Consumer Electronics

Apple iOS 9.3 Adds Night Vision

Douglas A. McIntyre

Published: January 12, 2016 6:49 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 3:10 pm

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) added a night vision feature in its iOS 9.3, the latest version of its operating system. While the software has received its share of press coverage, it will not reverse the impression that Apple’s business is in decline. iOS 9.3 barely differs from earlier iterations.

According to Apple:

This latest iOS release adds numerous innovations to the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. There are improvements to a wide range of apps, along with great new additions to CarPlay. iOS 9.3 may even help you get a good night’s sleep. And you’ll find a preview of new features that will make using iPad in schools easier and better for students and admins.

Also:

Many studies have shown that exposure to bright blue light in the evening can affect your circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall asleep. Night Shift uses your iOS device’s clock and geolocation to determine when it’s sunset in your location. Then it automatically shifts the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier on your eyes. In the morning, it returns the display to its regular settings. Pleasant dreams.

A clever addition to say the least.

The upgrade will be ignored by investors who worry about sales of Apple’s flagship iPhone. iOS 9.3 does show that Apple’s advancement in software innovation should tether current customers to Apple’s hardware. And it will be a feature Apple can tout as part of new iPads and iPhones.

It is, no matter how good an upgrade, a sideshow.