Hidden feature in iOS 10.3 update will free up extra space on your iPhone

Apple has quietly introduced a new feature which could make using a 16GB or 32GB iPhone much more bearable

(Photo: Getty)

Apple released its iOS 10.3 update this week boasting a host of new features, including the ability to find your AirPod heaphones with Find My iPhone and Siri support for cricket scores.

But buried in the release is a feature that could make a big difference for people 16GB or 32GB iPhone models who are always running out of storage space.

iOS 10.3 introduces a new file system called APFS, which is more efficient at optimising how storage is used by the operating system and apps.

This means that, even though you have exactly the same software running on your iPhone, it takes up less of the allocated storage space.

(Photo: VHX)

The hidden feature was first spotted by Apple Insider.

After upgrading a 256GB iPhone 7 Plus from iOS 10.2.1 to 10.3, the tech site reported a jump in available space from 75.45 GB to 83.26 GB - an increase of 7.81 GB.

People using a 16GB or 32GB iPhone shouldn't expect quite such a big jump in storage capacity. As Apple Insider explains, the more memory you have, the more free space iOS 10.3 will reclaim.

But as we all know, every little helps, and updating to iOS 10.3 means squeezing a few more photos and videos onto your device then it's well worth it.

(Photo: Apple Insider)

Be warned though, the new file system means that installing the update takes time. In some cases it may require 30-50 minutes to complete.

Another positive side effect of the update is that many iPhone users are reporting their devices feel noticeably faster and more responsive after installing iOS 10.3

According to Apple iOS engineer Renaud Lienhart, that's because animations have been tweaked and shortened - presumably to use less memory.

It seems these tweaks were mostly in the background, as the animation changes are visually indistinguishable.

Before you install, make sure your iPhone is plugged in, and connected to WiFi. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap on "Download and Install" to begin the update.