A small step for Apple, a big step for the time-keeping population: After 16 major iOS versions, Apple has now, for the first time, made it possible to run multiple timers at the same time on iPhone and iPad. The feature is part of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, which have been available since Monday. The feature can be used both hands-free with the voice assistant Siri and directly in the “Clock” app.
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Multiple timers for a better breakfast
This is quite practical. For the first time, you can monitor both the brewing time of your tea and the cooking temperature of the eggs without using an additional app on an iPhone. You can also give each timer its own label so that they can be distinguished. There is one restriction, however: The maximum length of a timer is 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds – 24 hours and more are not permitted.
To start a timer using Siri, simply say, for example: “Set my timer ‘Eggs’ for 3 minutes.” The timer called “Eggs” starts running after a voice confirmation. When the timer has expired, you will hear an alarm tone. Alternatively, you can use the clock app and select the “Timer” icon at the bottom right, where you will also find another overview. Running timers can also be seen in the lock screen and in the Dynamic Island on iPhone 15 and 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
HomePod feature for five years
The clock app remembers timers that have already expired in order to reuse them. In the app it is also possible to select the desired alarm tone from a large selection. Additional timers can be configured by clicking on the plus symbol.
Only the company itself knows why Apple is only now allowing multiple timers under iOS and iPadOS. Apparently the function was not a priority. It is actually considered a stair joke, which is how users have been waiting on HomePod several years later before Apple finally implemented the feature in 2018. iOS 17 runs on the iPhone XS or XR. iPadOS 17 runs on the first generation iPad 6, iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5 and iPad Pro.
(bsc)