The New Files App in iOS 11: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Your Files on iPhone and iPad
With the release of iOS 11, Apple introduced a revolutionary change in file management with the Files app. Gone is the dedicated iCloud Drive app, replaced by a unified hub that brings together all your files, from cloud storage services like Dropbox to local storage on your device. But is this a true game-changer or just another step in the right direction? Let’s delve into the Files app, exploring its strengths, limitations, and how to get the most out of this new system.
The Promise of Centralized File Management
The initial promise of the Files app is enticing: a single location for all your files, simplifying organization and accessibility. No more jumping between apps to locate a specific document, picture, or video. This dream of interconnectedness aligns with Apple’s vision of a seamless user experience across devices, making it easier to work on your documents regardless of your location or device.
Exploring the Advantages of Files
The Files app offers several advantages over the previous setup:
1. Unified Access: The app provides a centralized directory for your files from iCloud Drive, "On My iPhone/iPad" (local storage), and connected third-party cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
2. Enhanced Integration: Apple has facilitated a tighter integration with third-party apps, allowing them to seamlessly interact with the Files app. This means that you can directly open and edit documents from apps like Microsoft Word or PDF Expert within the Files app, simplifying workflow and reducing reliance on separate app interfaces.
3. Improved Collaboration: The Files app bridges the gap between different apps, enabling smoother collaboration. You can now share files directly with other apps that utilize the Files app, streamlining the process of working on projects with multiple applications.
4. Simplified File Operations: The Files app provides a robust set of file management tools, making it easy to perform core operations like copying, moving, deleting, renaming, and sharing files. You can also compress and decompress files, making it an all-in-one platform for basic file management tasks.
5. Offline Access: The Files app allows you to access files saved to your local storage even when you’re offline. This is crucial for maintaining productivity when you’re on the go and don’t have access to the internet.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While the Files app offers numerous advantages, it’s not without its shortcomings. Several features remain absent or limited, highlighting areas where Apple can further enhance the app’s functionality.
1. Third-Party Service Integration: The integration with third-party cloud services isn’t flawless. While apps like Dropbox have fully integrated with the Files app, many others still open their files in smaller pop-up windows or require manual download to access within the app. This prevents seamless cross-service file management, a crucial aspect of centralized file organization.
2. Limited Meta-Data Options: The Files app offers basic metadata options like tagging and marking favorites. However, advanced features for adding custom metadata, like adding notes or keywords, are missing. This limits the organization and discoverability of files within the Files app, especially for users who rely on detailed metadata.
3. Lack of Powerful Search Functionality: Although the Files app allows search within its different locations, users are limited to basic search parameters. Advanced search features, like keyword searching within files or the ability to combine multiple search criteria, are essential for finding specific files efficiently.
4. Limited File Handling Capabilities: The Files app lacks some advanced features like folder syncing, version control, and in-depth file structure management. These features are crucial for users who work with large files or maintain complex file structures, restricting the app’s usefulness for professional workflows.
5. External Storage Limitations: The Files app currently does not support connecting external storage devices like USB drives via the Lightning port. This lack of support significantly restricts its functionality for users who rely on external storage or need to access files from an external source.
6. App-to-App Sharing Limitations: Unlike iCloud, where multiple apps can edit the same file simultaneously, the Files app only allows files to be shared with other apps as copies. This limits collaborative work processes and restricts app-to-app communication.
How To Get Started with the Files App
Navigating the Files app is relatively straightforward:
Open the Files App: Launch the Files app on your iOS device.
Access Your Cloud Services: If you’re signed into your iCloud account, you’ll see your iCloud Drive files. To connect other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, install the compatible apps.
Connect Third-Party Services: Once installed, open the Files app, tap the Edit button, and toggle the switch next to each service you want to access.
- Manage Your Files: The Files app provides intuitive tools for viewing, organizing, and managing your files. You can view your files in a list view for a comprehensive overview or a grid view for easy visual navigation.
Future Potential of the Files App
Despite the current limitations, the Files app holds great potential to become a truly powerful tool for file management on iOS devices. Considering Apple’s commitment to ongoing updates and refinements, the future of the Files app appears promising. We can anticipate the following improvements:
Enhanced Third-Party Integration: As developers continue to optimize their apps for iOS 11, we expect to see greater integration with the Files app, enabling seamless access to files from a wider range of cloud services.
Expanded Metadata Functionality: Apple may introduce more advanced metadata options, allowing users to add custom tags, notes, or keywords to their files for improved organization and search capabilities.
Powerful Search Features: Improved search capabilities, like keyword search within files and more powerful search filtering options, will streamline the process of finding specific files within the Files app.
Advanced File Handling Features: The Files app could incorporate advanced features like folder syncing, version control, and detailed file structure management, further enhancing its utility for professional users.
- External Storage Support: The possibility of adding support for external storage devices like USB drives opens up new avenues for file management, allowing users to easily access and manage files from various sources.
Conclusion
The Files app represents a significant step towards a more unified and integrated file management system on iOS devices. While its current limitations restrict some users, its potential for growth is undeniable. As Apple continues to develop and refine the Files app, we can expect a more robust and feature-rich experience that optimizes file management and collaboration across platforms.
