iOS 10 release date, features news: Upcoming Apple OS update features a more intelligent Siri

After a three-month beta testing period, Apple's newest mobile operating system is finally ready to launch and it promises to make life a whole lot easier for iPhone and iPad users.

Since it was first announced on June 13 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the iOS 10 has gone through seven beta testing versions, squashing off bugs and polishing compatibility issues along the way. And after months of educated guessing and speculations, the Cupertino-based tech giant has finally confirmed that the iOS 10's will indeed be launched this month.

According to PC Advisor, devices that can be updated to iOS 10 include the iPhone 5, iPad 4, iPad mini 2, iPod touch sixth generation and all other upgraded models that came after.

On the other hand, TechRadar reported that devices that are equipped with the 30-pin dock connector instead of the lightning port will not be supported by iOS 10. This means that users of the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and iPod touch fifth generation must upgrade to a later model in order to experience the upcoming operating system update.

One of the features that has undergone a significant upgrade is Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, which will now be able to work side by side with third-party applications. Thanks to the upcoming iOS 10, Siri can now do so much more with non-Apple chatting applications like WhatsApp and Slack, ride hailing services like Lyft and Uber, and coordinate with photo viewing applications like Pinterest and Shutterfly. Workout applications like RunKeeper, Runtastic and MapMyRun will also be equipped with Siri-support.

Sending money to friends can now be done through Alipay, Number26, and Square via Siri. Apple's virtual assistant can also make a VoIP call on Cisco Spark, Skype and Vonage when prompted, and can now work more reliably with Apple CarPlay via messaging and VoIP integration to help keep driving a much safer experience.

All of these new features can be accessed via voice command, which has also been updated with an "intense API," according to Apple. This will make Siri a smarter assistant who can now understand context better and respond to commands said in normal speech even if it is expressed in different ways. Apple's QuickType keyboard will also feature Siri's upgraded smarts by considering whole-sentence meanings instead of just making word-based guesses.

Compatible devices can be updated to the final public version of iOS 10 starting Tuesday, Sept. 13, three days before the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, which are pre-equipped with the new operating system, start shipping on Friday, Sept. 16.