iOS 13 Genius Guide

Get set for some major overhauls with the new iPhone operating system

- Kenny Hemphill

Autumn is here, which for iPhone users means only one thing: a new version of iOS to get excited about. And for the first time we can say ‘iPhone’ without adding ‘and iPad’ as the iPad now has its own operating system, iPadOS. So iOS 13 is now only for iPhone and iPod touch users.

Among a host of new features in iOS 13, a few stand out. There’s the new Dark Mode, which has been so long coming, as well as new ways to edit photos, improvements to Siri Shortcuts, and the ability to use the keyboard by swiping over characters.

iOS 13 overview

Dark Mode

Turn it on Dark Mode changes the look of the OS and of apps that support it, making them, well, darker. You can set it manually in Control Centre or Settings, or make it come on automatically at night.

In the background

New wallpapers can change to reflect Dark Mode or you can ‘dim the lights’ on your existing wallpaper so that when you switch on Dark Mode it has higher contrast.

Siri

Time to talk

Apple said at WWDC that Siri would have a new voice that would be completely software-generated, but more realistic than the current audio clips.

Automate this

Siri Shortcuts is included by default, and it’s now easier to use with an Automations section that allows you to create custom routines.

Working together

Siri works with competitors to Apple apps in iOS 13, like Google Maps and Spotify. It works better with Apple’s AirPods and HomePod too.

Privacy and security