Dark Mode, New Home Screen and More: 9 New Things to Expect in iOS 13
Credit: EverythingAppleProWe’re still months away from the likely debut of iOS 13 at WWDC '19, but the upcoming software update is already shaping up to be one of Apple’s biggest iOS releases in recent memory. At least, if the latest rumors turn out to be true. Part of that may be due to the fact that many features planned for iOS 12 were delayed — and could be introduced in the next major update to Apple’s mobile operating system. In any case, it looks like Apple has big things in the works for iOS 13. Continue reading to learn 9 New Things to Expect in iOS 13.
Redesigned Home Screen
One of the most likely additions to iOS 13 is a completely revamped Home screen. Originally on the docket for iOS 12, this change was apparently pushed back when Apple shifted its focus to stability and performance for that update.
As such, a new Home screen is now rumored for iOS 13. We’re not sure what it could look like, but past reports suggest a revamped app grid. In addition, there are rumors suggesting that the CarPlay interface could be tweaked to match.
An Actual Dark Mode
iOS users rejoice: it’s looking like an actual dark mode is coming to iOS 13. A Bloomberg report from this week suggests that a dark mode modeled on the one introduced in macOS Mojave will be added to the next major update to the operating system.
Specific details about the rumored dark mode are scarce, and Bloomberg only reports that it will allow for “easier nighttime viewing.” It’s likely to be well-received though, since a dark mode is one of the most highly requested features for iOS.
Cross-Platform Apps
In iOS 12, Apple brought several iOS applications to the Mac. It was the first public indication of the company’s so-called Project Marzipan, an initiative rumored to allow for increased cross-platform support between iOS and macOS.
In the next update to Apple’s mobile operating system, the company is widely expected to expand Project Marzipan. Part of that endeavor may be opening up cross-platform toolkits to developers, which could allow them to create apps that can be easily ported between the two platforms.
Multitasking Updates
As iPhones get larger and iPads get more popular, Apple is starting to focus on making multitasking easier across its iOS device lineups. iOS 12 sported many of these improvements, and there are more to come in iOS 13.
Apple is rumored to introduce a feature that will allow two “windows” of the same app to be open side-by-side. There
File Management Improvements
This week’s Bloomberg report, as well as some past rumors, suggest that Apple will refine the Files app — and file management in general — in iOS 13.
While it isn’t clear what that will look like exactly, it’s possible that Apple could add support for external media devices and introduce other features that will allow iOS devices to function more like Macs. Notably, that's one of the major things holding the iPad back from being a Mac replacement.
More Services
Apple is widely rumored to be working on new services. Specifically, the firm is rumored to be putting together a first-party streaming platform with original TV and film content, as well as a magazine subscription service.
There are hints that these two new services could be combined with Apple Music in a combo bundle, too. And while they may debut before iOS 13 is actually teased, it’s also a possibility that Apple could hold off and unveil the new services alongside iOS 13 at WWDC.
iPad-Specific Features
The last few updates to iOS have been increasingly focused on iPod-specific updates, and that trend is likely to continue with iOS 13. According to Bloomberg, Apple has a slew of iPad updates on the table.
That will probably include the aforementioned multitasking improvements, though it isn’t clear whether those will be iPad-specific. But we’ll likely see other new features tailored to the company’s tablet lineup, too. One possibility is the addition of multiple user accounts for iPads.
Siri Improvements
Siri received one of its most notable upgrades in iOS 12, with the addition of the powerful and intuitive Siri Shortcuts app. And while we haven’t heard any rumors about specific Siri updates, it’s becoming clear that more improvements are on the way.
For example, Apple has been expanding its Siri team over the past couple of years and has hired a former AI executive from Google. There are also several patent and applications that hint at Apple’s machine learning and artificial intelligence development.
Other Possibilities
There are other, more vague iOS 13 rumors out there. Many of them were originally planned for iOS 12, but were delayed in favor of the aforementioned stability and performance improvements.
For one, Apple could update its Camera app — possibly adding more in-depth photography controls that the app has always lacked. There are also a slew of improvements to “core applications,” such as Mail, that were originally rumored for iOS 12.