iOS 11 Download, Install, Functions and Everything You Need to Know

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iOS 11 is the current new version of iOS for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. iOS 11 appeared to the public on September 19, 2017. As this is a major update, many small and large details have changed. There is a new Files app and Dock on the iPad, a new App Store and natural Siri voices. What are the iOS 11 functions, how do you install iOS 11 and on what devices does iOS 11 work? In this iOS 11 overview, you can read everything about this version.

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iOS 11 Download, Install, Functions and Everything You Need to Know

We will update this article for every iOS 11 updates now and in the future. So, bookmark this article to know more about iOS 11. Let us get started:
  • In brief 
  • Support 
  • Functions 
  • How to install 
  • Versions

iOS 11 in short

These are the most important facts about iOS 11:
  • The iOS 11 version is of 2017. 
  • Announced on June 5th during WWDC 2017. 
  • Appeared on September 19 for iPhone 5s and newer. 
  • Appeared simultaneously with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
  • Multiple betas appeared and in the course of 2017-2018, multiple updates will also appear. 
  • iOS 11 is not suitable for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c, these devices, therefore, fall off.
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What are the iOS 11 compatible devices?

In iOS 11, Apple no longer supports devices with a 32-bit processor. Also for apps, 32-bit is no longer supported, so many outdated apps from the App Store will no longer work. The apps which have not been updated for several years.

Only the following iPhones and iPads are suitable for iOS 11:
  • iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus 
  • iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X (preinstalled) 
  • iPad Pro 1st and 2nd generation, 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch 
  • iPad Air, iPad Air 2 and 9.7-inch iPad 2017 
  • iPad mini 2, 3 and 4 
  • iPod touch 6th generation
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What are the iOS 11 functions?

These are the innovations in iOS 11:
  • Files app for managing your documents. 
  • New Dock on the iPad, which is intelligently filled. 
  • Multitasking with four apps simultaneously on the iPad. 
  • Drag & Drop on the iPad can drag texts, photos and more. 
  • New Apple Pencil functions for photos and notes. 
  • QuickType keyboard improved, so you have to change less. 
  • Augmented Reality in iOS 11 thanks to ARKit. 
  • Live Photos: new features such as repeating and bouncing. 
  • Camera in iOS 11 gets a space-saving photo and video formats. 
  • New App Store with new tips every day. 
  • iMessage gets a new app drawer. 
  • Siri becomes more natural and versatile. 
  • Apple Music shows what your friends are listening to. 
  • AirPlay 2 allows you to build a multiroom system. 
  • Control the control centre in iOS 11 to your own preference. 
  • Do not disturb while driving. 
  • Apple Maps receives airport maps and lane designation. 
  • HomeKit is less strict in iOS 11. 
  • Even more iOS 11 functions.

1. Files app in iOS 11

The new Files app brings all your files together. You can search, view and organize files in one place, with your recent files easily retrievable. This new app is similar to the iCloud Drive app, but also offers the ability to store files locally (offline). The Files app works with external storage services such as Box and Dropbox.

2. New Dock on the iPad in iOS 11 

files-on-ios11With the new Dock, you will have a faster access to apps that you use on the iPad. You just have to swipe to open another app. All your favourite apps are shown in it, much more flexible than before. The Dock adapts according to your activities. For example, you will see the recently opened apps, or apps you were working on on the iPhone or Mac.

3. Multitasking in iOS 11 

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In iOS 11, multitasking is even easier and more intuitive, especially on the iPad. You can view four apps simultaneously on the screen. You can also open a second app directly from the Dock, after which both apps remain active in Split View and Slide Over. The app selector (App Switcher) has also been updated and shows more apps at the same time.

4. Drag & Drop on the iPad 

With Drag & Drop, you can drag texts, photos and files from one app to another. Almost everything you see on the screen can be dragged. This works best in multitasking view on the iPad.

5. More features for Apple Pencil in iOS 11 

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In iOS 11 the Apple Pencil gets more to do, for example, a faster response time, easier handwritten texts and marking texts on websites. With functions such as Direct Marking, Direct Note and Direct Insert you can work more flexible with your Apple Pencil. And with the built-in document scanner in the Notes app, you can immediately scan and sign forms with your Pencil.

6. A QuickType keyboard in iOS 11

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The QuickType keyboard in iOS 11 has been updated. You will now find all letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation marks all on the same keyboard, without having to switch. This allows you to select what you are looking for with a quick movement. The QuickType keyboard is the general name for the keyboard in iOS.

7 Augmented Reality in iOS 11 thanks to ARKit 

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In iOS 11, augmented reality applications are possible. Amazing isn't it?. Apple is introducing ARKit in iOS 11, which allows developers to build AR apps for iPhone and iPad. These apps and games lay an extra digital layer over reality, through which you see objects in the picture, which are not there in reality. This offers spectacular experiences, creating a new reality.

8. Live Photos in iOS 11: repeat and bounce 

Live Photos become more creative and fun in iOS 11. You can convert Live Photos to a video that keeps repeating itself. You can also play Live Photos backwards or give a longer exposure. This creates a special effect with light stripes when moving car lights and at the fairground. You can also edit Live Photos.

