It is that time of year again. Earlier this month, millions of iPhone and iPad users received a bright red notification badge prompting them to update to the brand new iOS 10. The new operating system released alongside the iPhone 7. iOS 10 brings a slew of new features, with Apple calling it their “biggest release yet.”

Most of the new content in iOS 10 appears in the Messages app. Now, there are various new ways to communicate with people. For instance, users can now handwrite messages on their touch screen. Quick responses are now available, including a heart, thumbs-up, thumbs-down, “ha ha,” exclamation points and question marks. Additionally, messages can be sent in invisible ink so they remain hidden until the screen is swiped by the sender. However, the most significant addition is the new App Store for iMessage, where emoji-like stickers can be found.

In addition, there are numerous aesthetic changes to iMessage. It is now possible to add visual effects, such as the screen shaking like an earthquake, to a message. Some phrases such as “Happy birthday!” and “Congratulations!” have preset animations that fill the entire screen, like confetti or streamers. Pictures and videos can be drawn on before they are sent. A new feature also allows iOS users to convert words into emojis. For example, a message about “driving to a basketball game” might have the words “driving” and “basketball” changed into the car and basketball emojis respectively. Finally, iOS 10 allows access to some apps from within Messages.

Most additions in iOS 10 focus on integration, with more apps leading to other apps. A restaurant found in Maps can link to OpenTable to make a reservation for a meal online. Destinations in Maps will have an Uber option to go along with the existing walk, drive and public transit routes. Siri can access several apps, making them available simply by talking.

Just like the other versions, iOS 10 strives to make the user experience even easier. Maps suggests popular locations nearby and the best routes to take to get to them. The new Home app allows users with phone-controlled houses to switch their lights on and off as well as unlock their doors. Music has a new, simpler interface. Changes like these just help Apple move towards a more intuitive system. Apple has added new options to the lock screen. It is now possible to reply to messages without unlocking the device. Also, iPhones can be woken up simply by lifting them.

Overall, iOS 10 adds to the existing operating system, and people definitely have something new to explore on their electronic devices.