Update: iOs 10 in today

The next big update for your iPhone is coming very soon.
iOS 10 – Apple's latest mobile operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPods – goes on general release today. UK iOS users will be offered the upgrade from 6pm.
Apple has previewed its newest version of iOS extensively. The software was unveiled at the firm's annual WWDC conference this summer and fans caught a brief look at the operating system last week when the software was seen running on the new iPhone 7.
Apple has promised fans that iOS 10 is its "biggest iOS release ever". While the new operating system hasn't had a major design overhaul, we can expect many new functions and features.

New iMessage features

One of iOS 10's primary areas of focus is messaging. Apple's messenger platform has big new features built into the latest iOS release. 

First, the useful stuff: iMessage will support rich, inline links. As Wired puts it: "You can play videos from YouTube or songs from Music without bailing out to another app." The platform is also being opened up to third-party developers, so apps can be specifically built for the feature - and there's even an app drawer in which to store them.
As for the fun stuff, emoji fans ought to be pleased as the icons are now three times bigger and there's a hugely useful new way to access them – simply type up a message and emojifiable words will highlight yellow. A simple tap replaces the text with an icon.
There's also a new degree of animation to messages, with stickers you can layer on top of text and speech bubbles that can rumble, move, inflate and deflate to add emphasis. You'll also find quick reply options to send a fast thumbs-up, alongside a handful of other options.
Added to this is an "Invisible Ink" feature, so certain content can only be read if you deliberately access it. iMessage also now supports handwritten scribbles allowing users to send crude sketches and responses, and there are fully animated background effects so you can, for example, wish someone a happy birthday with virtual glitter and balloons.

Siri opens to developers

Apple has created a Siri developers kit to let the personal assistant play ball with an increasing number of third-party apps.
This means that with iOS 10, you can delegate many more tasks to the virtual personal assistant. For instance, you could ask Siri to order you an Uber, or maybe send a message via WhatsApp. 
What this means is you'll be able to use Siri to operate many of the apps on your device without having to open them. For instance, you'll be able to book the likes of Lyft and Uber simply by asking Siri. It should pave the way to many more apps being available.

New lock screen

The most noticeable change in terms of the way iOS looks is found on the lock screen, which MacRumors calls a "rich notifications" screen. It packs more functions and displays more information while the device is locked.
There's also a new widgets system. Swipe left on the lock screen and information like the weather, your calendar and football scores for your favourite team will be displayed, depending on the apps you have already installed.
It's all uncovered by a "raise to wake" system, in which the display turns on and the lock screen shows up without the user having to press anything. The redesigned notification bubbles are also more interactive as well as smarter – they will update in real-time, so you're less likely to come across an unseen notification well past its expiry date. Widgets make an appearance, too.
iPhone 6S users and those keen to adopt the next iPhone will get the most out of the new system – users will be able to pop into notifications from the lock screen and respond quickly to messages without unlocking the phone.

Photos overhaul

Faces and Places are back in a big way , with facial and object recognition allowing images to be grouped by content. You'll be able to quickly access photographs of specific people and keyword search for certain objects. Places will do the same, but based on location.
There's also an all-new feature called Memories. 9to5Mac says it works "like a slideshow on steroids", patching together short films and slideshows using the Faces and Places software.

Voicemail transcription

You won't have to listen to voicemails with iOS 10 – you'll be able to read them. If you miss a call and the caller leaves a message Siri will transcribe it, so you can read it in handy text format instead.

Hide Apple apps, redesigns and more

Maps, News, and Apple Music get a redesign, becoming simpler to look at and more intuitive to use, while the all-new and much rumored "Home" app for use with HomeKit appliances and fittings makes an appearance.
However, should it be of no use, here's some brilliant news – iOS 10 finally introduces the option to rid the iPhone home screen of Apple's stock apps. While not technically deleting them – they will still take up space on the phone – it's possible to completely hide them using the same method to delete third-party apps.
In addition, a "Wake Alarm" function allows you to set a recurring alarm, a prompt to get into bed and sleep-tracking abilities. Control Center has been redesigned, Siri can now transcribe voicemail, typing messages and emails will sometimes offer up contextual suggestions and last but not least, typing now has a new sound effect.
Mashable lists some of the other small new features Apple didn't have time to cover in its iOS 10 reveal, one of them possibly pointing at the photographic capabilities of the iPhone 7. The new system allows you to shoot photographs in RAW format over the JPEG file type currently supported. "Photographers swear by RAW," says the site, adding that you'll also be able to edit the photos.
There's also a new way to optimize storage via a feature that automatically deletes songs that you don't listen to, although while this is handy if you store songs locally, it's fairly pointless for Apple Music and other cloud-based music-stream users.

How to get it

First, you must make sure your device is compatible. For iPhone users, only the iPhone 5 onwards can handle iOS 10. If you have an older version of Apple's smartphone, this is the end of the road software wise.
Similarly, only 6^th generation iPod Touches will get the software, as will 4^th generation iPads onward.
Before updating your device, it's important to back it up just in case installing iOS 10 creates problems. You can do this by connecting your gadget to iTunes via a computer, or creating a new iCloud back up.
If you've got enough storage space on your device to update it, you should get a notification telling you that the latest iOS is ready to download. Alternatively, you can start the download manually by going into Settings, selecting General and then choosing Software Update.

iOS 10: Apple launches 100 new emojis in 'diversity' drive

03 August
Apple has launched a raft of new emojis to its operating system in a move to modernise its much-loved communication symbols.
The tech giant will update the library to make it more gender equal, introducing more images of women playing sports and doing jobs and activities previously considered suitable only for men.
The update, which will be rolled out fully with iOS 10 this autumn, includes female surfers, cyclists, swimmers, police officers and construction workers.
Apple's gender re balancing act has worked both ways: it has added male versions of previously female-only emojis, including men receiving haircuts and scalp massages. The update also includes a rainbow-flag character.
The company says it wants to "ensure that popular emoji characters reflect the diversity of people everywhere".
In an additional response to user feedback, Apple will replace its handgun emoji with a less sinister water pistol. Anti-gun campaigners have welcomed the move, but not everyone is convinced the change is anything beyond virtue signalling.