iOS 11.3, watchOS 4.3, tvOS 11.3 Released: How to Download and Install

Apple has released iOS 11.3 for compatible iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models with the anticipated feature that allows you view battery health on your device and toggle performance throttling. This feature debuted on the second beta build of iOS 11.3 in February. The new iOS version also includes the first post-launch update for HomePod. Also, Apple has released watchOS 4.3 and tvOS 11.3 with new features and improvements.

First in the series of changes that iOS 11.3 brings is a Battery Health screen that helps you view the health of your iPhone's battery. You can access the new screen by going to Settings > Battery. Once accessed, it shows a feature called Maximum Capacity that provides you with the maximum capacity of your iPhone's battery relative to when it was new. The newer iPhone models will show 100 percent capacity, while it becomes lower as the battery ages. Further, the Battery Health screen has a Peak Performance Capability section that warns you with a message that your iPhone experiences unexpected shutdowns due to the poor health of its battery. This warning comes only if the battery ages. Moreover, there is an option to disable performance management to get the maximum results from your device but with some random shutdowns.

The Peak Performance Capability section on iOS 11.3 also notifies when you should reach out to an Apple Authorised Service Provider to get the battery serviced. Apple notably launched a battery replacement programme last year to replace the out-of-warranty battery of iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus at Rs. 2,000 ($29 in the US).

Alongside the battery health-focused features, the iOS 11.3 update enhances AR experiences by integrating ARKit 1.5, allowing use vertical surfaces such as walls and doors in addition to the original horizontal surface support. Apple has also tweaked its ARKit to let iOS devices now more accurately map to irregularly shaped surfaces like circular tables. The new iOS update also includes a new privacy icon and detailed privacy information that both appear whenever Apple asks for your personal information to enable features, secure Apple services, or personalise experience on the platform.

The iOS 11.3 update also has a Business Chat feature that lets users communicate directly with businesses using the Messages app on iPhone and iPad. The feature is currently available in beta in the US and includes some top businesses in retail, finance, and hospitality. Additionally, the iOS update has a Health Records feature that works with over 40 health systems, including Duke, NYU Langone, Stanford, and Yale, to show medical records right on the iPhone screen.

For iPhone X users, there are four new Animoji characters that are available through the iOS 11.3 update to let them express themselves as a lion, bear, dragon, or skull. The new iOS version also brings along an updated Apple Music app with the ability to stream music videos without any ads and access the all-new music video playlists. Similarly, Apple News has received an update with the option to serve you the most important video stories of the day through a new Video group in For Section. Apple News has also included an improved Top Stories section.

While a large number of users were anticipating the availability of AirPlay 2 through iOS 11.3, the update doesn't include the new AirPlay version. It also doesn't come with the anticipating multi-room audio feature for HomePod, though there are some minimal performance improvements for the smart speaker.

You can download the iOS 11.3 update on your iPhone 5s and above models, iPad Air and above models, iPad mini 2 and above models, or the sixth generation iPod touch. To download, you need to go to Settings > General > Software Update and then follow the on-screen instructions. Your device should be running on a Wi-Fi connection to download the over-the-air (OTA) update. Also, it is advisable to back up your data before beginning the update process.

watchOS 4.3

In addition to iOS 11.3, watchOS 4.3 has been released by Apple with a bunch of new features. There is a new portrait view of Nightstand mode and an option to let users view the music catalogue located on a connected iPhone. This was very well available until the release of watchOS 4 last September but was removed suddenly. There are also controls to access, browse, and playback music from the iPhone's library and allow users to "love" and "dislike" songs, delete tracks, and route audio to AirPlay-compatible devices. Furthermore, the update is compatible with Apple Watch models, including the Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.

You can install the latest update on your Apple Watch by heading to the My Watch tab on the Watch app and then going to General > Software Update. The Watch needs to have at least 50 percent of battery charge to enable the installation process. It is also recommended to keep it on the charging dock while installing the new update. Likewise, your iPhone needs to be in close proximity to the Apple Watch and need to be on Wi-Fi. The Apple Watch should restart twice before the update is completely installed, and you need to enter the Watch passcode if prompted, after beginning the update and then follow the prompts from your iPhone.

tvOS 11.3

Apple has released tvOS 11.3 for both Apple TV 4 and Apple TV 4K. It has frame rate matching features that were previously exclusive to the Apple TV 4K model. Plus, there is an improved Match Content feature, new Privacy description at the launch screen, and location details from HomeKit rooms. Apple has also removed AirPlay 2 support.

To update your Apple TV with the latest update, you need to open the Settings app on your TV and then go to Settings > Systems > Software Update. Once this is done, the Apple TV will search for the update and then you can proceed to download tvOS 11.3 by following the on-screen instructions.