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iOS 9.3 arrives today, and here’s everything you need to know

The new mobile operating system is getting some much-needed changes.

 

Selena Larson

Tech

Posted on Mar 21, 2016   Updated on May 27, 2021, 1:41 am CDT

Your eyes might suffer a bit less nighttime strain once you update your mobile device to the latest iOS. Apple’s newest software upgrade for iPhones and iPads, iOS 9.3, which is slated to arrive today, brings with it a handful of new features focusing on wellness, privacy, and collaboration. 

At an event on Tuesday, Apple said it’s one of the biggest “dot” releases the company has ever done. 

Night Shift

Apple

You might recognize Night Shift as Apple’s answer to F.lux, the third-party app that allows you to automatically change the warmth or coolness of the light on your screen based on what time it is. It’s meant to help cut down on devices’ blue light before we go to sleep, which can mess with our circadian rhythms and make it difficult to get a good night’s rest.

Apple Health updates

Apple

Other healthy updates include new additions to the Health app. Apple will now integrate with a handful of third-party apps, putting data like weight, activity, and sleep into one simple interface. Additionally, Apple Health will pull data from your Apple Watch so you can view your fitness goals, standing time, and other activity in the dashboard. There’s still no support for Fitbit, though. 

Locking down your notes

Apple

With iOS 9.3, you’ll be able to lockdown anything on the notes app that might contain personal information. The new feature protects your most private information through a password or Touch ID. 

News is improved

Apple’s lackluster News app is getting more personalized. Apple will now tailor the articles “For You” based upon your interests and you’ll be able to play videos directly in the feed. 

For teachers and parents

Apple

iPads are among the most popular devices for interactive learning at school. Now Apple is making it easier for teachers and students to share information with managed Apple IDs and the ability for students to share iPads and log into any device with their own Apple IDs. Administrators can use the company’s new Apple School Manager to set up and create courses, IDs, and keep track of students’ progress from one central portal. 

Photo via Apple

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*First Published: Mar 21, 2016, 3:25 pm CDT