iOS 11.3 release date, news: Apple teases new animojis, ARKit version in latest OS update

Apple iOS 11 preview in different Apple devicesApple

Apple confirmed that the next iOS 11.3 update would arrive in iPhone and iPad devices in the coming weeks. Many users expect that this could be the biggest update for the current iOS version yet, and based on the preview released by the Cupertino-based firm, the iOS 11.3 will live up to that expectation with several new Animojis and ARKit improvements. 

As reported by 9to5Mac, the iOS 11.3 is set to introduce four new Animoji for the iPhone X handset. These new user-animated characters include a bear, dragon, skull, and lion. After the said minor update rolls out, there will be a total of 16 animojis available for the users to enjoy.

Meanwhile, users interested in developing augmented reality contents will be delighted with the upcoming iOS 11.3 update as it will bring the ARKIT 1.5 to the Apple devices. Software developers will be able to access new ARKit features to create a more immersive AR experience. For one, the ARKit 1.5 update of the iOS 11.3 will make the device capable of recognizing vertical surfaces like walls. Also, the ARKit can now create a more accurate map of non-rectangular objects like rounded tables. Actual 2D drawings, signages and posters will become distinguishable, not to mention the seamless mesh integration with 3D augmented reality contents on the iPhone display.

Another important feature of the iOS 11.3 update is related to the iPhone devices' battery life. To note, Apple confirmed that it secretly introduced a performance throttling feature on older iPhone models to make up for the possible depreciation of the battery. Following the outrage of users, the iOS 11.3 will now add a feature in the Settings menu to disable the throttling. However, Apple warned that the phone could experience sudden shutdowns as the battery tries to meet the power demand for the phone's full performance.

Aside from the performance dethrottling, the iOS 11.3 update will include a feature to display the phone's current battery health. It will also let the users know if the device's battery needs to be repaired or replaced in the Apple Center.

The iOS 11.3 preview also teases the new Health Records feature, which will compile all the medical records of the users into a single app. There will be no need to log into different health service providers as the hospital and clinics will be able to see every detail in the Health Records app, Engadget reported.

After the iOS 11.3 preview, the developer beta version of the software update was also released this week.