Apple’s iOS 13 is now available. Here are all the new features

by Phonedesk Admin November 23, 2019

Dark Mode

Dark Mode is finally coming to iOS, and it will be available to users starting with iOS 13. Dark Mode essentially puts a dark background and darker highlights on iOS in general, as well as all of Apple’s stock apps, like Mail, Messages, and so on. Not only that, but Dark Mode is also being made accessible to developers, so it’ll be available in third-party apps. Dark Mode can be switched on permanently, or you can set it to turn on at a specific time or when the sun sets. There are even several new wallpapers that leverage Dark Mode — and change depending on whether or not Dark Mode is on or off.

Apple announced iOS 13 during the keynote presentation at its 2019 Worldwide Developer Conference on June 3, and the new operating system is now available. The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system arrives not only on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod near you, but also on the new set of iPhones, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Its arrival was not without a few hiccups. Numerous bugs have plagued iOS 13’s initial release, so much so that Apple quickly released a beta upgrade to iOS 13.1 a week ahead of schedule to squash the worst, most commonly reported problems. Then it released the final version of 13.1, adding a feature to boost battery life. Then there was an interim fix with 13.1.1. And 13.1.2, a maintenance or bug fix update that attempts to fix the problems that popped up in 13.1. But good news: A beta of iOS 13.2 is already rolling out, bringing with it several new features that users have been waiting for, including the Deep Fusion camera tech on the iPhone 11. Phew!

iOS 13 updates

New in the iOS 13.3 public beta

While iOS 13.3 isn’t out yet, the iOS 13.3 public beta is. While it doesn’t add headline features as iOS 13.2 did, iOS 13.3 is likely to be a welcome addition to the iOS family as it fixes what iOS 13.2 broke. Seemingly on the scorecard are fixes for the RAM management bug created in iOS 13.2, so apps will no longer be force closed when you exit them.

Also included are some new additions for Screen Time which allow you to restrict calls, messaging, and FaceTime use at certain times, as well as a setting to hide the Memoji keyboard, if you really don’t like it.

New in iOS 13.2

iOS 13.2 is an update deserving of a larger number, adding a bunch of new headline features. Deep Fusion is without a doubt the largest of them all, and this new image processing tech will boost the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro’s ability to take stunning photos in medium-light. Siri has been upgraded and can now read messages to you through your AirPods and other headphones with the Announce Messages feature. Of course, the best way to experience that will be with the new AirPods Pro, support for which has been added in this update.

More minor additions include new, more inclusive emoji, including people in wheelchairs and more skin tones, as well as some new privacy options for Siri.

New in iOS 13.1.3

iOS 13.1.3 and iPadOS 13.1.3 bring additional bug fixes and performance improvements for all devices to address issues in the Mail app, Bluetooth connectivity, and launch performance for Game Center apps. Most of the dot upgrades, including the new iOS 13.1.3, are maintenance updates designed to squish common iOS bugs and problems, not to add any new features.

Specifically, iOS 13.1.3 includes bug fixes and improvements for issues that could prevent a device from ringing or vibrating for an incoming call or may prevent you from opening a meeting invite in Mail. The newest update is also designed to solve Bluetooth problems like disconnecting on some vehicles, as well as improving reliability for hearing aids and headsets. It’s supposed to fix an issue that can prevent pairing with or receiving notifications on the Apple Watch. It also seeks to resolve iCloud backup problems where Voice Memos may not download after restoring from iCloud backup or apps fail to download when restoring from iCloud backup. It resolves an issue where data in the Health app may not display correctly after daylight savings time adjustments. Meanwhile, Apple is currently beta testing iOS 13.2, so get ready for more.

All updates are released for eligible devices over-the-air in the device Settings. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to get the latest update. If you have already installed iOS 13 in any of its incarnations, you have probably encountered one or more of these issues.