In the month or so since the launch of the iPhone 6s, it’s become pretty clear that Apple’s latest iPhone iteration is well worth the hype. Featuring upgrades that go beyond simple aesthetics, it has been heralded by some as the “best iPhone Apple has ever made.” With the new 6s, users can now:
1. Create animated wallpapers
Using the iPhone’s new Live Photos option, you can now create your own animated GIFs with the push of a button. Live Photos are not quite videos, but they definitely aren’t still photographs, either. The 6s can record 1.5 seconds before and after photos are taken, creating both still and animated versions of the picture being taken. You can then share either one with your family and friends, or set it as your lock or home screen wallpaper.
2. “Peek and Pop”
You’ve most likely heard of the new 3D Touch functionality the 6s now offers. But what can it do? By pressing down a little harder on your screen, you can “peek” into other apps or areas of your phone without actually opening up any new app, or closing out the one you’re currently using. You can then “pop” back to where you were, or to any other app that you need to get to ASAP, by lifting your finger over the proper space on your screen.
3. Unlock it
Just because you bought an iPhone under a specific cellular provider doesn’t mean you should be stuck with that provider if you want to make a switch. And you certainly shouldn’t have to get a brand new phone when switching providers if absolutely nothing is wrong with the actual device. But not all carriers think the same of this matter, so sometimes you have to take things into your own hands.
This is not so much a new function of the 6s as it is a piece of information all iPhone owners should keep handy so they don’t end up shelling out a ridiculous amount of money to their new and old service providers if they choose to switch. It’s your phone—you should be free to do what you want with it.
4. Find your phone around your house easily
Well, this new function isn’t meant exclusively to find a misplaced phone, but it definitely helps. Siri can now be activated at any time simply by saying “Hey Siri.” Although this function is available for older phones as well, they have to be plugged in for it to work correctly. With the 6s, Siri will respond to your calls of “Hey Siri” without needing to be tethered to the wall. Of course, if your phone is under your couch cushion or a pile of clothes, you might have to raise your voice a little bit.
5. Search for settings
THANK YOU APPLE. We no longer have to spend an inordinate amount of time looking through all the settings menus to find the option we’re looking to change. Need to delete some app data? Search for it. Need to check your storage? Search for it. Can’t remember where you saw the option you need to change? Search for it. Need to disconnect your phone from your friend’s spotty Wi-Fi? Search for it without having to go through menu after menu. And speaking of spotty Wi-Fi…
6. Utilize Wi-Fi Assist
Fair warning: If you don’t have unlimited or fairly high data plan skip this option for now. For the rest of us that can’t stand when a bad Wi-Fi connection gets in the way of our Pandora dance session, iPhones now offer Wi-Fi assistance. This setting will automatically disconnect your phone from a Wi-Fi connection if connectivity is too poor for proper functionality, allowing you to connect straight to your cellular network. If you have data to spare, Wi-Fi assist will keep your Netflix and YouTube videos streaming continuously, even when your home network is at max capacity.
