Apple has started rolling out the iOS 11.3 update to all iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users across the world. The new update brings with it the usual bug fixes and performance tweaks, along with some new features which enhance usability and make Apple devices more functional. Major changes with iOS 11.3 come in the form of a new Battery Health Beta setting to give users control over iPhone throttling, new Anomojis have been added for iPhone X users, AR experiences have been enhanced for vertical surfaces, and a Health Records feature has been introduced to keep track of medical record. Here are all the changes that come with the iOS 11.3 update.
Battery Health Beta
After facing flak over the revelation that it was purposefully slowing down iPhones to save battery life, Apple has released iOS 11.3 update that gives users more power over battery performance. iOS 11.3 has added new features to show battery health of an iPhone or iPad and recommend if a battery needs to be serviced. Battery Health Beta can be found in the Battery menu under Settings. Battery Health Beta is available for iPhone 6 and later device.
"Additionally, users can now see if the power management feature that dynamically manages maximum performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns, first introduced in iOS 10.2.1, is on and can choose to turn it off," Apple said in a statement late Thursday. This feature can be found in Settings>>>Battery and is available for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Health Records
The new iOS 11.3 update has a "Health Records" feature that lets patients select from several health institutions to access their medical information. "The new aHealth Records' feature helps patients of more than 40 health systems including Duke, NYU Langone, Stanford and Yale view their medical records from multiple institutions right from their iPhone," Apple said. "Health Records" data is encrypted and protected with a passcode.
Privacy and Data Use
iOS 11.3 also makes it easier to understand how personal data may be used. "A new privacy icon and detailed privacy information will appear whenever Apple asks for access to personal information to enable features, secure Apple services or personalize an iOS experience," the Cupertino-based company added.
Animojis and Augmented Reality
iOS 11.3 delivers new immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences and new Animoji for iPhone X users. Four all-new Animoji bring iPhone X users’ expressions to life as a lion, bear, dragon or skull, Apple said in its release post. AR experiences on iOS 11 have also been tweaked for vertical surfaces like walls and doors, in addition to horizontal surfaces like tables and chairs. With iOS 11.3 update, irregularly shaped surfaces like circular tables can be mapped more accurately.
Business Chat
Unfortunately, this feature will be limited to users in the US. The new "Business Chat" feature lets users communicate directly with businesses right within the Messages app. "Business Chat" will be available in beta in the US and top businesses in retail, finance and hospitality will begin rolling out this new messaging feature for customers.
Apple Music
Apple Music will now be able to streams music videos uninterrupted by ads. "Users can watch the hottest new videos, classics or ones from their favorite artists back-to-back in new music video playlists," says Apple.
Apple News
"Apple News makes it easier to stay up-to-date on the most important videos of the day with a new Video group in For You, and improved Top Stories," the company said.
With inputs from IANS