iOS 11 : All the new features, tips and guides

You’re likely more than a little curious about what’s new in Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 11.

For an overview of what the new software brings, read this first :

Don’t install it on your main device. Right now, the update is still in development, but Apple has released it as a public beta for those who love living on the cutting edge. As tempting as it may be, take our advice and don’t install it on your primary phone. No, really. It can cause all sorts of problems.

iOS 11 basics

Slight tweaks to Messages. A new iMessage app drawer, syncing of Messages via iCloud, and a couple of screen effects have been added to the app.

Text with Siri. It’s not always possible to have a voice conversation with Siri. While it was added as an accessibility feature, the ability to type to Siri is useful for everyone.

Keep your location private. With iOS 11, you now have the control of just how often an app can access your location information — regardless of what options the developer has added to the app. You’ll be prompted the first time you launch an app that always tracks you, and presented with an option to change its permissions.

Forget your Wi-Fi’s password. The next time a friend wants to connect to your Wi-Fi network, you can approve the request directly on your iOS 11 device without having to remember or hand over the password.

Forget app passwords, too. Apple has expanded its iCloud Keychain password manager beyond Safari. Now, you can use it to log into apps as well as websites.

Take control

Make Control Center your own. The three-panel Control Center from iOS 10 is gone. With iOS 11 you can add or remove shortcuts you don’t use, along with a few hidden Control Center features you’re sure to love.

AirPods get smarter. Instead of the lone option to activate Siri with a double-tap on either AirPod earbud, starting with iOS 11 you can control the specific function each AirPod will take.

Free up storage space. Storage space on a mobile device is always at a premium, especially if you’re using a 16GB phone. Apple is making iOS smart enough to proactively get rid of unused apps, and providing tips to free up space with a tap.

Stay safe while driving. Your iPhone can now tell when you’re in a car, and in turn it will automatically enable a new feautre called Do Not Disturb While Driving. Any incoming text alerts will be stopped, keeping your eyes on the road.

Go dark. There’s a new dark mode hidden in the Settings app for iOS users. It’s not designed for daily use, but it can come in handy in dark environments.

Get creative

Live Photos get lively. Creating a quick animation out of a Live Photo is now possible with a couple of taps.

Screenshots on steroids. A new screenshot tool in iOS 11 makes it easy to capture what’s on your screen, edit, crop or add your signature and then share it and delete it.

But screenshots are so 2016. With a quick tap of a button, you can now record your iOS device’s screen. This is particularly handy for creating how-to guides — perhaps you want to show off how to beat the last level of Monument Valley 2.

Scan documents in the Notes app. Yup, Apple added a document scanner to the Notes app on iOS 11. Launch the app, select scan document.