You’re likely more than a little curious about what’s new in Apple‘s latest mobile operating system, iOS 11.
We plan on walking you through how to use the new features in iOS 11 starting now, adding more as we get closer to its official release later this year. Bookmark this page, add it to your home screen or write it on a sticky note and keep checking back.
For an overview of what the new software brings, read: 12 top tricks iOS 11 will bring to your iPhone, iPad.
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. Here’s more info — our attempt at persuasion — should you still feel the need to install iOS 11 on your daily device.
Fine, install it, but remember you’ve been warned. Signing up and installing the public beta is really simple. Follow along as Matt Elliot walks you through installing the iOS 11 public beta.
iOS 11 basics
Hidden features galore. Apple didn’t announce every single feature added to iOS 11 at its big event at WWDC in June (above). That’s OK — we started digging through it a short time later. Here, take a look at what Apple didn’t tell you about iOS 11.
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. Here’s the Messages rundown.
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.
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. Here’s what you need to know.
Get creative
Live Photos get lively. Creating a quick animation out of a Live Photo is now possible with a couple of taps. The end result is fun, if not impressive.
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. It’s awesome-sauce.
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. What are you waiting for? Set it up.
Don’t forget the iPad
Apple’s tablet is like a brand-new device after installing the new software. Here are 7 tips and tricks for navigating the iPad on iOS 11.
It’s more than iOS
Apple TV joins the fun. The public beta of its TVOS 11 software adds some a few tweaks and new features, including a dark mode and syncing of home screen layout between multiple Apple TVs. Here’s what you need to know to install the TVOS 11 beta.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on June 26, 2017, and continues to be updated with new iOS 11 news and features.