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iOS 10.3 Update: What's New & Should You Upgrade?

By Avery Pacheco, 08/04/2017, updated on 14/01/2022

Apple recently released its iOS 10.3 update. As expected iOS 10.3 is a huge update for Apple's mobile devices bringing new features, fixes and a ton of security patches with it. Today we want to take a close look at everything we know – what is new and whether you should upgrade or not.

1.Here's an overview of changes discovered during the beta period:

-Find My AirPods added to Find My iPhone app-Siri support for cricket scores from Indian Premier League and International Cricket Council-Safari support for Reduced Motion preference-Prominent user security section in Settings app-iOS 10.3 uses new Apple File System (APFS) which may free up some space-Podcasts app has a widget like Music app, same app design-New system level way for developers to request app rating, opt out option in Settings-CarPlay status bar has persistent quick access to media, communication, and travel apps for quick switching without accessing the Home screen-CarPlay gains quick access to albums from songs in Music, new Up Next screen-Weather data in Maps app now has 3D Touch forecast

iOS 10.3

2. Apple ID Profile

There is now a new Apple ID profile section in the Settings app that you'll see at the very top of the first screen. It gives you access to a single page where you'll find your full contact profile, security settings, payment information, iCloud account details, App Store settings, Family Sharing settings and a bit more.

Also of note, this page displays every Apple device where you're currently signed in.

3. Apple File System(APFS)

APFS replaces an older file system, known as the HFS, or Hierarchical File System. According to The Verge, HFS was a storage system originally meant for use with floppy disks. So it was definitely time for an upgrade. APFS will be able to take advantage of flash drives and other newer technology to utilize space better.

APFS

After installing 10.3, go to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage. You may notice that you now have slightly more available space. Twitter users have been quick to call attention to and praise the improvement.

Important: Before installing iOS 10.3, you are advised to backup your iPhone, or your files can be erased.

4. Find My AirPods

iOS 10.3 introduces "Find My AirPods," a new feature designed to make it easier to keep track of Apple's recently released wireless earphones.

Find My iPod

Find My AirPods is located within the "Find My iPhone" app on iOS devices and iCloud.com. If the AirPods are out of the case and connected to the iPhone, they'll show up on the Find My iPhone map just like an iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac.

If your AirPods are in the case or not currently connected, the last known location will be displayed. If your AirPods haven't been in use at all recently, they'll be listed as "offline."

Find My AirPods has its limitations because it's not able to work when the AirPods aren't connected to an iOS device via Bluetooth, but the feature can help you locate AirPods lost nearby and it gives clues as to where your AirPods might be found if they're lost out of the range of the iPhone.

5. App Store Ratings and Reviews

Developers have long criticized Apple's app review system, complaining that unlike with Android's system, they can't respond to user reviews. This has created problems when a customer leaves a negative review about a feature that they either don't understand or aren't using correctly. The feature will also be available in the Mac App Store

App Storre Review

In iOS 10.3, when a developer responds to a review, their response will also be published in the App Store for other customers to see. This will allow developers to respond to undeserved negative reviews and help customers better understand how to use an app.