By now you've probably heard that Apple is offering new iPhones starting this Friday, September 22nd with some pretty cool new features. However, you won't necessarily have to buy a new device to get all this fancy goodness.

On Tuesday, Apple will update it's iOS mobile operating software, bringing a sheen look to older devices and most notably the advent of augmented reality.

To qualify, you'll need a recent iPhone, either: the SE, 5S, 6, 6S and 6S Plus, 7 or 7Plus. The software will also work on most current iPads and iPod Touch. (Of course, if you're buying the 8 and 8 Plus, the iOS 11 will be pre-loaded.)

Downloading the update will be simple as always. Beginning Tuesday morning, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see the iOS 11 update in there. Plan for it take about 30 minutes to an hour and plug your phone in during the update.

It's always a good idea to back up your phone before you add the software.
Some of the new features of note are:

Augmented Reality: The idea is that you'll be able to mix your reality, like throwing animation into real life, such as Snapchat's dancing hot dog. Experts say as many as 10,000 new AR apps could be on the way from a myriad of developers.

Control Center Update: This will allow you to change settings for the tools you care about most. When you swipe from the bottom up, you get things like airplane mode, camera, flashlight and other popular features. Now, you can add things like voice memos or home automation tools.

Do Not Disturb: To help with distracted driving, Apple's new feature lets you turn off notifications and other disturbances while you drive. But of course, you first must agree to turn it on.

New Filters and Compressions for Photos: If you're always running out of space on your phone to take new pictures, this feature will help you. Basically, the file sizes will be smaller but with the same quality. Apple also has some snazzy new filters coming.

New Expandable Keyboard: Apple says the keyboard will let you "select one-handed typing, and the keys will instantly move closer to your thumb."

Apple Pay for Friends: Kind of like the popular Venmo app, where students split things from pizza bills and rent notices via the peer-to-peer app, Apple is bringing the same technology to its text message network. The advantage is that there is no app to install and Apple already has all your banking information on file.

A Smarter Siri: We seem to hear this every year. Last year we were told that Siri would be added to Apple's apps but that didn't catch on. Siri will allegedly be more expressive and be able to translate phrases in other languages.

 

I guess we'll all see on Tuesday how this new update goes. Or at least the brave souls who will jump on the update early! There has always been a thinking by some experts that you should wait a few days before downloading to allow Apple time to fix issues.

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