iOS 10 Coming September 13

iOS 10 birthday messages.

Apple announced today that its newest mobile-device operating system software, iOS 10, will be released on September 13.

Apple CEO Tim Cook described iOS 10 as the “biggest release ever” for iOS users. The new operating system includes major updates for a wide variety of apps, services, and features, including Messages, Siri, Photos, Maps, Apple Music, News, Apple Pay, Control Center, and more.

One of the most significant changes is one you’re likely to encounter first. The famous “Slide to unlock” that’s been an iPhone staple since Steve Jobs revealed it at Macworld in 2007, is gone. Slide to unlock has been replaced by “Press home to unlock” — the iOS 10 way to unlock your device.

Messages offers fun new features, such as animations that take over the whole screen to, for example, wish someone a happy birthday. iOS 10 also enables users to change the way their speech bubbles look. Also users can send “hidden” messages or images that will reveal themselves upon being swiped.

Siri is more sophisticated in iOS 10, too. It now works with 3rd-party apps, so you can tell it to call an Uber, for example. Maps, too, is more sophisticated, with the ability to make proactive suggestions for where you’re likely to go and the fastest way to get there.

The new Home app lets you turn on lights, unlock doors, and even raise your window shades — all at once, if you like.

With iOS 10, you can simply lift your phone to wake it. Your (redesigned) notifications will be waiting.

iOS 10 also offers a redesigned lock screen, a more easily accessible camera and a new widgets screen.

Check out this video from Apple to learn more about the new features of iOS 10.