Why Can’t I Clear Notifications in iOS 11?

Recently, users on iOS 11 have reported difficulty in clearing notifications. This issue arises when they find that the familiar tapping or swiping gestures no longer work to dismiss notifications. Instead, they have to force touch the notification, allowing it to expand, and then tap the 'X' symbol that appears in the upper right-hand corner.

Understanding the Change

The behaviour observed is not a bug but rather a new design choice made by Apple. As iOS 11 is still in development, the development team is experimenting with new interaction methods to enhance user experience. Such changes are common during the beta testing phase, as developers explore innovative ways to improve the interface.

How to Clear Notifications

Here’s a detailed guide on how to clear notifications in iOS 11:

Force Touch: Force touch the notification until it expands. Once expanded, locate the 'X' symbol in the upper right-hand corner and tap it to dismiss the notification. Tap on Notification: Alternatively, you can tap on the notification itself to open it. This might not be the preferred method if you simply want to dismiss the notification.

Why the Change?

The change in notification behavior might seem inconvenient initially, but it aims to streamline the process of dismissing notifications. When the notifications expand due to force touch, the 'X' symbol is more visible and easier to tap. This could help users quickly clear multiple notifications without having to open each one, thus saving time and effort.

Future Updates and Improvements

Apple is continuously working on new beta versions of iOS 11, and the development team may reintroduce swipe-to-clear functionality in future updates. As of Beta 2, at least one bug related to notification behavior has been fixed. Future betas and the GM (Gold Master) release are expected to include more refinements and improvements.

Reporting Bugs During Beta Testing

If you encounter issues with beta versions of iOS 11, it is crucial to follow the correct channels to report bugs and provide feedback. Apple provides the Feedback Assistant app, which is the official platform for users to report bugs and suggest improvements. You can access the Feedback Assistant via Apple website for more details.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difficulty in clearing notifications in iOS 11 is due to a new design choice made during the beta testing phase. While the change may be initially frustrating, it aims to improve user experience. Understanding and adapting to the new behavior will help you navigate iOS 11 more effectively. If you encounter any issues, consider using the official channels to report bugs and provide feedback to Apple.