iOS 11 Rumored to Feature ‘Intelligent Low Power Mode’ and More

Apple is widely expected to take the wraps off its next major software update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch during the keynote of its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, June 5th. And while we’ve heard a few rumors in the past concerning what iOS 11 might bring to the table, a revelation this morning courtesy of Reddit user, cyanhat, seeks to provide a bit more confirmation about the next installment of iOS — plus some sweet new surprises we can only hope make their way into the final build.

Improvements to FaceTime

First and foremost, cyanhat echoed a rumor that first broke earlier this year, which suggested that FaceTime group calling feature would be coming to iOS 11 — meaning that users might soon be able to conduct FaceTime video calls with as many as five other individuals, according to the leaked information which was posted to Reddit over the weekend.

Interestingly, cyanhat also suggests that Apple could make FaceTime Audio the default calling method between iPhone users — albeit to the dismay of wireless carriers all around the globe. This feature would essentially allow anyone using an iPhone to call and talk to their fellow iPhone owners, free of charge, and thereby bypassing the need for a cellular LTE connection to enjoy crisp, clear audio calls.

“FaceTime Audio is going to become the default calling method for iPhone users,” writes cyanhat in their Reddit post. “If [an iPhone user] calls any iPhone user, it will automatically use FaceTime Audio so that you can enjoy a crisp, high-quality calling experience. If you call a non-iOS phone, it will fallback to the older cellular calling technology (the one that is currently standard and sounds terrible).”

Intelligent Low Power Mode

Last but not least, cyanhat talks about a so-called AI-based ‘Intelligent Low Power Mode’ for iOS 11 devices, which would adapt according to one’s usage patterns to help maximize battery performance throughout the day. Details about this technology are scant at this point, so we will have to just wait and see what Apple has in store for us next month, but it does sound quite promising.

“Intelligent, automatic low power mode. It will study your low power mode habits (how often and when you turn it on) and adapt to that schedule,” cyanhat writes, while adding that “It will also be location and context based. For example, if you leave your home Wi-Fi network and have 20% or less, it will turn on low power mode automatically.”

Additional iOS 11 Features

Additional features that could be coming to iOS 11 include Apple’s rumored person-to-person iPhone-based payment system, tons of exciting new features to Apple Music subscribers, as well as the oft-rumored Dark Mode feature, which has been floating around the rumor mill since before iOS 10 was announced at WWDC last year. The feature didn’t end up making it to the final release though, which leads us to believe it has a much better chance of arriving this year — particularly in light of Apple’s OLED-equipped iPhone 8 (or iPhone Edition).

iOS 11 could also undergo some major design changes, including the addition of new Control Center buttons, improvements to the widget panel, and a slate of overall speed and security enhancements across the board.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]