Apple iOS 9.3 now out; what to expect and how to update

A screenshot of the Apple website showing the iOS 9.3 in action on an iPhoneApple

After a total of seven beta versions released in recent months, Apple is finally rolling out iOS 9.3. While the software is not an incremental update, it does provide exciting upgrades for Apple fans.

The most notable feature from iOS 9.3 has to be the Night Shift mode, which switches the color temperature of the screen from bright to warmer colors after sundown.

With this iOS 9.3 feature, iPhone and iPad users can benefit from better sleeping patterns with the harsh blue light that disrupts these drastically decreased. The Night Shift mode bases on the time and location of the iOS device.

The iOS 9.3 update also expands the use of the Touch ID. Thanks to the software, the individual entries in the Notes app can be protected by the user's fingerprint or a password.

The News app also got some love from the iOS 9.3 with the integration of a new menu, where suggestions, recommendations and trending news based on the user's interests are collected.

The mobile operating system also enriches the Health feature's Apple Watch support and improves its accuracy in tracking third-party apps. CarPlay also got better with music suggestions and nearby points of interests now displayed.

Apple iOS 9.3 also adds new education-based apps like the Classroom app, which makes it simple for instructors with iPads to compile courses of lesson plans.

The software is now ready for download, but before users push through the update, it is important to make a backup of everything stored on the device.

Make sure that the device is all juiced up or at least plugged in a charger before installing iOS 9.3 so that the process won't be disrupted, which will render the device useless.

During installation, the iPad or the iPhone will be restart for a few minutes (within those minutes there will be no service). For those who don't have the time, they can scheduled the update at a later date.