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iOS 9.3 Preview: First look at Night Shift mode, Touch ID Notes, new 3D Touch quick actions, much more [Video]

iOS 9.3 3D Touch

This week’s iOS 9.3 beta software update for iPhone and iPad is a pretty major release for a mid-cycle version. New features including the F.lux-like Night Shift which lets you change the color temperature of your display and Touch ID plus secure passwords for Notes feel more major version features. Other parts like new 3D Touch quick actions for many of Apple’s stock apps feel more like playing catch up, but overall iOS 9.3 is shaping up to be an impressive release. Check out the details below:

iOS 9.3 also includes new Siri languages including Hebrew, Finnish, and Malay, as well as the ability to pair multiple Apple Watches to one iPhone. Apple Watch users can also now view Activity data in the Health app, and detailed Workout data in the Activity app. These changes make Apple’s fitness featured much more integrated than before.

And on the iPad, there’s a whole new education-focused update included with features like user accounts by Apple ID, although these are currently only available to educational institutions. Still, iOS 9.3 has a lot to go around for everyone.

Check out our hands-on video with iOS 9.3 below:

For more details on iOS 9.3, check out our coverage this week of Apple’s upcoming software update as well as what’s new with Apple TV, Apple Watch, the Mac, and CarPlay:

 

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Comments

  1. chrisl84 - 8 years ago

    I am pretty pleased Night Shift is coming, blue light is very bad for eye sight. This will be great for people

  2. Night Shift Mode is not support on older model devices such as the iPhone 5s and back.

    • Tom Hank - 8 years ago

      I agree with you. I am facing the same problem. I would love to this feature but I can’t. That’s why I am using a screen protector which can help me to prevent harmful blue and helps me to sleep well. Currently I am using ocushield screen protector and it is effective.

  3. 89p13 - 8 years ago

    I was able to install the OTA profile and successfully update my iPhone 6s Plus and my iPad Air 2 (both w/128 Gb) via the OTA method. The iPad Air 2 downloaded in about 5 minutes (home wireless network) and installed after about 10 minutes of installing. The iPhone took about an hour to download – work which suffers from notoriously slow wireless – and about 12 minutes to install

    NONE of my 3rd party software has been affected, the password protected Notes work great, and I’m still not convinced about the “Night Mode” usefulness for me – but YMMV.

    For me – it’s been a pain free and welcome update. As always – YMMV!

    • Ravin Deokilall - 8 years ago

      Does IOS 9.3 only available to developers? Because I currently have 9.2.1 but does not get 9.3 OTA??

      • Dave Howarth - 8 years ago

        I’m in the same boat. I’ve tried everything and it’s not showing up. I’ve restarted the phone, resubscribed to the beta program and still saying 9.2.1 is up to date.

      • Camille Schafer - 8 years ago

        I just got it today.

  4. virtualstorm - 8 years ago

    Can I sync my iBooks with Mac OSX iBooks as well? (10.11.3)

  5. Jake Becker - 8 years ago

    I have no idea why Duplicate was never an option before but I’m glad it’s here.

  6. David Pippy (@Dave_idP) - 8 years ago

    Now we know the true reason why Apple removed Flux from the iOS app store.

  7. Kevin Sloan - 8 years ago

    New Orleans!

    • Zac Hall - 8 years ago

      Yep! One of my favorite places to visit.

      • Jeremy Horwitz - 8 years ago

        Golden Girls!

  8. Dave Howarth - 8 years ago

    Is anyone else not seeing the update? I have been a beta user on my 6plus since before iOS 9 even came out and I’m stoked about getting 9.3 but it keeps saying that 9.2.1 is up to date. I’ve restarted my phone, I’ve resubscribed to the beta program but nothings changed. Anyone else having this issue? Any advice would be appreciated.

  9. griffinjar - 8 years ago

    Please don’t use the word ‘finally’ it’s really not becoming of a usually more mature approach to all things Apple / tech.

  10. maxleopold - 8 years ago

    Night Watch seems to be limited to newer iPads, I do not see it on my iPad 2…

  11. I set the Notes app password and activated TouchID. When I went into the Notes app it didn’t prompt me for password or TouchID… is this a bug or am I doing it wrong?

  12. Maybe there is a bug for Notes app, seems like after setting password and touch ID, opening the app doesn’t prompt anything.

  13. Lisa Palikhe - 8 years ago

    went into settings and set up password for notes but its not working at all. anyone facing same issue?quite disappointed to be fair..was so excited about secure my notes

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.