After months of beta testing Apple has released iOS 8.3 software update to the general public. The latest update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch doesn’t bring dramatic changes to the operating system however, it does bring many improvements and bug fixes.
Here are some of the top iOS 8.3 enhancements / fixes you need to know:
1. Emoji
Apple has revamped the UI for emoji keyboard and also added more than 300 new emojis. The new additions also bring diversity options such as changing the skin tone of the people emojis. To access the skin tone variations tap and hold the emoji to change the default colour.
Tip: Don’t know what some of the emojis mean? Type them in the Notes app and have Siri speak.
2. Password Settings for App Store
In iOS 8.3 Apple allows you to change how frequently should the App Store prompt you for your Apple ID password. You can set it to always require password or require after 15 minutes of having entered the password.
The next setting is something that I had always wanted to exist in iOS. You can now “finally” turn off the requirement for password for free downloads. Yes, finally!
3. New Siri Languages
Siri can now understand even more languages. The new update adds support for: English (India, New Zealand), Danish (Denmark), Dutch (Netherlands), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian (Russia), Swedish (Sweden), Thai (Thailand), Turkish (Turkey).
4. Tell Siri to call a contact on speakerphone
Ever since I started using Siri while driving I never understood why Apple wouldn’t include support for Siri command, “call on speakerphone”. Well now with iOS 8.3 you do just that. This is another step to keeping all eyes on road and operating your phone hands and eyes free.
5. Fixes. Lots of Fixes.
iOS 8.3 brings many bug fixes so if you ever tried to do something and it failed or did not work reliably you should try doing that again. From issues like iOS 8 preventing autocorrecting “FYI” to WiFi, bluetooth issues and much more. Apple has fixed a lot of issues and even claims to improve performance for app launch, responsiveness and more.
Overall, iOS 8.3 is a highly recommended update for anyone who wants a reliable and stable experience on their iOS device.
Have you upgraded your iPhone or iPad yet? Did you notice any other significant changes? Let us know in the comments section below.
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