iPhone and iPad users all over the world will be getting a new OS update this fall in the form of iOS 11. The first developer preview is already out, and the first public beta will drop later this month.
Here's a collection of interesting features and observations about iOS 11 that weren't shown or that apparent in Apple's WWDC 2017 keynote.
Files app and drag-and-drop on iPhone, too
The Files app and drag-and-drop feature are two major additions for the iPad in iOS 11. But both are available on the iPhone too. That said, on the iPhone, you can only drag-and-drop within an app.
Here’s drag-and-drop in action on the iPhone in the same app, via @Nandor690. And here's to do it across different apps (likely to be removed in future betas), via @ninthapple.
3rd party cloud storage in Files app
The new Files doesn't just work with iCloud, it also plays nice with other cloud storage services, such as Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Baidu.
But the integration doesn't happen automagically; providers have to explicitly support it. Microsoft has just confirmed that OneDrive will support the Files app and will share more details "when iOS 11 releases".
Drag multiple icons at once on the homescreen
Have you always wanted to rearrange more than one app icon on the homescreen, or move them to another page at the same time? In iOS 11, you can do just that. Just long-press an app icon to get it to wiggle, then tap the other icons to add to the list.
Here’s a clip on how it works, via @stroughtonsmith.
One-handed keyboard modes
When you hold the emoji key or the “globe” key, you’ll get options to shift the keyboard to either the left or right.
Great for those with short fingers but using a Plus-sized iPhone or during occasions when one of your hands is occupied.
(Via MacRumors.)
Control Center customization
Known: Control Center in iOS 11 takes up the whole screen when you swipe up from the bottom.
Little known: You can go to Settings > Control Center to add and organize additional controls. A total of 18 controls can be appear in Control Center, including Accessibility Shortcuts, Alarm, Apple TV Remote, Notes, Screen Recording (yes!), Voice Memos, and Wallet.
Here's a clip of it in action, via @Malvix_.
Up to four "windows" on iPad Pro
For the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd gen; not sure about the 10.5-inch Pro), you can have two apps side-by-side in Split View, another floating on top, and a picture-in-picture window, also floating on top. You can also have one app take up the whole screen and a small app floating above it.
(Via @stroughtonsmith.)
NFC reader
iOS 11 is able to detect NFC tags and read NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) data. This opens up a lot of possibilities.
(Via Apple.)
Pair HomeKit accessories using NFC
Staying on the topic of NFC, the Home app in iOS 11 will let you pair HomeKit-enabled accessories with NFC.
(Via @JoshHolme.)
Shut Down setting
Ermmm... is the next iPhone or iPad going to remove the power button? Because there's a Shut Down setting in iOS 11.
Offload Unused Apps
Found in the revamped Storage section in the Settings app, in Apple’s own words, this will “automatically remove unused apps, but keep its documents and data. Reinstalling the app will place back your data, if the app is still available in the App Store.”
Paper styles in Notes app
The Notes app in iOS 11 will let you select different paper styles (grids, lines, etc.).
Autofill app passwords
iOS 11 is able detect a login UI with text fields and let you enter saved passwords directly via the keyboard.
(Via @ Lascorbe.)
FaceTime Live Photos
Pretty self-explanatory, no? In iOS 11, Live Photos can be captured during a FaceTime Video call.
QR code scanner
The stock Camera app is now a QR code scanner too, allowing you to do things like joining a Wi-Fi network or adding a contact quickly.
(Via @daytonlowell.)
Type to Siri
Don't like to talking to Siri? In iOS 11 you'd be able to write your queries to Siri. It's an accessibility feature, but it should also come in handy for those who don't like to speak to a virtual assistant in public.
(Via iMore.)
Next & Previous Track controls for AirPods
In iOS 11, you can double-tap on the AirPods to go to the next or previous track. Each earpiece can have its own double-tap function, so you can, say, double-tap the left earpiece to go to the next track, and the right one to activate Siri.
(Via 9to5Mac.)
No more in-system social integrations
According to Axios, there will be no more social account integrations (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, Flickr) in iOS 11. Such integrations were introduced many years back so that you can sign in to each service directly without the first-party app and have third-party apps access the account. Don’t worry, these apps are still around in the App Store, and you can use their iOS sharing extensions.
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