iOS 10: All the big features and how to get it

Extensive iMessage overhaul, new Siri capabilities and the option of deleting Apple apps rank highly

The next iteration of Apple's iOS software is nearly here.

iOS 10 was extensively previewed on stage at Apple's 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference before a full consumer launch in September, close to or alongside the rollout of the tech giant's next smartphone, the iPhone 7.

However, there is a way to get your hands on it earlier – by signing up for Apple's public beta phase in July.

Here are the new features you'll find on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch later this year.

New iMessage features

On the surface, iMessage looks exactly the same, but underneath lie new features and ways to get your message across.

First, the useful stuff: iMessage will support rich, inline links. As Wired puts it: "You can play videos from YouTube or songs from Music without bailing out to another app." The platform is also being opened up to third-party developers, so apps can be specifically built for the feature - and there's even an app drawer in which to store them.

As for the fun stuff, emoji fans ought to be pleased as the icons are now three times bigger and there's a hugely useful new way to access them – simply type up a message and emojifiable words will highlight yellow. A simple tap replaces the text with an icon.

There's also a new degree of animation to messages, with stickers you can layer on top of text and speech bubbles that can rumble, move, inflate and deflate to add emphasis. You'll also find quick reply options to send a fast thumbs-up, alongside a handful of other options.

Added to this is an "Invisible Ink" feature, so certain content can only be read if you deliberately access it. iMessage also now supports handwritten scribbles allowing users to send crude sketches and responses, and there are fully animated background effects so you can, for example, wish someone a happy birthday with virtual glitter and balloons.

Siri opens to developers

Apple has created a Siri developers kit to let the personal assistant play ball with an increasing number of third-party apps.

What this means is you'll be able to use Siri to operate many of the apps on your device without having to open them. For instance, you'll be able to book the likes of Lyft and Uber simply by asking Siri. It should pave the way to many more apps being available.

New lock screen

The most noticeable change in terms of the way iOS looks is found on the lock screen, which MacRumors calls a "rich notifications" screen. It packs more functions and displays more information while the device is locked.

It's all uncovered by a "raise to wake" system, in which the display turns on and the lock screen shows up without the user having to press anything. The redesigned notification bubbles are also more interactive as well as smarter – they will update in real-time, so you're less likely to come across an unseen notification well past its expiry date. Widgets make an appearance, too.

iPhone 6S users and those keen to adopt the next iPhone will get the most out of the new system – users will be able to pop into notifications from the lock screen and respond quickly to messages without unlocking the phone.

Photos overhaul

Faces and Places are back in a big way , with facial and object recognition allowing images to be grouped by content. You'll be able to quickly access photographs of specific people and keyword search for certain objects. Places will do the same, but based on location.

There's also an all-new feature called Memories. 9to5Mac says it works "like a slideshow on steroids", patching together short films and slideshows using the Faces and Places software.

Other additions

Maps, News, and Apple Music get a redesign, becoming simpler to look at and more intuitive to use, while the all-new and much rumoured "Home" app for use with HomeKit appliances and fittings makes an appearance.

However, should it be of no use, here's some brilliant news – iOS 10 finally introduces the option to rid the iPhone home screen of Apple's stock apps. While not technically deleting them – they will still take up space on the phone – it's possible to completely hide them using the same method to delete third-party apps.

In addition, a "Wake Alarm" function allows you to set a recurring alarm, a prompt to get into bed and sleep-tracking abilities. Control Centre has been redesigned, Siri can now transcribe voicemail, typing messages and emails will sometimes offer up contextual suggestions and last but not least, typing now has a new sound effect.

Mashable lists some of the other small new features Apple didn't have time to cover in its iOS 10 reveal, one of them possibly pointing at the photographic capabilities of the iPhone 7. The new system allows you to shoot photographs in RAW format over the JPEG file type currently supported. "Photographers swear by RAW," says the site, adding that you'll also be able to edit the photos.

There's also a new way to optimise storage via a feature that automatically deletes songs that you don't listen to, although while this is handy if you store songs locally, it's fairly pointless for Apple Music and other cloud-based music-stream users.

Support for some of Apple's older devices will be dropped. Users of the iPhone 4S or older won't get iOS 10. The original iPad Mini isn't compatible with the software neither, nor the iPad 2 and 3.

Launch

As mentioned, iOS 10 will launch in full sometime in September, coinciding with the release of the upcoming iPhone 7. It will be possible to get hold of a beta version for free during July by signing up on the Apple website.

There is, however, a way to get hold of iOS 10 right now.

As Alphr points out, app developers have already been granted access to the system and by joining Apple's developer's programme, you'll be able to download the software today.

It's not wholly recommended, however. Being early beta software, it's bound to be quite buggy. In addition, you'll have to pay for the privilege – a fee of around £70 gets you onto the programme.