What New Features Can Users Expect in Apple's iOS Preview?

Apple is cooking up a range of new features for iPhone users, and some of the most exciting developments go beyond just the newest devices. From turning the classic ring/silent switch into a productivity tool to refining the Music app experience, these iOS updates hint at a smarter, more fluid user interface and deeper AI integration.

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Turn the Ringer Switch into a Focus Mode Toggle

While the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models makes switching Focus modes easy, older iPhones with the traditional ring/silent toggle have been left out—until now. Apple is testing functionality that lets users reassign that classic switch to change Focus modes on the fly. The setting, still in development, could give users the choice to maintain its original function or expand its role to better manage notifications and stay focused.

Smooth Navigation Transitions for Easier One-Hand Use

Apple appears to be refining the way users move through apps. A new “fluid” animation is being tested within standard navigation stacks, making back-swiping easier and more intuitive. Unlike the current design, this new method allows users to swipe back from anywhere on the screen, not just the far-left edge—particularly helpful for right-handed use on larger iPhones.

Apple Arcade Gets a More Prominent “All Games” Shortcut

Accessing the full catalog of Apple Arcade titles is about to become more straightforward. A new button, now placed near user settings in the Arcade tab of the App Store, lets users instantly view all available games without needing to scroll to the bottom.

Smarter Camera Control for iPhone 16 Devices

Apple is also fine-tuning Camera Control features exclusive to the iPhone 16 series. One test allows the iPhone to automatically open the Camera app when it’s held in a natural “photo-taking” position—landscape orientation with the camera grip at the top right.

Another change involves Game Mode, which currently disables Camera Control. Now, Apple is experimenting with adaptive sensitivity while gaming, making accidental photo triggers less likely during intense gameplay.

Visual Intelligence Gets a Shortcut & Debug Tools

Apple’s Visual Intelligence, the AI-driven feature that identifies objects and places via the camera, is getting more accessible. A Control Center shortcut is reportedly in the works, potentially allowing users to activate the feature without pressing the Camera Control button. This could also mean users of slightly older models, like the iPhone 15 Pro, might gain easier access.

Digging deeper, Apple seems to be testing a Visual Intelligence Debug Panel on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This tool shows live text detection, adds visual markers like boxes and pins, and even includes a toggle for potential video analysis, hinting at future use cases like video-based object recognition.

ChatGPT Prompt Editor Hidden in Debug Mode

In an intriguing twist, Apple appears to be testing a prompt editor for ChatGPT within the debug tools. This editor outlines how prompts are constructed before being sent to ChatGPT—placing limits like avoiding references to user-supplied content, sticking to neutral tones, and suppressing unsolicited advice. It offers a rare peek into Apple’s approach to responsible AI design and control.

Messages and Music App UI Refreshes

The Messages app is seeing minor but notable updates. Pinned threads now benefit from the new fluid transition animation, and users can quickly pin a chat by swiping right on any message thread.

In the Music app, the persistent bottom bar that displays playback controls is being revamped. New AirPlay routing options will let users more easily switch between playback devices or pull a queue from another AirPlay source. Swipe gestures are also being added to this bar for skipping tracks or managing queues, and a new Add button lets users connect more devices quickly.

What to Expect Next

While these features are still in the testing phase and may not all make it into the final release, it’s clear that Apple is focused on making iOS smarter, more intuitive, and more customizable for both old and new devices. Whether it’s repurposing existing hardware, enhancing multitasking, or introducing smarter AI tools, the future of iOS looks more seamless than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to future iOS releases.

Source: 9to5Mac