Tomorrow's the day that the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 5 launch, but before it unleashes new hardware, Apple has some new software for us.
iOS 13 is now available for download. As you'd expect from a full number jump, there are lots of new features to be found in here. One of the biggest is Dark Mode, which turns the lights out on the UI and Apple's apps to help make using your phone at night easier on your eyes. You can toggle Dark Mode on and off in Control Center or have it automatically come on at night.
Apple is improving its built-in keyboard with iOS 13, adding swiping support so that you can type by sliding your finger around the keyboard rather than pecking at individual keys. Other messaging improvements include letting you control your name, photo, or Memoji when you're messaging your friends, and new Memoji customizations including new hairstyles, headwear, makeup, and piercings.
Apple is updating its CarPlay Dashboard with iOS 13, giving you a more simplified UI and updated Calendar and Apple Music apps. Apple Maps is getting updated with more detailed map info and Look Around, a feature that'll let you explore cities and pan around 360 degrees, and the Photos app is getting video editing tools and a redesigned photo editing interface.
Other notable new features of iOS 13 include faster Face ID unlocking, faster app launching, a new Reminders app, better Siri Shortcuts, Sign In with Apple for added security, and a new Siri voice that uses advanced neural text-to-speed tech.
Meanwhile, the update to watchOS 6 adds an independent App Store so that you can install apps without your iPhone. There are some new watch faces for you to check out, too, along with new apps like Calculator and Voice Memos. Activity Trends will give you a view of your fitness trends over time, and menstrual cycle tracking is included as well.
iOS 13 is available to the iPhone SE as well as the iPhone 6s and later. watchOS 6 is available on the Apple Watch Series 1 and later, but the update is only available to the Apple Watch Series 3 and 4 today. It'll launch on Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 later this fall.
