This week’s iOS 9.3 beta software update for iPhone and iPad is a pretty major release for a mid-cycle version. New features including the F.lux-like Night Shift which lets you change the color temperature of your display and Touch ID plus secure passwords for Notes feel more major version features. Other parts like new 3D Touch quick actions for many of Apple’s stock apps feel more like playing catch up, but overall iOS 9.3 is shaping up to be an impressive release. Check out the details below:
iOS 9.3 also includes new Siri languages including Hebrew, Finnish, and Malay, as well as the ability to pair multiple Apple Watches to one iPhone. Apple Watch users can also now view Activity data in the Health app, and detailed Workout data in the Activity app. These changes make Apple’s fitness featured much more integrated than before.
And on the iPad, there’s a whole new education-focused update included with features like user accounts by Apple ID, although these are currently only available to educational institutions. Still, iOS 9.3 has a lot to go around for everyone.
Check out our hands-on video with iOS 9.3 below:
For more details on iOS 9.3, check out our coverage this week of Apple’s upcoming software update as well as what’s new with Apple TV, Apple Watch, the Mac, and CarPlay:
- Apple releases first iOS 9.3, OS X 10.11.4, tvOS 9.2, & watchOS 2.2 betas
- iOS 9.3 adds multi-user support for iPads in schools, new Classroom app, more
- iOS 9.3 adds Night Mode, upgraded Health, Notes & News Apps + CarPlay Music
- Photos: With tvOS 9.2, Apple TV adds Podcasts app, Folders, Bluetooth keyboard support, new app switcher and more
- iOS 9.3 Gallery & Feature List: Night Shift, New 3D Touch features, updated Health app, Notes Touch ID, more
- iOS 9.3 Preview: First look at updated Apple Music + Maps apps in CarPlay [Video]
- tvOS 9.2 Preview: First look at Apple TV’s new Podcasts app, folders & switcher UI, Bluetooth keyboard support, more [Video]
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I was able to install the OTA profile and successfully update my iPhone 6s Plus and my iPad Air 2 (both w/128 Gb) via the OTA method. The iPad Air 2 downloaded in about 5 minutes (home wireless network) and installed after about 10 minutes of installing. The iPhone took about an hour to download – work which suffers from notoriously slow wireless – and about 12 minutes to install
NONE of my 3rd party software has been affected, the password protected Notes work great, and I’m still not convinced about the “Night Mode” usefulness for me – but YMMV.
For me – it’s been a pain free and welcome update. As always – YMMV!
Golden Girls!
Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.