrading iOS devices on the said date. That is one day ahead of the official iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro series release date.As per the time, there's no official release time from Apple but based on previous iOS releases, you can expect to see it arrive on your phone from around 10am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Which means you need to stay connected to WiFi around this time if you want it ASAP in your phone.
 

WHEN AND HOW CAN I DOWNLOAD iOS 13?

iPhone users can download the app once Apple has confirmed that they've released it for downloads. You simply need to head to Settings > General > Software Update in your compatible iPhone.It is advisable to use WiFi as opposed to cellular network as the file may be a large one.
 

HOW DOES iOS 13 STACK UP AGAINST THE NEW ANDROID 10?

On the one hand, iOS 13 ships with a systemwide dark mode, loads of improvements for better performance, and more control over privacy settings designed to make the iPhone more secure.On the other hand, Google's Android 10 comes with a dark mode, a renewed focus on privacy and security, gesture-based navigation, support for foldable devices, useful AI enhancements, a bushel of new emojis, live captions, enterprise support, and more.You can take a look at our review of Android 10 here.