So you just got a new iPhone… awesome! Here are six things you probably didn’t know about the new models, including essential tips that’ll save you from bad photos and a nasty phone bill.
6. You can improve low-light camera performance
The new iPhones come with better cameras than ever before, but you might notice your low-light shots look worse than they did on the old iPhones. That’s down to the new Live Photos mode, which automatically records video before and after each shot, locking the exposure and ISO levels. Try disabling the mode, and you should get better low-light performance… as well as photos that take up half as much space.
5. The new iPhones are somewhat water resistant
According to (admittedly unscientific) tests done by a YouTube video maker, the new iPhone models may be somewhat waterproof. After being immersed for one hour, both the 6S and 6S Plus came out without any obvious signs of damage. In a follow-up video posted two days later, both models were still in good condition. We wouldn’t advise dunking your iPhone to test this, and you’d be better off with a waterproof case if you’re going to intentionally get your iPhone wet… but still, this is pretty cool.
4. Enjoy a little-known internal upgrade
The iPhone 6S has twice as much RAM as its predecessors, 2GB instead of 1GB. Apple last updated the amount of RAM in the iPhone in 2012, so this has been a long time coming. Switching between apps and tabs is way faster, and full reloads should come less frequently.
3. Join the crowd – but brush up on your Mandarin
Own a new iPhone 6S or 6S Plus? You’re not alone – in fact, Apple sold 13 million iPhones in the opening weekend of sales alone. That’s about 3 million more sales than the company had last year with the launch of the 6 and 6 Plus. The new milestone is largely down to the inclusion of China in first-weekend sales; the country is now Apple’s second-largest market, ahead of Europe.
2. Use 3D Touch in third-party apps
3D Touch is the biggest feature of the new iPhones, but for now it’s most noticeable in Apple’s own apps – not many third party apps are yet supported. Here are some good third-party options to try for now: Instagram, Pinterest, WeChat, Dropbox, Shazam and Hipstamatic.
1. Save yourself from a massive phone bill
The new Wi-Fi assist feature in iOS 9 is pretty awesome, automatically switching to cell networks whenever your crappy Wi-Fi connection gives out. It can also burn through your mobile data allowance incredibly fast, sucking through gigabytes and gigabytes, if you don’t realise what’s going on. If you have a limited amount of data – and most UK customers do – then you may want to turn Wi-Fi Assist off to save yourself from a nasty bill. And if you want Wi-Fi Assist on, maybe you should check out our recommendations for the best SIM-only mobile deals?
Conclusion
I hope you found these tips helpful. Share your feedback – and your own suggestions – in the comments below!