iOS 10 was released Sept. 7 by Apple, and it has the tech world split. With some saying it’s more of the same, and others furious with the new changes, it certainly is the most controversial iOS to date.

Starting with the lock screen, there are only a few minor aesthetic changes but functionality has changed dramatically. Replacing the “Slide to Unlock” feature is the widgets screen–a useless feature that serves no other purpose than to frustrate veteran users or anybody used to the standard lock screen. Having to use the home button to unlock your phone adds a frustrating extra half second to the unlock time. And with my malfunctioning fingerprint scanner, there’s no other way to unlock the phone.

Once you get into the phone, nothing’s changed; the home screen is the same as the past two iOS editions, and it really works. The control center took on a new look, looking sleeker, and the ability to control more apps and settings, the platform and the app itself. But while it’s nice to get some changes in my by far most used app, I was ultimately disappointed with the end result. Although I liked a few of the additions like the new lyrics tab, a lot of the core navigation has been changed, and the library tab looks horrible with its clumpy, out of place design. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, and at this point, I feel like Apple is just making changes to make changes.

In Messages is where the best and most prominent changes occurred. Messages now provide more options for stickers, handwritten messages, and even games and gifs. You can now send written messages, which is comparable to snapchat’s drawing feature as well as downloadable message add ons that allow access to a variety of new services such as games, grammar checking, and movie tickets.

With an open messaging app store, it gives developers and users to customize the messaging experience. This is a great addition and it benefits both Apple and it’s users equally. By opening up the messages app, Apple is able to compete with other apps such as Facebook Messenger and Kik.

Many of these additions are to be expected with any big, new iOS update. There’s the few visual upgrades, security tightening, app redesigns, and so on. But I was impressed by some of the more drastic changes made. The messaging and overall new feel make it well worth the update.

iOS 10 is available for iPhones version 5 and up.

Alex Toth
Reporter