iOS 10 Release Date: Apple Prepares for 'Biggest iOS Release Ever' for iPhone 5s, 6s, iPad Mini 2, iPad 4 and iPad Air

Sep 09, 2016 10:32 AM EDT

Apple announced that it will release iOS 10 to existing devices on Sept. 13. Dubbed as the "biggest iOS release ever," the operating system will come with improved Siri, redesigned apps, new lock screen and more. Now, here's the latest news about iOS release date for Apple devices.

The iOS 10 is specifically designed for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which will launch on Sept. 7. Of course, it will also come to older devices of Apple. The update will be available to iPhone 5 handsets and those released later. In addition, it will land on iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, and iPod touch sixth-generation onwards.

However, the firmware will not become available to iPhone 4, iPad 2 or 3 and iPad mini. These devices are released more than four years ago, and they don't have powerful hardware to support the features of iOS 10.

For users that are eligible for upgrade, they will be able to get the new firmware by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update.

Apple unveiled iOS 10 at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. The company said the firmware will feature some drastic changes and new features.

First, there's a significant improvement to Siri. Apple's digital assistant has been overhauled to write messages, do image searches and transcribe voicemails, as per report from Telegraph. Siri is also now open to developers, so users can ask the assistant to book an Uber, send a message on WhatsApp, or order some Domino's.

According to The Verge, the biggest changes in iOS 10 are reflected in the built-in apps. The firmware has revamped Maps, Music, Photos, News, Home and Messaging apps. The Messaging app gets the biggest overhaul. It has animations for messages, enlarged emoji and Apple Music integration. Apple Maps is also much more detailed. It now gives information about nearby restaurants, traffic update, and even ability to locate user's parked car.

Furthermore, iOS 10 changes the way users open their phones. By picking up a device, the firmware automatically lights up the lock screen which displays calendar appointments, notifications, news updates and weather report.

The redesigned home screen does not have "Swipe to unlock", a feature that has been a standard on previous iPhones. Instead, users just have to press the home button to unlock the device. It can be opened via Touch ID, or a passcode.

For those who want to try the iOS 10 now, register to Apple's Beta Software Program and get the firmware's beta program.