Apple Releases Official iOS 11 Update to the Public

Apple on Tuesday officially released its next-generation iOS 11 operating system to the general public, capping about a four-month beta testing process since it was unveiled in June.

The new software should now be available as a free, over-the-air update for iOS users. Alternatively, it can also be downloaded and installed via iTunes on Mac and PC — though only on newer versions of the app.

iOS 11 is a major update to Apple’s mobile OS. It adds a slew of features, including a revamped Control Center with customizable shortcuts and a new Lock screen that’s been merged with the Notification Center. Other additions a slew of updates to native apps, some minor visual tweaks, a Do Not Disturb While Driving mode and built-in screen recording.

The next-gen software also adds several upgrades to Siri, including a completely new voice that is much more natural-sounding. Additionally, iOS 11 will introduce a real-time translation feature and other hefty upgrades to the digital assistant. It also marks the general release of ARKit, meaning that iOS 11 is now the largest augmented reality platform in the world.

iOS 11 is also one of the largest updates to the iPad operating system, and will bring the tablet much closer in function and capability to a computer. It will introduce a new Mac-style Dock, improved multitasking and a revamped app switcher, a dedicated Files app for managing files and data, and systemwide drag and drop.

There are a couple features that haven’t been released in the first version of iOS 11. Chief among them is Apple’s new peer-to-peer payment system Apple Pay Cash. The company confirmed yesterday in a press release that Cash would be coming in an update later this fall.

The new software is available for any Apple iOS device with 64-bit architecture. Going forward, 32-bit applications won’t work on the OS. And unfortunately, that means devices that there are several devices that won’t be compatible.

Finally, as with any software update, iOS 11 carries a number of important bug fixes, security updates and under-the-hood improvements.

How to Download iOS 11

To download iOS 11, just go to Settings > General > Software Update, or plug your device into a computer with iTunes. If the update isn’t showing up for you currently, it should appear shortly.

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