9. Camera: new photo and video format 

Photos and videos only take up to half of the normal storage space, thanks to the switch to HEIF and HEVC, two new file formats. These offer better compression while the quality remains the same. Apple has also included new filters in iOS 11, and portrait photos look more natural to the skin tones.

10. New App Store in iOS 11 

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The App Store has a new look in iOS 11 so you can discover new apps and games more easily. There will be a new tab called Today, with daily app news, tips and featured apps. Games also have their own part within the App Store and there are interviews, app lists and an App of the day. The Podcasts app in iOS 11 also gets a makeover, with the same Apple Music - like appearance.

11. iMessage gets a new app drawer 

In iMessage, you will find a new app load, with which you can more easily share emoji, stickers and games with your friends. There are much more new features which you can easily experience while using it.

12. Siri becomes more natural and versatile 

In iOS11, Apple will provide Siri with a new natural voice, where you have the choice of a man or woman. Thanks to self-learning software, Siri can help you with more tasks, such as translating sentences into Chinese, Spanish, French, German or Italian. Siri can also now recommend music tracks based on your personal taste.

13. Apple Music: listen to what your friends are listening to 

In iOS 11 you can see in Apple Music which music tracks your friends are listening to. You can follow people in Apple Music and see which playlists you and your friends have shared. You can also easily find frequently played albums and radio stations.

14. AirPlay 2 for multiroom systems 

With AirPlay 2 you will have more possibilities to stream music in your home. You'll have more control over your stereo system and all the speakers at home. You can set the volume differently for each room. 

15. New Control Panel in iOS 11 is more flexible 

In iOS 11 you can set the Control Panel for yourself. You can indicate which functions should be present in the Control Panel, for example, the Home app and the recording app. This function has also been given a new look. With 3D Touch, you get to see even more options.

16. Do Not Disturb While Driving 

The iPhone can now automatically detect when you are driving a Car. If you have activated the special Do Not Disturb feature for driving, the screen will turn black so that you are not distracted. Everyone who tries to reach you can automatically let you know that you are driving and can not be disturbed.

17. Apple Maps gets floor plans and lanes 

Apple Maps also shows maps of shopping centres and airports in iOS 11, with an indication of the restaurants and other facilities that can be found there. You will also receive a timely message during navigation that you have to pre-sort so that you will never miss a turn. You also see what the speed limit is.

18. HomeKit is less strict in iOS 11 

In iOS 11, Apple will ease the rules for HomeKit accessories. There is no longer a need for a special hardware chip because the approval can also be arranged with software. Everyone can now use HomeKit accessories for home use. Moreover, HomeKit now works with sprinklers and taps.

Even more iOS 11 functions 

There are many more iOS 11 functions and we will be discussing them in the upcoming articles with clear images and explanations.

How do I install iOS 11?

If you have a suitable device, a message will automatically appear on your screen that iOS 11 is available. If this is not the case, you can go through the following steps to install iOS 11 manually.
  • Open the Settings on your iDevice. 
  • Tap General> Software update. 
  • Follow the steps on the screen to install the update.
Is there no update to see, but is your device suitable? Then you still have to be patient or try to install via iTunes. Make sure you stick to this step-by-step process and everything goes smoothly!

Install iOS 11 via iTunes

It is also possible to install iOS 11 via iTunes. Do you have less free space on your iDevice, then this can be a handy alternative for the one with little storage space on their iPhone. Follow the steps below if you want to install iOS via iTunes:
  • Make sure your iDevice is connected to your computer with a cable. 
  • Open iTunes and select iDevice by clicking on the icon. 
  • If you have the Overview tab in view, you can click the Search for update button. 
  • Then follow the steps on the screen to install iOS 11 on your iDevice via iTunes.

Which iOS 11 versions have appeared? 

The following iOS 11 updates have since appeared:

VERSION
RELEASE DATE
CHANGELOG
iOS 11
2017-09-19
First version with the functions mentioned above.
iOS 11.0.1
2017-09-26
Fixed small errors, including e-mail problem for Microsoft users.
iOS 11.0.2
2017-10-03
Fixed small errors, including cracking ear speaker with iPhone 8 Plus.
iOS 11.0.3
2017-10-11
Fixed small errors, including haptic feedback and audio.
iOS 11.1
2017-10-31
More than 70 new emojis and 3D Touch app chooser.
iOS 11.1.1
2017-11-09
Fix errors with autocorrect and Siri.
iOS 11.1.2
2017-11-16
Solution for screen problems at varying temperatures on iPhone X.
iOS 11.2
2017-12-02
Solution for Calculator bug, faster wireless charging and more.
iOS 11.2.1
2017-12-13
Resolves a leak in the HomeKit security.
iOS 11.2.2
2018-01-08
Improves security for Specter vulnerability.
iOS 11.2.5
2018-01-23
Provides support for the HomePod and resolves the ChaiOS bug.
iOS 11.2.6
2018-02-19
Resolves the Telugu bug, causing iPhones and iPads to crash with a certain character.
iOS 11.3
2018-03-30
Many small improvements, see our overview of iOS 11.3 functions.

This is all about the iOS 11, the new iPhone, iPad and iPod OS. I hope this article will help you to understand all the features, functions, installation and everything about the iOS 11. If you have any queries regarding iOS 11 let us know them in the comments below and we will provide you with the best answer we got. 

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