Apple launches iOS 10.1, brings Portrait mode to the iPhone 7 Plus

By Christian de Looper Published October 24, 2016

Apple has released iOS 10.1, the first revision of its popular iOS 10. The update is an incremental one, but it adds some pretty cool new features — most notably Portrait mode on the iPhone 7 Plus.

Portrait mode on the iPhone has been in the works for months now, but while it’s finally rolling out to customers, it seems as though the feature isn’t completely finished just yet. After you update to iOS 10.1, open up the camera app, and swipe down to Portrait mode, you’ll be asked if you want to “try the beta.” Thankfully, while the feature may not be completely finished just yet, it seems to produce some pretty nice shots.

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In case you missed Apple’s announcement, Portrait mode basically uses the iPhone 7 Plus’ two camera sensors at the same time — the standard 12-megapixel sensor takes a photo as usual, then the second sensor, which is a wide-angle sensor, is used to see how far away the subject is. When used together, the effect is a blurry background with a sharp and in-focus primary subject. The system actually uses a nine-layer depth map, so it’ll subtly blur parts of the image that are closer, and more intensely blur the background.

galaxy s7 edge catches fire version 1477332136 14458983 10153705094215356 1068610954 n 720x960 — 1. Without Portrait
2. With Portrait

galaxy s7 edge catches fire version 1477332136 14459884 10153705094300356 1563485353 n 720x960 — 1. Without Portrait
2. With Portrait

Of course, since the feature is in beta it’s not perfect just yet, however the kinks will likely be ironed out over the next few weeks and months. In the meantime, you can test it out for yourself by making sure you have iOS 10.1 and heading to the camera app.

Portrait mode isn’t the only new feature in iOS 10.1, but it is the most important. Along with it, you’ll also get a few bug fixes as well as transit support for directions in Japan.

Christian de Looper

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…

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