iOS 10 release date, features and rumours: iOS 10 users no longer allowed to upgrade or downgrade to iOS 10.3.2

iOS 10 was announced at WWC in June 2016, with an immediate developer beta release, followed by a public beta release in July. The first completed version was released in September 2016, with several updates having been made since then.

Here we round up all of the latest news about Apple's latest mobile OS and break down its key features.

At-a-glance

• iOS 10 was released on 13 September
• iOS 10.3 available for users to download now
• It has 10 key features revamped, with the user experience front of mind
• Much of the functionality has been opened up to developers

iOS 10 news

10/08/2017: iOS 10 users no longer allowed to upgrade or downgrade to iOS 10.3.2

Following the release of iOS 10.3.3 last month, Apple has stopped 'signing' iOS 10.3.2, meaning if anyone wants to downgrade to the previous iteration of the platform for any reason (for example if their device is playing up after installing the new update), they won't be able to.

It also means users running version 10.3.1 will have to jump straight to 10.3.3 rather than incrementally upgrading their device to iOS 10.3.2.

Although it's a rather rough tactic by Apple to encourage iPhone and iPad users to upgrade to the latest firmware, it's always a good idea to upgrade to the most current version, which will include all the latest bug and security fixes, making it less likely your phone will behave erratically.

Preventing users from running version 10.3.2 will also stop jailbreakers, by fixing the vulnerabilities often found in older versions that are commonly used for jailbreaking. This is why users who like tinkering with their device often hold back from upgrading the firmware. If they do make the jump, they'll then have to wait for the next jailbreak to be released before hacking their device again.

Aside from these reasons, it's also pretty likely Apple has stopped signing iOS 10.3.2 because it's prepping for the release of iOS 11, due to happen in September.

iOS 10 release date

iOS 10 was made available as a developer preview following the Apple WWDC keynote on 13th June, with a public beta launched in July. The final, or Golden Master, was made available from 9 September through Apple's Beta Program. The free upgrade for general users was released on 13 September 2016, following the iPhone 7's reveal on 7 September.

iOS 10 price

Available as a free upgrade, iOS 10 will work on iPhone 5 and later devices, all iPad Air and iPad Pro models, in addition to fourth generation iPad and later models, iPad mini 2 and later and iPod touch sixth generation onwards. More information is available atApple's iOS 10 preview site.

iOS 10 features

Apple spent a great deal of time going through key iOS 10 features during its WWDC keynote, covering a range of use cases and pleasing developers and end users alike.

"iOS 10 is our biggest release ever, with delightful new ways to express yourself in Messages, a native app for home automation and beautifully redesigned apps for Music, Maps, andNews that are more intuitive and more powerful, making everything you love about your iPhone and iPad even better," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of SoftwareEngineering.

"iOS 10 adds Siri intelligence into QuickType and Photos, automates your home with the new Home app and opens up Siri, Maps, Phone and Messages to developers - whileincreasing security and privacy with powerful technologies like Differential Privacy."

Messaging

The most frequently used iOS app is messages, according to Apple. So it's no surprise it has gone to town in revamping this element in iOS 10. New elements here include powerful animations, features to better reflect tone and more extensive use of and support for Emojis.

Siri

By openingSiri up to developers in iOS 10, Apple is ensuring that users will benefit from an even better experience. SiriKit means developers can work across a broad range of features, harnessing the intelligence and power Siri offers and making apps even better for the people who use them the most.

Maps reimagined

Maps have been given more than a lick of paint in iOS 10. They are also much easier and more intuitive to use. OpenTable and Uber, to pick just two examples, become much more advanced apps with iOS 10 as users can book services directly from withing Maps rather than having to exit and return. Maps will then learn from that experience to proactively deliver guidance based on where you might want or need to go next.

Photos app

AI will again be utilised heavily here to ensure the memories that matter most to users are at their fingertips. Memories will scan all the pics and videos you've taken and present them in a way that makes you think back to that time fondly. It can do this thanks to advanced computer vision, which connects the dots between people, places and things inside your device's albums.

Smarter home with HomeKit

Users can more effectively control their home environments with advanced controls that add smart elements at the touch of a button or voice command. Almost 100 home automation products have already adopted HomeKit in 2016, proving the appeal of this kind of technological innovation.

Apple Music and News

Music and News have also been given a makeover in iOS 10. Both are designed to offer the user more but without the need to get to grips with something new. In particular, Apple Music's Browse, For You and Library features are designed to connect users with the tunes that matter most and will most impact them.

Other features

There is also a range of other tweaks to excite users. These include:

• Ability to set a regular sleep schedule with the Bedtime Alarm
• Apple Pay support for purchases on select websites, which can be authenticated via Apple Watch or iPhone
• Integration for third-party VoIP calls, voicemail transcription and caller ID extension to avoid spam
• Safari split-view for iPad, Notes collaboration and Live Photos editing
• QuickType features such as contextual predictions that harness power of Siri's intelligence