The 3rd beta for iOS 11 is here and we’re starting to see iOS 11 features mature. Beta 2 brought some much-needed fixes to iOS 11 beta. Beta 3 continues that while adding a bit more polish everywhere. Surprisingly, there are some new features and better ways of doing things as well.
1. Swipe Up To Quit Apps on iPad
The new App Switcher in iPad brings back the support for swiping up on the application to quit it. This works for both single apps and Split View app. The previous implementation where you had to tap and hold the app to reveal the close button was a bit too convoluted. Swiping up to close the app feels more natural and it’s what we’re used to from the last couple of versions in iOS.
The multitasking feature on iPhone also works more reliably now. Swiping up to close apps on iPhone is no longer buggy.
2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Toggle Behavior Change
The third iOS 11 beta changes the behavior of the W-Fi toggle. Now, when you tap on the Wi-Fi toggle, it doesn’t actually turn off the Wi-Fi feature, like it does in iOS 10. Now, it just disconnects from the current Wi-Fi network and doesn’t connect to any other network that might be available and logged in (effectively disabling the Wi-Fi networking feature temporarily).
When you tap on the toggle again, iOS will start searching for networks again and connect to the preferred network.
This has big ramifications to how we use our devices. Now, even when you “turn Wi-Fi off”, you’ll be able to use features like AirDrop that don’t need you to be connected to the Wi-Fi network but use the same technology to create a secure mesh network of its own. The Bluetooth toggle also functions similarly.
3. Notification Center Fix Removes Earlier Today Swipe Gesture
One of the most annoying things about the new Unified Notification feature was the fact that you had to swipe twice in Notification Center to view notifications. When you’d swipe down in an app to view Notification Center, you’d have to swipe up again to view notifications that were older than a couple of hours. Now, the Earlier Today section just shows up inline with the rest of the notifications.
Notification Center tweaked in iOS 11 beta 3. Now shows “Earlier Today” section be default without an additional swipe. Better, I suppose. pic.twitter.com/h0aRzChUY6
— Lance Somoza (@onetechmind) July 10, 2017
Of course, not everything is well in paradise. You still need to swipe up to reveal notifications on the Lock screen and swiping right on notifications for viewing options still doesn’t work. Beta 5 maybe?
4. New Authentication API for Safari
iOS 11 Beta 3 adds SFAuthenticationSession, a new API for authenticating users with a web service. It leverages login sessions from Safari. pic.twitter.com/VruZRo6OQm
— Ricky Mondello (@rmondello) July 10, 2017
Safari in iOS 11 Beta 3 is filled with new updates and features. First is an entirely new authentication API called SFAuthenticationSession. Developers can use it alongside OAuth for authenticating users directly from apps and websites.
5. Safari View Controller Update
Safari’s in-app browser gets a visual update as well. Now, when you 3D Touch a link that’s going to open in the Safari View Controller, you get a better UI. The toolbar is collapsed and new default preview options have been added as well.
6. Content Blockers for Safari Are Working Again
Content Blockers in iOS 11 beta were broken so far. Now, in Beta 3, they’re all working again.
7. OS X Server and Dropbox Locations Added in Files App
In the Files app, you’ll be able to add Dropbox as a location now. And there’s an option for OS X Server that shows up. If you have a server setup, you’ll be able to interact with the files on it directly from your iPhone or iPad.
8. AirPlay for Third Party Apps Fixed
AirPlay now works as it should, especially when used in third party apps.
9. New TV Providers
The TV Providers section adds listings for more providers like Comcast XFINITY. At this point, they’re just a listing and they don’t actually work.
10. iCloud Message Sync Counter
The new feature that allows you to sync messages using iCloud now shows a counter tell you just how many messages are being backed up.
Other Bug Fixes
The update is filled with smaller bug fixes and stability fixes. The Music app no longer shuffles all songs by default. Family Purchases are now showing up in the new App Store. Erase all content & Settings option is now working again.
What’s New in iOS 11 Beta 3 Video:
Check out Cody’s video where he goes through all the new features and changes in iOS 11 beta 3:
Are You Running iOS 11 Beta on Your Daily Driver?
The Beta 3 is a lot more stable. It’s a big improvement from the first beta. Are you running the iOS 11 developer or public beta on your iPhone or iPad? What’s the experience like? Share with us in the comments below.
