6 iOS 10 features businesses should know about

iOS 10: more than balloons and confetti

iOS 10 preview - celebrate

Apple Inc. previewed iOS 10 at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 13. The next major release of the mobile OS that runs iPhones and iPads will bring some fun new features to consumers, like the ability to change typed words into emojis with the tap of a finger, or send a balloon animation to your friend during a chat. But what new features should businesses be paying attention to? We pulled out the important ones here.

Get to know Siri better

iOS10 - Siri - Lyft

Apple is opening up Siri to third-party apps in iOS 10. Businesses catering to their customers through this channel will want to think about what useful voice commands they can program into their apps. For example, Lyft will send a car in response to Siri requests, and Square will let users send money. Apps that use audio or video calling, messaging, send/receive payments, searching photos, booking a ride, or managing workouts can all tie into Siri on iOS 10.

Improve app engagement

Siri suggestions

There are other ways to suggest use of your app in iOS 10, through Siri suggestions, Safari search, and Spotlight. Developers can provide iOS 10-specific information about what can be done in your app so that it’s suggested when contextually relevant to the user. For example, if your app provides routing information, it will be suggested when a user types or says to Siri “Get directions to…”

Be the messenger

iOS 10 - iMessage apps

Also newly available to developers are ways to integrate with the Messages app. There are two options: either develop a pack of stickers for users to add to their Messages content, or develop a custom iMessage app that presents a unique interface within Messages, with functions like a sticker browser, media files, or interactive messages.

Quick message access

iOS 10 - quick message reply

A quick time-saving tip to keep in mind for when you upgrade to iOS 10 – you can now respond to messages right in the notifications tab. Other app functions will be available in the top pull-down menu, such as viewing photos and videos.

Expanded Apple Pay

iOS 10 - Apple Pay on web

Apple Pay is being expanded to more areas in iOS 10. Businesses will now be able to incorporate Apple Pay directly into their websites, allowing users of iOS or OS X to make payments with cards stored in Apple Pay. Apple Pay can also now be accessed from Siri and Maps.

More IoT functions

iOS 10 preview - HomeKit

For businesses interested in either providing IoT appliances or manipulating connected devices (an office security camera, perhaps), iOS 10 will feature more integrations with Apple’s HomeKit framework. The iPad can now be used to remotely control IoT accessories and set up automated triggers for those devices. View live streams or snapshots from an IP camera, and control its settings, speaker, and microphone.

Release expected soon

iOS 10 - sketch

iOS 10 is currently in beta and the full version will be released this fall. It will be supported by iPhone 5 and newer models, iPad mini 2 and iPad 4 and newer models, and the iPod Touch sixth generation.


Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Brian Jackson
Brian Jacksonhttp://www.itbusiness.ca
Editorial director of IT World Canada. Covering technology as it applies to business users. Multiple COPA award winner and now judge. Paddles a canoe as much as possible.

ITB in your inbox

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

More Slideshows