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Own an iPhone? It's time for that annual software update.
On Tuesday, Apple launches iOS 10, which likely means most of us will stare at an update download screen for several hours waiting for our iPhones to launch the latest version of the tech giant's mobile operating software.
Here's what you need to know about the launch of iOS 10:
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How do I download it?
Before we download again, let's get this out of the way: back up your iPhone or iPad. You never know how smoothly these updates go, and you don't want to be the iPhone owner who loses everything because of a bad update. Make sure you can back up your device before getting started.
There are two ways to download: wirelessly or through iTunes. For the wireless way, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update. After your device searches and discovers the update, follow the prompts and you should be good to go.
For the iTunes way, connect your smartphone or tablet to a computer, fire up iTunes, choose your device, then hit Summary followed by Check for Update. From there, you can update. Double check that you're running the latest version of iTunes before doing this.
What devices will it work on?
It will work on all iPhones going back to iPhone 5, iPads dating back to the fourth generation model, and the sixth-generation iPod Touch.
Pay close attention if you have an older device.
These software updates are built with the latest iPhones in mind, so keep watch if you're running an iPhone 5 or even a 5c or 5s in case your smartphone runs really slow post-update.
iMessages is going to look a lot different.
Hope you use and/or like Snapchat, because Apple's messaging app is going to look similar. The app will add more visual options such as stickers and animations so text messages will look more lively. Also, get ready for other companies to participate with their own sets of stickers for iMessages. Nintendo has already confirmed it will launch a set of Mario-themed stickers this year.
Siri will be more useful.
No more using Apple's personal digital assistant to ask questions like "what's zero divided by zero?" Siri will work with other apps such as Uber, LinkedIn or Pinterest. There are some key categories missing, notably non-Apple weather and traffic apps, but more categories will be available soon.
Oh, by the way, iPhone 7 Plus is a pretty good phone
So says tech reviewer Ed Baig. Although it is an "incremental" hardware update, Baig gives a thumbs up to the improved camera and long overdue water and dust resistance.
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