Apple recently released iOS 10.3, which is a significant update for iPhone and iPad. At first glance, there are not any aviation-specific features that will benefit pilots in the airplane, but there are lots of small changes to Siri, CarPlay, the Home app and Airpods support (see the complete list of what’s new at the end of this article).
As with all iOS updates, we strongly suggest that you hold off on updating your devices until your aviation app and accessory developers have time to test compatibility with the new software. One thing unique to this update is that Apple is switching to a new file system in iOS 10.3, which should result in a more stable platform. Because of this, it’s very important that you first back up your device before starting the update process.
Here’s the full list of updates listed by Apple:
iOS 10.3 introduces new features including the ability to locate AirPods using Find my iPhone and more ways to use Siri with payment, ride booking and automaker apps.
Find My iPhone
– View the current or last known location of your AirPods
– Play a sound on one or both AirPods to help you find them
Siri
– Support for paying and checking status of bills with payment apps
– Support for scheduling with ride booking apps
– Support for checking car fuel level, lock status, turning on lights and activating horn with automaker apps
– Cricket sports scores and statistics for Indian Premier League and International Cricket Council
CarPlay
– Shortcuts in the status bar for easy access to last used apps
– Apple Music Now Playing screen gives access to Up Next and the currently playing song’s album
– Daily curated playlists and new music categories in Apple Music
Other improvements and fixes
– Rent once and watch your iTunes movies across your devices
– New Settings unified view for your Apple ID account information, settings and devices
– Hourly weather in Maps using 3D Touch on the displayed current temperature
– Support for searching “parked car” in Maps
– Calendar adds the ability to delete an unwanted invite and report it as junk
– Home app support to trigger scenes using accessories with switches and buttons
– Home app support for accessory battery level status
– Podcasts support for 3D Touch and Today widget to access recently updated shows
– Podcast shows or episodes are shareable to Messages with full playback support
– Fixes an issue that could prevent Maps from displaying your current location after resetting Location & Privacy
– VoiceOver stability improvements for Phone, Safari and Mail
Source: Ipad appsiOS Update Green Light program: What’s new in iOS 10.3