Apple releases iOS 9 Update

Apple has released their iOS 9 operating system update today.  Unveiled at Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference in June, iOS 9 introduces major updates to Siri, iPhone battery settings and introduce new APIs and storage saving options.

The iOS 9 update also brings , new multitasking features that allow two apps to run at once, side by side on iPad, Picture-in-Picture, detailed transit information in Maps, News app and new capabilities in Apple Pay.

It also brings improvements to built-in apps, new San Francisco system font, expanded language support, new accessibility features and more.

iOS 8 users and earlier with compatible devices can upgrade over-the-air on compatible devices by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

If you haven’t been trying out the public beta of iOS 9, here is what is new:

New features in iOS 9

• Proactive assistance presents relevant information even before you start typing, notifies you when you need to leave for appointments using traffic conditions and more
• Siri improvements: Search your personal photos and videos based on dates, locations and album names, Ask Siri to remind you about things you’re looking at in your apps, including Safari, Mail, Notes and Messages, Request directions via public transit
• Spotlight search improvements: Get sports scores, weather conditions and stock prices, Simple math calculations and conversions, Initiate messages, phone calls and FaceTime calls from contact search results
• Longer battery life: Up to one hour of additional time before you need to charge your battery,  Facedown detection for turning display off when not in use,  Low power mode optimizes device performance to extend battery by up to an additional three hours
• Software updates require less space to download and offer an option to install later
• iOS apps and user interface now use Metal to deliver faster scrolling, smoother animation, and better overall performance
• Improved security with two-factor authentication support and a default 6 digit passcode support for Touch ID devices

New features for iPad in iOS 9

• Slide Over: Quickly use a second app without leaving the one you’re in,  Easily switch between Slide Over apps, Support for Apple apps and enabled third party apps
• Split View: View and interact with two apps at once, Ability to resize your view to give equal attention to both apps or prioritize one app over another, Support for Apple apps and enabled third party apps
• Picture in picture: Continue watching a video while using your favorite apps, Support for Safari video, FaceTime, Videos and Podcasts and enabled third party apps
• QuickType improvements: Multi-Touch gestures for easier text selection on iPad, Quick access to text editing tools with Shortcut Bar on iPad, Support for hardware keyboard shortcuts, Support for all Unicode emoji flags

APIs

Apple’s new iOS 9 enables developers to take advantage of the new GameplayKit, Model I/O and ReplayKit platforms to create enhanced gaming experiences. At the same time, an extensive search function that can go beyond third party apps will also be available for developers.

Additionally, developers will be able to design new apps within CarPlay and the revamped Healthkit platforms.

Apple have also made the programming language Swift open source, allowing developers to build a whole line of new apps based on the advanced features and performance improvements.

iOS 9 compatibility

iOS 9 can be downloaded onto any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that can run iOS 8. That includes all devices from 2011 or later.