Paul Morris on May 1, 2017, 8:59 pm

Rumor: iOS 11 Features Automatic Low Power Mode, Make FaceTime Audio Calling As Default, More

Apple’s iPhone 8 is an extremely hot topic of discussion, and rightly so, but let’s not forget that we will receive an introduction to iOS 11 in about five weeks time.

We’ve heard a far bit about iOS 11 to date, but this latest report suggests that Apple could introduce a new, intelligent Low Power Mode, as well make changes to how users contact one another with FaceTime Audio becoming the default calling option.

We’ve already been privy to multiple rumors pertaining to iOS 11. Some of that speculation actually dates nearly as far back as the initial iOS 10 release, so given the fact that it’s still persisting would seem to suggest that it has some basis in reality. With only five weeks to go until we get an overview of iOS 11, as well as an initial developer seed, Reddit user cyanhat has put down some thoughts on what developers can expect to get access to when that initial beta drops next month at WWDC.

He tells us:

You’ll be able to try these new features on iOS 11 (beta comes out in June):

Group FaceTime video calling with up to 5 people.

Peer-to-Peer Apple Pay. Apple is completely revamping the Wallet app (renaming it to Pay) and adding social functionality. There will be a social feed, just like Venmo. The new Pay app will also have an iMessage extension that allows you to send cash via iMessage.

FaceTime Audio is going to become the default calling method for iPhone users. Meaning if you call any iPhone user, it will automatically use FaceTime Audio so that you can enjoy a crisp, high quality calling experience. If you call a non-iOS phone, it will fallback to the older cellular calling technology (the one that is currently standard and sounds terrible).

Intelligent, automatic low power mode. It will study your low power mode habits (how often and when you turn it on) and adapt to that schedule. It will also be location and context based. For example, if you leave your home wifi network and have 20% or less, it will turn on low power mode automatically.

The group FaceTime video calling experience has been talked about a fair bit over the last few months. As has the ability to introduce peer-to-peer payments using Apple Pay, albeit this was initially thought to be via an iMessage extension rather than an entire overhaul of the existing Wallet app. The interesting part of the predictions is the fact that FaceTime Audio could become the default calling choice, meaning that if an iPhone user calls another iPhone user, then that call would essentially be routed over the data or WiFi network rather than via the cellular radio.

It’s only a matter of weeks to wait now to see if this latest leak has any basis in reality.